Inspiring Convert Story-24
"My search for the true faith is
over"
Pauline Barton
Sydney, Australia
MY NAME IS Pauline Barton and I was born in
England on the eve of the outbreak of World War II. I
came with my family to Australia when I was 8 years old. From
childhood, I was a worshipper and member of the Anglican
Church in Australia. I developed the habit in my
teen years of regular Bible reading, a habit which I continue to
this day. The breakdown of my
marriage after 17 years and subsequent divorce brought a
crisis in my life―not a weakening of
love for God and our Lord Jesus Christ, but a loss of faith in my
church and its attitudes. I then proceeded on the path
of searching for a church wherein I could find the true faith.
Along the way, I met many good souls, each trying their best
to live a life acceptable to God, but still I felt I was travelling
in wilderness.
As the discord between churches grew and as I
witnessed doctrines and policies being bent to
serve people rather than God, I felt
even more disheartened.
By 1983, I had all but abandoned my search.
It was then that I met Brother Elmer Cacha at my place of work, and
first heard of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ).
I resisted the idea of a church from a foreign land, whose origin
lies in a culture quite different from my own
Anglo-Australian background.
For 9 years, I regularly read the God's Message
magazine, often deeply moved by the stories of conversion, the
poetry, the theological discussions, and the doctrinal articles.
During the following years I met several other
members of the Church of Christ. I think I always knew the day
would come despite my reluctance, when God would require
me to overcome my personal reservation and fully submit myself
to His will.
On the 22nd day of January 1993, at the invitation
of sister Elena Cacha, I attended a Bible exposition conducted
Brother Romeo Maglaya. I found myself swept into
atmosphere of faith and brotherly caring. That
night at home as I opened the Bible to find my daily reading,
my eyes fell upon the book of Hebrews 10:38-39 which says,
"But my righteous one will live by faith and if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him. But we are of those who shrink back
and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are
saved." Amazed, I realized at that moment, God was
telling me that my prayers of so many years―asking
for the right road to travel, was now answered, and I must not
be among those who shrink back.
After a few weeks of attending the worship
services, I began my doctrinal lessons with Brother Romy
Maglaya. There was so much to learn, much to think about
and ponder upon, yet so clear the way. After completing the Bible
study lessons and the probationary period of six months,
I was finally baptized in November of 1993.
I have no doubt that I am now a member
of the true Church of Christ. Still I learn, and sometimes
struggle to understand, but I feel the road I now travel is
the way of the faithful, the way of the elected, the
true way to salvation and eternal life.
My gratitude and my love will always be for Sister
Elena and Brother Elmer Cacha, who persevered for my
salvation, and for Brother Romy and Sister Carol Maglaya, and
all the officers and members of the Sydney congregation whose love
encouraged me and sustains me to this day. Above all,
I thank my dear Lord, who, I humbly realize, has chosen me to
be counted amongst His own people where I will remain until my
death.
___________________
Source: April-June 1995, GOD'S MESSAGE, p. 26-27