.
How a Shinto and Buddhist lady from Japan who was introduced
to the church in Auckland, New Zealand became enlightened
about the one true God and the Lord Jesus Christ and
became a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo.

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  Inspiring Convert Story-31

"I found the right way to eternal life"

Chieko Matsushita Manuel
Auckland, New Zealand

 

     BORN AND RAISED a Shinto and a Buddhist which are the predominant religions in Japan, my faith and beliefs are a mixture of Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Our beliefs were based on the teachings of our ancestors which my parent learned from their parents and passed on to us. I haven’t tried to read the books of my former religion which were written in classical languages. At school, we just learned historical things and morality. Typical Japanese don’t think about religion. We just followed customs and traditions handed down from generation to generation. For instance, I asked all I needed from our ancestors and from Shinto gods. I said ‘gods’ because we have plenty of gods corresponding to the sun, mountains, trees, land, etc.

     In 1991, I worked in Hyatt Regency Hotel in Auckland, New Zealand as a Japanese interpreter. There, I met Roberto Manuel—a Chef de Cuisine in the same Hotel. I learned that he is a member of the Church of Christ or the Iglesia ni Cristo in Auckland, New Zealand. He introduced to me to this Church. I became curious about the nature of God and Jesus Christ. He invited me to attend their thanksgiving worship service. Brother Romy Maglaya, then the resident minister of  Sydney, Australia, officiated the worship service. It was the first time I attended such a gathering and I noticed the orderliness and solemnity of the occasion. The Church members are dressed properly. They are so kind. I like the way they treat one another as brothers and sisters. During my stay in Auckland, I attended worship services a couple of times and listened to a tape recorded sermon since Auckland then was just a committee prayer group.

     When my visa expired I was obliged to return to my hometown in Japan. Brother Roberto encouraged me to visit New Zealand again and informed me that they already have a resident minister. I returned to Auckland in September 1994. Brother Robert introduced me to Brother Nolly Esperanza who was the first resident minister of Auckland Locale. I started attending Bible study on doctrines with Brother Nolly. During the Bible study sessions, I had so many questions but brother Nolly answered them clearly by reading verses from the Bible. I was enlightened that there is but one true God—the Father—and the Jesus Christ is a man and not God. I saw proof that the Church of Christ which reemerged in the Philippines in 1914 is the fulfillment of the prophecies in the Bible. This was realized through Brother Felix Y. Manalo, the messenger of God in these last days.

     Every time I attended worship services, I became more interested in listening to the teachings upheld by the Iglesia ni Cristo. I felt something in  my heart which strengthened my faith in God.

     I was finally baptized, with the help of God, and I am glad that I am now a member of the Church of Christ. Now I feel so happy because I found the right way to God’s kingdom and eternal life.

     I am very thankful to the Father in heaven for the blessing He has given me and for giving me Brother Robert, who is now my husband, and who was instrumental in introducing me to the true Church. Most especially. I am so grateful that the Almighty God called and led me in the right direction into the Iglesia ni Cristo.

 

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Source: God's Message

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