I may seem less fortunate in this world, but I’m very lucky that God have chosen me.

I can’t utter a word to express my sincerest gratitude that though in my humble state, God called me. I am very thankful that this coming June in God’s will, I would be celebrating my 5th year in the Church of God. I could still remember the hard times of struggling.

At the early age of six, I was wondering why life goes not by the way I want it to be. It happened when my mom and dad got separated and the four of us siblings had left to my mother’s care. It was my father who was financially adequate being the bread-winner and all. My mother was not used to be the one providing the financial needs of the family so she struggled greatly in order for us to survive.

It’s very hard to accept at first when my parents got separated especially on my part because I was daddy’s girl and to admit the fact that we were used to luxurious lifestyle before, and then we turned into nothing. Our family came into deep financial struggle to the point that there was no food at all. However, we remain hopeful that we will be able to surpass that hard stage.
Since my dad left, I haven’t talk to him. I started searching for something that could fulfill my loneliness. I focused on studying and though troubles come my way, I still believe that this will not be a hindrance to fulfill my dreams.

I’ve been very active in attending religious activities whenever someone invited me such as Catholic masses, Born Again fellowships, Iglesia ni Cristo gatherings, and Kabanal-banalan church’s assembly. The latter group is where I got baptized at the age of 10. Though I’ve attended several times, yet there’s still a missing part in my heart that keeps me searching for more.

With the help of my uncle, my mother began watching the program Ang Dating Daan and started to attend indoctrination. I was 12 years old when my mother decided to join the congregation of the Members, Church of God International (MCGI). That’s the time I heard Bro. Eli Soriano preached, all based on the Bible. Without any second thought I became very interested to be affiliated too to his congregation.

We were able to attend to his TV program when there’s a time we went to our Grandmother to asked for financial help, and I was given an opportunity to asked Bro. Eli through his program Itanong mo kay Soriano. I asked him about the possibility of a person at my age then to be affiliated to the church, he answered that a child shouldn’t be baptized until he completely understands the whole doctrine.

And so I waited for me to turn into appropriate age. While waiting I involved myself with the Kawan Ng Cordero’s (Flock of the Lambs) gathering.

Years passed by, I grew up listening to the KNC teachings and eventually I had to move to the groups of older members as a KKTK Junior.

Time came when I turned into appropriate age which I found in 15 to accept baptism. I underwent indoctrination at first and then I got baptized. I realized then that Christianity is a serious course that should reflect in the lifestyle of a Christian. I was involved with almost every activity in school but still find time to go to the Church. And as I can still remember it’s only once that I missed a prayer meeting and wishing not to miss a single gathering again with the help of God.

The financial crisis we had in the family is being resolved through the help of the people inside the Church that was being taught of Godly compassion and brotherly love by Bro. Eli - whom I call brethren. We didn’t ask them to help us, but help come through them as they offered. I got stable job and studying at the same time through the help of the brother in our locale. There’s so much to tell about God’s grace to my family. Words are not enough to express all of them.
I’m not saying that I am completely free from the struggles, but knowing there is God who cares for someone like me is enough to ease my worries. Even there are hardships, I am not like before who easily troubled. I have realized that being blessed doesn't mean that one is rich and educated in this life, and the poor ones are not. Fulfillment of blessedness will happen in eternal life as what I've learned to Bro. Eli.

Presently, I am actively doing my duty as a youth in the Church at the same time I will be in my graduating year in college this coming school-year. I am in Theatre Group of the Church and I am aspiring to find more duties inside the church where I can use my God-given talent.
I may not ultimately acquire the comfortable life we once had but I have faith that I can achieve the eternal life if I will attain salvation. Salvation waits to those who will obey until the end. I am now at peace despite the problems that are coming, rest assured as I strongly believe that “all things work together to those who love God” – as Bro. Eli always admonishes the brethren.

I was very thankful that I met the true preacher sent by God in our present times and even though my father left us, I have a guidance of much more than a father while growing up through the teachings of Bro. Eli Soriano. And if ever I will be given another chance to live this life, I would still choose the present life given to me. To experience God's loving-kindness and able to know His words through Bro. Eli has no equivalent to that. I may seem less fortunate in this world, but I’m very lucky that God have chosen me.

To God be the glory!!!