Testimonials
 |  Testimony of Lachman MathaniI am sharing my testimony of how I was changed for the better when I encountered the Lord Jesus Christ. I like to thank Pastor Lim, Pastor Wee and Pastor Christine for this chance to share in the HOF, Davao. I am an army personnel, married, with one daughter and a son. To begin with, I did not finish my education because it’s too expensive for my parents to send me and my sister to school. I completed only primary school. Both my parents were gamblers who quarreled and squabbled over money everyday. Doing my childhood days, I could only taste chicken during Chinese New Year. My grandma would give me a juicy drumstick, and I would sit at a corner relishing each bite. As a teenager, I turned rebellious and started to join gangs to seek companions. I picked up all the wrong habits of my friends. My life was messed up. I joined all kinds of pagan worships, going into trance but never had peace to calm my soul. I just turned wild. At 18, I enlisted into the army seeking a place to hide from the law. Back then, I was already convicted with some offenses, so it was ironic that I joined the army to escape my sentence. I signed on immediately so I could have a pay and a place to stay. During that time, I was invited to church. I agreed because I wanted to look at beautiful girls in the church. In a way, I was trying to look for a girlfriend. Then, I came to know a Christian girl. To please her, I followed her to church, and I accepted Christ in my life without commitment. We were going out for a month, and under one moonlit night, she asked me this question: "Do you love God or me?" Of course I said I love her. Then she told me to go and read Matthew 6:33. And that was the last meeting we had! I was so disgusted and confused. Meanwhile, I was progressing in the army service. I was fully in control of my life with all the activities I enjoyed. Not long after that, I met my wife, got married and had two children. But my old habits were clinging to me like leech. I drank more often than I was at home with my family. Until one day, I got heavy losses in investments and gambling. I was fully in debts up to my nose. This time the devil came to “help” me. In my mind, he tried to make a deal with me. He clearly told me that he would pour in money and that I would strike big enough to carry me thru my losses. But in return, he said he wants the lives of my wife and two children. I sweat cold, and I said NO to the devil. I managed to salvage my problem through the help of some close friends. But I turned more frustrated with my life. In my working place, I saw Christians reading the Bible in their room. That just made me more frustrated. I asked them all kinds of stupid question against their faith. I made them report to my office and enjoyed harassing them for period of time. One day, I summoned the four of them to my office. While they were standing in front of my desk, I flipped the Bible beneath my drawer to Deuteronomy and Leviticus. I started shooting them with chapters and verses and asked them to recite the words. I was mocking and laughing at them. Seeing their confused expressions really amused me. Then I was serious and asked them this question, “Do you pray for me?” They all replied “Yes.” The first one said that he’s praying that I will be posted out of this place. The prayer of the second was that I will not come to work at all, and the third replied that he was praying to be posted out of this place in order not to meet me. But the fourth one replied that his prayer is for me to turn to God and attend church. Wow! This one really soothed me inside. But outwardly, I acted harsh. I shouted at him "You! Confined!" Then came Wednesday morning. That fourth guy came to my office and invited me for special evening service in his church. I got so angry that I hollered at his gut to invite me. That morning onward, I was very troubled in spirit. So I puffed and drank all I could to control my nerves. By evening time, I went home early from work trying to overcome this feeling. But I could not, so I told myself, “Alright, I will go.” I changed and told my wife I am going to a church service. To my surprise, she laughed and laughed all the way saying, “Do you have a better excuse to go out with your friends than that?” I went to SLF building where the service was held. I told myself that I am there just to get rid of that troubled feeling inside. I was ushered to a corner seat. I sat with my arms folded, determined not to give in to whatever may happen there. When the message was over, the altar call was given, and my body started to tremble. I was fighting within myself not to go down the altar. But, I could not contain my body. I went and fell flat on the floor. When I woke up, I felt different. I felt great peace and comfort within my spirit. Something changed inside. But then, I returned to my normal self and started looking for the nearest exit, so I would not face my colleague that invited me there. Next day, I did not go to work. I was ashamed to face those I had harassed. Nevertheless, the next day, I met them and apologized. I began to treat them as my brothers in Christ. Since then, in Sep 1995, I started to attend Evangel Family Church. My life began to change. I disengaged from my bad habits and wrong doings. I found the joy and happiness with my family. Throughout those times, my daughter came to know the Lord. She was followed by my wife, who was watching and checking whether I was real! All glory to God for His grace and mercy. We, as one family, are serving Evangel Family Church until now. My brothers and sisters, tonight you have heard my testimony. I encourage you to grab the opportunity to serve God when it comes your way. Bring your friends and relatives and get involved in Church. 1 Tim 4 says let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. Thank you and God Bless.  Date of Posting: 15 October 2011 Posted By: Lachman Mathani |
 | My name is David Ng. I am 27 years old working in the IT field. I have been with Evangel Family Church for 3 years now. This is my first time to come to the Philippines and my first time too to give my personal testimony in front of so many people. You do not know me, but I’m sure you all know Ena Wee who was our Youth Region Overseer last year. I asked her for tips on how to testify to you tonight. She suggested I should speak slowly and not in “Singlish”. First of all, I want to tell you that God is good. I realized that even before I became a Christian, he has placed me on a journey of searching and contemplating and finally, accepting Him. The people in Evangel Singapore know me as a quiet and gentle person. But I am now the opposite of who I was. I was notorious and rebellious at school. I received canings from my principal when I was young because I created paper bullets to hit my teacher until she cried. I hang out with nasty friends at school who wanted to be “cool” by sharpening our pointed combs. Wanting to do things on my own, I went everywhere to play soccer and basketball with my friends. I lied to my parents that I go out often because I need to go to school for remedial sessions. But my dad was smart. He followed me one day and found out that I lied to him. He brought me home and gave me thrashing I could not forget. I remembered that my mom was crying bitterly and asking him to stop slapping and hitting me. I hid behind a wooden chair in the kitchen with my swollen and teary face. My two sisters were very quietly watching TV because they knew that something bad was happening in the house. I knew I was in the wrong because I lied, and I have to accept the punishment. When I became a Christian, I noticed a similar story in the Bible. In 1 Samuel 21, King David lied to Ahimelech, the priest that he was on a mission, when in fact; he was running away from Saul. In the end, Saul found out and the priests were killed. This is how serious a lie can lead to in our life. My own lie caused heartbreaks. I love my parents, but I disappointed them. After that, I began to change. I decided to leave my friends. When they asked me to come out to play, I would just stay home and read my books. After a few years, my family decided to become free thinkers. So I followed. I did not know why they decided to change their beliefs. I just followed. And this opened doors for me to Christianity. My grades also began to improve in school and teachers began to like me. And there came another turning point in my life. I began to feel pressure in school because my teachers saw me as a role model to other students. In fact, I was not. I found myself keeping and running after their pace and expectations of me. That was when I failed miserably. I could not catch up and I flung my tests. I felt into a state of depression. However, I still remembered that an old teacher by the name of Mr. Lim came to me one day. He was a very strict teacher, and I did not personally like him because of his firmness and no-nonsense attitude. He forced me to memorize a lot of information and made me bring home his notes to type for him. But I did not know that sometimes in our life, God chooses to bring unexpected people into our life to help us. Mr. Lim’s words changed me. “Don’t do things which you know you are not able to handle, Yin Lai. I know you can do well. Don’t care about what others think and say about you. I trust in you!” And he patted my head. I cried. I don’t know where he is today. I believe if he is still around, he would be over 80 years old. That is how powerful words can get and touch your heart when you are down. God’s Word is also very powerful. Because of His Word, came Jesus. Then in year 2004, I was doing my industrial attachment and a Christian colleague from Evangel invited me to church for Christmas. No impact had been created in my heart. In fact, I thought everything was weird. Eventually, I had to render National service in the army. That was the most significant turning point in my life. I became a commander in the army and was taught to practice reflections. So I started journaling. Keeping a journal is good, and I suggest that you do one today because when you are older and when you look back at the journals, you will be surprised at how fast your thoughts grow and mature. In fact, I will tell you very soon how writing journals brought me close to Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, I also took an interest in jogging. Then something happened to me when I was jogging one day. I just fell and nearly died. Everything went blank, and then flashbacks of my life came to mind. Suddenly I was thinking of God and at that instant, I realized how fragile life can be. When I gained consciousness, I remembered the time I was invited to church. I also realized that I was writing about God too in my journals. When I recovered from shock, I told my ex-colleague, the one who invited me to church, that I am interested in knowing who Christ is. And that was it. I joined an alpha plus course for my baptism to Christianity. After I almost completed it, I prayed to God asking for a Christian name. I prayed and waited for weeks and gave up, intending to be baptised without a Christian name. Then one day at work, an equipment got damaged and I made a call for replacement. I told the person in charge that my full name is Ng Yin Lai. But surprisingly, I received a reply call asking for “David”. I remembered saying that there is no such person in my work but the person insisted that he’s calling the right number. I realized it was me he was looking for when I tallied the description of the replacement. I was puzzled at how my Chinese name could change to David so drastically. Then I remembered my forgotten prayer. God does things at unexpected times even when we actually gave up hope. I don’t know how my testimony will bless you, but I always believe that God has something to do in our life. Although we cannot see it now, that does not mean we can’t trust Him. When I sit down during my quiet times and recalled memories, I can see the grace of God unfolding my life under His hands. I know that He has a plan for you too. I really thank God for Pastor Lim and Pastor Wee for giving me this opportunity to share my testimony with you all. To God be the glory! Date of Posting: 15 October 2011 Posted By: Ng Yin Lai |
 | A MIRACULOUS HEALING Sis. Jeanne Agudo testimony Her ultrasound gynaecologic report goes as follows; Impression: Normal sized retroverted uterus with thickened endometrium Corpus Luteum cyst right ovary Her clinical suggestion indicative of surgical removal of the said affected area. That was dated May 18, 2011. This is every woman’s worst nightmare, as was experienced by Sis. Jeanne Agudo. Knowing well enough, that surgical intervention was just the beginning of a series of medical treatments to diagnose and combat malignancy should there be any indication of its presence. Not to mention, the mounting financial requirements that follow in this pursuit... Not to mention, her two children she would leave behind should matters turn for the worst... Fear gnawed at her in the cold of the night, and lifting her despair to the Lord, her only consolation was knowing God was in control, even in the darkest of nights. She was scheduled for surgery the following month, and in the ensuing days, she called upon the Lord unceasingly in her fervent prayers for a miraculous healing. MAY 27, 2011...would be a momentous day she would forever remember. It was a revival service at Evangel Iloilo, and she came with expectation, she came believing...and God met her every longing. As she came before God at the altar, a fire descended upon her, from her head flowing down to her abdomen, and remaining there. God was doing His own intervention, and in that moment of realization, she knew she was healed miraculously! ...so much so that the following week, she boldly requested for an unltrasound, much to the surprise of her gynecologist, who reminded her the futility of the procedure as she was scheduled for operation that week. Yet her faith compelled her to insist, till finally giving in to her demands they granted her request. It was to everyone’s surprise, and the doctor’s aghast when they found...nothing! Her ultrasound gynaecologic report goes as follows; Impression: Normal sized retroverted uterus Normal both ovaries It sent the medical team into a tizzy for awhile there, while Sis. Jeanne silently offered a prayer of thanksgiving, to Him who was and is the Great Physician. To God be the Glory! Date of Posting: 07 September 2011 Posted By: Jeanne Agudo EFC Iloilo |
| I am thankful to our dear Lord for answering my prayer for the salvation of my brothers, Eric and Roland, who are known troublemakers, and are a constant source of vexation to our family. For 16 years, I lost communication with my brothers, who left Tagum City for quite some time, and resided in Manila due to their connections with gangs. I have been constantly praying to God for their deliverance from vices such as shabu, alcoholism and involvement in gang. There were times when I woke up in the middle of the night crying and praying for their protection and that God would touch their hearts. I kept holding on to God’s promises in Jeremiah 33:3 “ Call unto me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” and Acts 16: 31 ‘ Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household”. When Eric and his girlfriend came to Bohol, I was flabbergasted and in such awe to God for answering my prayers. God was definitely at work, despite of our distance and obvious lack of communication, God was still able to maneuver circumstances, despite the impossibility. Somehow, through His grace and the constant prayers, my brothers came to know the Lord, and eventually became born again. They are now faithfully serving our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to God for His leading upon the life of my brother Roland as well, whom I have not seen for 10 years. He is now in Bohol after marrying one of our church members, Melissa, last December 2010. They are also serving the Lord, as CPM workers, and faithful in his service. Our prayers are not wasted, God really answers prayers. Date of Posting: 18 February 2011 Posted By: Ptra. Leah Cabase EFC Bohol |
 | STREAMS IN THE DESERT Things were hard back when I was a child. I remember growing up in a very poor family. Having four brothers, six sisters and myself to feed, it was difficult trying to provide for everybody’s needs. We lived on a farm, and learned to train ourselves in farming, for it was a way that helped us survive. We scraped by everyday on what my father made selling bread, and on what we made working the fields, and then sold the harvest to neighbors and to the local market in Carmen.To add to our financial destitution, my father was a drunkard and was constantly fighting with my mother. Those days were difficult. We dropped to a level of wanting that I think few among you here have experienced. It seemed hopeless in more ways than one. Our needs. Our money. Our family.But God rescued us. When I reached my first year of college, I received Christ as my Lord and personal savior. I found grace. It was the beginning of God’s transformation in my life: my self-righteousness, my hopelessness, my habit of swearing. From that initial outpouring of grace did the blessings start coming. That was where my journey with Jesus began.Upon graduation from college, I went to Cavite for my on-the-job-training (OJT) experience. God’s favor was on me throughout it all, but I realized that I had slowly started to lose my sense of spirituality. I had promised my pastors back at Cagayan de Oro that I would be back after my OJT, but I was sorely tempted to stay in Cavite because the company was offering me good pay. It would have been the rational thing to do, and my mind played around the idea. But God spoke to me in a dream. It wasn’t like any ordinary dream. In fact, it seemed so real that it scared me, and in the end, it prompted me to hand in my resignation letter. That was in December 2007. I was confused. But although my mind rebelled against the uncertainty of a future in Cagayan de Oro, my heart was steadfast in what God had promised. I decided to trust God and allow my faith to work in circumstances, however illogical or preposterous they might seem.When I returned to Cagayan de Oro, I applied for companies that I thought would suit my qualifications, but I was rejected because, at the time, they were looking for male applicants. Considering I wasn’t only a lady but a petite one at that, I thought that there was no way I would be accepted at these companies. There was a call center in Cebu that gave me a call and offered to hire me with good pay but God spoke to me again and reiterated that he will bless me in Cagayan de Oro. My classmates consistently informed me that if I changed my mind, they would help me find a spot in their companies or wherever they worked.But something held me back. I still said NO--God can bless me here. I remember they would laugh at me and call me stupid, not understanding how I could reasonably refuse chances at a good job. Adding to that was the pressure I felt to earn my own living and not remain under the financial umbrella of my family. It was frustrating, but I held on to God’s promise. Every time I went to church I cried to Pastora, telling her all my problems, and she firmly encouraged me to HOLD ON, WAIT and TRUST in God. “You will know it if it’s for you because you will have peace,” she said. In all that, I continued to pray, cry and seek God’s face that for me, so much that that year became the peak of my closeness to God. It brought me closer to the workings of the unseen; it taught me the mechanics of faith. It was hard, but I had God’s promise. One night, I had a dream. I dreamed that I was in a very clean place; I was holding a scoop, used by mothers when they prepare the milk of their baby. Then I saw myself scooping milk into a plastic container. The plastic container moved through a conveyor. And then I saw, clearly, the word NESTLE. When I woke up, I told my mother and Ate Yayang. I wondered what it meant. I had not tried passing an application letter to this particular company because I felt I was too small for their ante.That week I submitted my resume to Nestle, and I was hired. I first entered the company, with a feeling of joy and peace in my heart. God was good to me. One year of waiting was worth it. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Plans speak of details. I was further amazed by the details of God’s providence for me in a discovery I made a year later. At the beginning of this year, the factory engineer (he was Japanese, one of the jury during my panel interview) retired. On his last week of stay, he invited our team to dinner with him and his wife. I was surprised to know that this man was a Christian. He asked me how I was since I started in Nestle and told me the reason he hired me. When I became a regular employee, he had said, “I hired you because I saw that you are teachable, you are still young, and are able to catch on things easily”. Apparently, there was something more, and he said: “All the applicants were engineering graduates and licensed except you. But I found you not proud. You made me laugh when I asked you whether are you willing to work anytime. Then you answered, ‘Yes sir. Anytime except Sunday, because you said that you will seek God first’.. Then you quoted Matthew 6:33. It reminded me of my Christian life. (He was studying in a Christian school when he was in high school which is why he became a Christian, although not mature because he was into smoking and liquor, and his wife told me that they worshipped God once a month).” His wife laughingly told me that I am the good Christian and they are the bad Christians. God was showing them the difference especially when I said during the interview, “If I have time I always stay in church”, and invited them to come along also. I was so amazed by what I heard that I just gaped in astonishment. In my heart I thanked God and realized that the best way to live is to serve and obey Him all the way. Now I have been in the company for one year and six months. I constantly marvel in awe of the many blessings coming my way, blessings beyond any I can imagine, and I always remember my Pastor’s words, that God is able to put everything in order. That despite me not being qualified, but because of His favor and His will, no one has stopped God’s will from following through. Truly, all things will work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose. To God be the glory! Date of Posting: 17 October 2010 Posted By: Sis. Andrea Banares EFC Cagayan De Oro |
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