Inspiring Convert Story-30

"A totally new experience for me"

Rory Johnstone
England, United Kingdom - Tokyo, Japan

 

     UNLIKE MOST OF the converts whose stories I have read in GOD’ MESSAGE, I had no religious affiliation prior to my introduction to the Church of Christ or the Iglesia ni Cristo. I neither had sets of religious beliefs nor made any attempt to avail myself of the teaching of the Holy Scriptures.

     I was born to a typical English family in England whose religion is called Church of England. Until now, I am still not sure what this means. But one thing I realized was that it is not the true faith. I have now lived and worked in Tokyo, Japan for one and a half years. I was originally on an assignment from my UK employer but I am now employed locally.

     Last year was a time in my life which proved very difficult. My father was diagnosed as having a terminal illness—motor neuron disease. My wife and my son returned to the United Kingdom after a turbulent period which resulted in a divorce. On the other hand, my job required me to work almost twenty four hours a day. Because of these, I felt very low and dejected, often contemplating on my life and its severity. Over the past few years, I felt there was something missing in  my life. I have never felt self-satisfaction. I don’t  remember praying or consciously asking for help.

     One day, I unexpectedly met a Church of Christ member from Kowloon Locale in Hongkong. After a long conversation with Lena Fernandez, she invited me to attend the worship service the next evening. Upon reaching the place of worship, I was really surprised to be accorded with warm and kind reception from the members of the Iglesia ni Cristo. I found it strange to be greeted sincerely and genuinely.

     During the worship service, I observed that there were no graven images. I thought I was in the wrong place. However, the solemnity of the worship service made me feel very humble—the segregation of the male and female worshippers, the uplifting hymns, the formality and respect of the offerings, the honest message delivered by the resident minister, and above all, the sincerity of the highly spiritual prayers. I felt very different. It was totally new and unexpected. Before returning to Tokyo, I attended one more worship service and was handed a pamphlet entitled, Introducing the Iglesia ni Cristo. This describes the basis doctrines and beliefs that the Church upholds as written in the Bible.

     I read the said pamphlet with a great deal of interest and referred to an old Bible. I checked the quoted references, all of which I found to be true. This was something that has always made me feel secure—the pureness of the Church and her sheer observance of the Holy Scriptures.

     After this, I decided to know more about the Iglesia ni Cristo. I was surprised to find many records of congregations and committee prayers in Japan. I have discovered how global the Church is and how dramatic its growth has been.

     I started my Bible study on doctrines under the guidance of the Brother Augusto R. Cote of Tokyo Locale in February 1994. Due to my job I had to travel to Hong Kong on a regular basis and was therefore fortunate in being able to continue my study in Tokyo and in Hong Kong with Brother Alfredo Pineda. I found both minister very accommodating. I found our Bible study very enlightening. The truth about the Catholic Church and her teachings was equally astonishing. I learned the true way of attaining salvation. I also continued with my Bible study, attending worship services twice a week until I was finally baptized in Ibaraki, Japan.

     Although at times I found myself in a difficult situation because the locale of Tokyo did not conduct worship services in English but in Nippongo and Tagalog languages only, I was still spiritually enriched by the English translation of the service which was provided by Brother Augusto Cote and by the Bible which I brought with me during the services. I felt embarrassed but with God’s help and with the support of the brethren in the locale, I was able to overcome this difficulty. But still I had to overcome the opinions of many detractors especially my family who even went as far as condemning the Church as a cult although they belong to different so-called Christian churches.

     I have always felt how refreshing it is to be able to find a true and a unique Church in today’s world of false prophets. I can now stand up with certainty that the Church I entered is the one and only true Church. I am now able to cope with life’s trials and tribulations. I can always find solace and peace in our loving Father.

     I would like to thank all those who selflessly guided my way: Brother Reynaldo Libiran, a deacon in Tokyo, and especially the two ministers, Brothers Augusto Cote and Alfredo Pineda.

 

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Source: God's Message