Jun 14, 2023 Feeling Our Need for God in the Philippines

Sandy Firestone, QHM volunteer speaker for Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, shares a couple of memorable testimonies from the recent evangelism meetings. Many who were baptized at these meetings came from other Christian denominations and were seeking more Biblical truth, Sandy shares their amazing testimonies below:

Zenaida is a widow who was seeking true happiness in her life. She was an active church member of another denomination who said she felt something was lacking in her life. Zenaida felt sad and unsatisfied. One day she prayed to the Lord about her dissatisfaction, asking Him for happiness.

As if in answer to her prayers, a QHM gospel worker visited Zenaida’s home! Jackie was going door-to-door inviting the community to the evangelistic series. He offered to study the Bible with Zenaida. She was excited to accept and attended the evening meetings too.

Zenaida had lots of questions about the Sabbath. Zenaida was not convinced Saturday was the seventh day of the week. But Jackie showed her convincing evidence and Scripture about each of her questions. By God’s providence, one of Zenaida’s coworkers is a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. She was a great support with Zenaida’s Bible studies, and welcomed her to be a part of her care group. Praise God for His coordinating people to help support Zenaida’s decision be baptized.

“I felt such peace after my baptism,” shared Zenaida, “and I felt all my questions had been answered. Sandy perfectly delivered topics in such a nice humble and understandable way—very well explained.” Zenaida also shared how much she appreciated Sandy singing, “I Surrender All.”

All to Jesus, I surrender
All to Thee I freely give
I will ever love and trust You
In Your presence daily live…

Another new believer was moved to tears from this song too.

For years, Lito used to resist anything related to the Bible even though his wife is a church member. But one day, he was suddenly paralyzed. Lito shared how God used this challenge to help him feel his need for God, and he was able to reflect on his life, since he wasn’t a good husband.

Lito’s paralysis was unexpected. He woke up one morning and just couldn’t move. “I was so scared,” shared Lito. “Thank God I was able to regain some mobility. And because I regained limited movement, I knew what I had to do.” With help from others, Lito was able to attend the evening meetings.

He was very moved by the messages and, through tears, Lito decided to be baptized. Praise God!

The Bulua church has 3 care groups and 3 gospel workers, along with many church members who volunteer to give Bible studies and visitations. They also support new believers through follow up, and helping them become active in the church, welcoming them to their new family. It was great to see how this church is actively reaching their community, and I was able to join some of their visitations.

Praise God, more than 75 people were baptized! I believe this is due to the great teamwork of Pastor Fred Dichos, the many church members, gospel workers, care groups and the evening meetings. Souls were prepared and opened their hearts to the calling of the Holy Spirit.

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13