Testimonies

We love hearing stories of lives transformed by the Gospel – stories of courage, of desperation, of joy, of sacrifice, and most of all stories that bring glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Elso Cabangon

It was an epiphany of sorts, that moment of self-realization that there is more to life than simply coasting along day by day, just doing what I believe is right by my family and the milieu I move about. My set of (religious) beliefs have turned by degrees. Serving as acolyte in my youth in our catholic church chanting Latin prayers I did not understand, I was sworn in years later as a member of the communist party in my activist days in college. Overseas work in the Middle East almost completely detached me from any religious activity, save some perfunctory church attendance with wife Vicky and daughter Kay when I was on vacation. A bible that Kay gifted me on my 66th birthday lay unread.

Until I encountered Pastor Diwa in our reunion of college editors in the 70s, and learned that aside from being a BSP official, he is also a senior Christian pastor. That led me, and Vicky, to FOCIM. Or more accurately, the Holy Spirit led me/us to FOCIM.

Being in and with FOCIM changed my life’s perspective. Hearing and meditating on the words of God give me invaluable lessons on humility and righteousness, among other virtues. FOCIM is a true refuge for the wandering soul. It taught me and enables me to commune daily with Jesus, my Lord and personal savior. FOCIM helped me to be reborn.

The bible that Kay gave me I now read daily, and the three of us are now on the same page on matters of faith, understanding and love, for the Almighty.

Dati di ko alam ang aming relihiyon, kung Katoliko ba or Born Again. Taong 2008, nag-walk-in kami sa FOCIM at naging miyembro ng simbahan. Nakilala ko at tinanggap ang Panginoon nang lubusan at doon nagumpisa ang pagbabago sa aking buhay.

Ang FOCIM ang nagbukas ng maraming oportunidad sa akin at sa aking pamilya. Mula sa pagiging Sunday School student, assistant teacher, ngayon ako ay isa na rin sa nagtuturo ng Sunday School. Naging dance trainee din ako hanggang sa napabilang ako sa main dancers ng Worship ministry.

Napakalaking blessing din ang natanggap ko mula sa Panginoon dahil sa pagkakataong makapag-aral ako sa kolehiyo mula sa scholarship na binigay ng ating simbahan.

Tunay na nasa Diyos ang biyaya at pagpapala! At patuloy pa rin akong kumakapit sa kanyang pangako sa Jeremiah 29:11 “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 good future.”

Aerzah Denise Cerveza

Edgar C. Udasco

Ako po ay si Brother Edgar C. Udasco. Nakilala ko po ang Panginoon nang ako'y ma-involve bilang active member ng simbahan. Ako po'y nagsimula bilang temporary Home Church Leader hanggang sa ako po ay naging regular na at naging member ng security, usher at teacher ng FOCIM Q.C Sunday School.

My task in the church is very challenging for me because my faith and patience was tested here through mountains and valleys of trials. But God did a lot of amazing things in my life and is still doing so today. Through continuous spiritual, trainings and other support from FOCIM family, I can now finally say "I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.

Neil Christian Luching

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.

I was a small child when I started to know Jesus through the church. Una ko siyang nakilala noong nasa Sunday school ako. I learned how to pray and found out his promises for us. Na invite kasi yung parents ko ni Bro.Rey (an elder of the church) na mag-attend sa service and through that, naging Christian yung buong family namin. Everyone in our family has their own ministry in serving the Lord. Yung ate ko ay part ng worship team sa FOCIM QC and ako naman ay part ng dance ministry sa FOCIM Mandaluyong. At ng dahil nga sa simbahan, nag improve ang dancing skills ko and I was granted scholarship by the church. It really helps me a lot kasi less burden na sa family ko yung pambaon ko. To God be the glory!