Every time I hear Bro. Eli speak, it touches my heart; his every word is heartfelt and sincere September 22, 2009

By Rafael Del Rosario

I was a born-and-raised Catholic, and so were the rest of my family.   But I wasn’t a devout Catholic – I have never attended masses on a regular basis.  But I did try to honor every major celebration that the Catholics commemorate.

As a non-believer, I pampered myself with different vices and worldly pleasures. Such are the things that inevitably gave me so many problems later in life.  Since then, questions that needed answers bombarded  my mind.These ignited my desire to seek the truth and to know God.

A friend who is a member of the Members Church of God International  (MCGI) more commonly known in the Philippines as the Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path) after the Church’s religious program,  encouraged me to attend their gatherings. At first, I ignored  all his invitations.

But it seems that I was truly destined to meet God’s chosen  preacher.  While I was watching TV, switching from one channel to another, I chanced upon the program Ang Dating Daan, hosted by Bro. Eliseo Soriano.

When I first heard Bro. Eli, I didn’t like his manner of preaching. He kept on attacking other religions’ teachings.  But later, I have understood that what he condemned were the un-Biblical teachings of greedy pastors.  I watched Ang Dating Daan regularly and listened to the program’s radio counterpart.

Since then, every time I hear Bro. Eli speak, it touches my heart; his every word is heartfelt and sincere .  Through him, I was able to take heed of God’s rebuke;  I bade farewell to all my vices.  My interest in God’s words in the Bible made me into a better person – I have learned to love and take good care of my family more.

All my negative attitudes changed.  Not only that, but I’ve also learned to show mercy; to forgive and let go of hatred.  I have learned to endure whatever life may bring knowing that God is always with me.   Most of all, I have learned to appreciate God’s kindness and to always be thankful for all the blessings and mercy that He is giving me.

I firmly believe that Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel are the God-sent preachers in this dispensation.  They are inspired by God’s Holy Spirit to guide us in learning everything about salvation.  They are real-life manifestations that there is really a Living God who exercises loving kindness, judgment and righteousness on earth.

It was only then that I felt the holy fear of God when I got affiliated with the Church of God September 14, 2009

By Marvin Uriza
Shanghai, China

I used to be a catholic. Feeling dissatisfied, I changed religions and shifted to Born Again. I used to be very diligent in attending our gatherings; I always made it a point to never miss a gathering. I religiously gave love offering but refused to give tithes because I once heard that it was written in I Corinthians 9:7 that everyone should give according to the dictates of their hearts.

I enjoy watching television. Once, I chanced upon a segment in the gag show Bubble Gang. The segment was called “Ang Dating Doon.” I was amused with that portion and I got curious as to who the man Brod Pete was imitating. My curiosity ended when somebody told me that it was Brother Eli whom Brod Pete was impersonating. I looked for Bro. Eli’s TV program and when I finally found Ang Dating Daan on a UHF channel, I became an instant fan from that moment I first heard him preach. I constantly followed his program and admired the way he preached God’s teachings based on the Bible. He is the authority in teaching God’s words.

As a regular viewer, I was enlightened by the words of God and the desire to attend the mass indoctrination rose in my heart. This later led to the day of my baptism in the Members Church of God International (MCGI) or Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path) as it is locally known.

Since then, I have found the fulfillment and satisfaction that I have never found in the former religions I’ve been part of.

I was surprised. It was only then that I felt the holy fear of God. I can say that I fear God not just by mouth, but by heart. I have never felt it when I was a catholic or even as a Born Again follower. I was afraid to do the evil deeds that I have been doing before; all my vices have disappeared. I have learned to try to understand every person and become humble. I learned to speak with wisdom and to keep silent if I have nothing important or wise to say. I also felt genuine mercy towards my fellowmen.

All my questions about matters of faith have been answered through God’s words as preached by Bro. Eliseo Soriano.

I am very lucky that I have Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon for leaders. I believe that they are the wisest persons living on earth right now. They are the epitome of true Christian leaders in our times – teaching and leading by example. They don’t just talk and do nothing like other pastors nowadays.

Incredible! I have never seen the kind of strength that they have to be able to continue serving God’s flock and even the non-believers. They are able to continue preaching even when their physical bodies are tired. They are diligent in doing good – unselfishly and untiringly. I believe that this is because God is always with them.

Praise be to God!