My 19th birthday message

It's been a few months and years since I am writing this blog of mine, and I hope that life may treat me well. I want to know that no matter what challenges or obstacles I will face, I will come out stronger and more resilient. I will keep pushing myself and don't be afraid to take risks and chase my dreams. I will stay true to my values and beliefs, and always be kind to myself and specially to others. Always taking the time for self-care, and to enjoy the simple things in life. Above all, trust in the journey and know that everything will work out in the end.

The Old Path – I shall walk in it for it is where my soul found rest

When I was a child, I have been exposed to my parents’ religion, which is, like most Filipinos, Catholicism. However, they were never active members of the Catholic church. Which is why during my childhood, I was allowed to shift gears and become an active member of the Casilagan Pentecostal Church in our town. I was religiously involved in every activity: I always attended the group’s parties and youth camp activities. As time went by and I grew older, I became one of the children’s Sunday morning teachers.

When I reached my senior year in high school, I began feeling differently towards my faith. Something was amiss and I was determined to find out what it was.  And so I searched for the truth. I listened to different pastors airing their sermons on the radio. This is how I was able to chance upon Bro. Eli Soriano’s preaching over DZCV Tuguegarao. I first came to understand the Bible through his teachings, in the year 2000.

As months went by, I sincerely felt that I was learning much about the Bible through Bro. Eli. Whenever I listen to Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path), Bro. Eli is there, never failing to tell the truth in the Bible. I admire Bro. Eli for many reasons, but most of all, I admire him because of his unflawed understanding of God’s words. Eventually, I left my religion because along with its erroneous doctrines.

It was in October 2001 when I began to look for a local chapter. There I met Bro. Danny Manuel in Naguilian, Isabela. He introduced me to Bro. Nick Janqui, a church worker. I can still remember the first Bible Study topic that I heard – it was about the use of the Bible in attaining salvation.

Early this year 2002, I underwent the indoctrination services of the Members Church of God International (MCGI). The church was still using VHS format at that time. Eventually, I was baptized on March 12 of the same year. On that blessed day, Bro. Sonny Catan officiated my baptism and 20 others.

Now, what lies ahead is to serve my God – the true God that I haven’t known before. In this Church I have known the importance of faith in doing good works, coupled with fervent prayers for the propagation of the Word of God. With God’s help and mercy, and through the leadership of Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon, I am on the old path that is written in Jeremiah 6:16. The Old Path is where goodness is and I shall walk on it, for it is where my soul found rest.