Inspiring Convert Story-36

"The day I entered the fold"

Ernesto Santiago
Athens, Greece

 

     I WAS BORN ON February 26, 1967. I grew up a Catholic and was once an altar boy. I attended school at San Sebastian College, a Catholic school in Manila, Philippines. In 1986, at the age of 18, I moved to Russia where I continued my studies as a scholar at the Kiev State University in Ukraine. I obtained diplomas in Russian Language and in International Law. I lived and studied in that country for seven straight years.

     In 1991, I met a terrible accident when my Caucasian friend, a believer of Islam, and I were on our way to visit his family in Grozny, Chechnya. I knew that God spared our lives, but I can’t remember if I even thanked Him that day.

     I went back to the Philippines in 1993. I found a job, but I was not contented with my life. So, I traveled to Europe to seek a better future and ended up here in Greece. I traveled a lot and met many people of different races, nationalities, and social statuses. I was exposed to different kinds of beliefs and religious denominations. At my young age, I lived and enjoyed my life to its fullest.

     I encountered many Church of Christ members before, and had a friend who used to invite me to attend worship service. But at that time, I was not that serious. I lacked interest and I attended just for the sake of pleasing them.

     In 2001, I received an invitation to attend an evangelical mission from Sister Juanita Ganir whom I met when I was on off day. First, I hesitated and asked myself: Spirituality, do I need to know what is inside me that really influences my life as a whole or that which should influence my life? She insisted, and because of her persuasiveness, I reconsidered my decision and accepted the invitation.

     A few weeks later, I began attending Bible studies on my own volition with Brother Ruben Garcia. I finished my biblical lessons with Brother Norman dela Cruz.

     I was enlightened in knowing the true Church and the commissioning of the messenger in these last days—the late Brother Felix Y. Manalo. I also learned that salvation cannot be attained without joining the Church of Christ, for it is this Church that has special relationship with Christ. It came to my knowledge that a person cannot be forgiven of his sin unless he is redeemed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. I was certainly surprised by the teachings as they were purely biblical and without any personal interpretation from the minister. These gave me motivation to continue my biblical studies and to attend worship services more often.

     In the morning of June 14, 2003, I received baptism which was officiated by Brother Norman dela Cruz, the new resident minister of Athens Congregation then. A moment before my baptism, I was just like a nature seeker staring at the blue sea and at the trees planted by delicate hands on a lovely day. It’s truly a magnificent vista. But at the time that I was in the water, I felt cold and despite the waves and gusts of wind, I coped to stand still till I was immersed. Everything had changed for me in those few minutes. I felt reborn. I found the real comfort and peace that I’ve been yearning for. I believe that it was through God’s calling that I became a member of the fold, the Church of Christ.

     With the guidance and the protection of our Almighty God, I am sure that I can overcome all persecution and hardships in life.

     Above all, I thank God for all the blessings He has given me

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Source: God's Message