I was born and grew up in the Philippines to a poor family. My dad did not have a stable job. When he gets jobs as a repairman, he would take me with him to help. One night, my dad and I had an accident. I had minor injuries in my arms and knees but it was my dad who sustained major injuries. He lay on the road, unconscious and his head was bleeding. My dad was hospitalized for a month and because of what happened, he couldn’t work for quite some time. After that, because of  financial difficulties, our family decided to move to my mother’s hometown in Bataan province. My dad tried to look for jobs in the area, and when there was none, I saw him pick up junk bottles and materials and sell them to recycling shops to earn money to bring food to our table. But then, a newly constructed gated neighborhood needed repairmen and workers. One of the newly-moved owners happened to be a pastor. His name is Ogie Abalin, a Filipino missionary to the Philippines. My father would at times bring me with him to work there. As my father worked in his home, the pastor shared to my father about the plan of salvation. As time went by, he began to invite us to come to church. Since my father used to joined a Bible study before, he considered it and brought us to church.

On October 5, 2003, I attended the church and the service was different– people were kind and hospitable. I was sitting at the back row while the pastor was preaching about the story of the Rich man and the Beggar. He said they both died and went to different places, the beggar went to Heaven but the rich man went to hell. That moment I felt like I was the only person he was talking to. While listening, I was reminded of the accident we had in the past. If I had died right there, where would I be then? Will it be heaven or hell? The pastor then asked a question, “If you are going to die today, are you 100% sure that you’ll be going to heaven?” I was so afraid because I was not sure. Before, I did not think of what will happen after death, but at that moment I realized my situation. I didn’t even have an idea what will happen after death.

That story struck me really hard. My mind was opened by the Word of God. I realized that I’m a sinner and I'm going to

hell like the rich man. Then the pastor said that anyone can be sure of going to heaven and be saved if he or she accepts and trusts only Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I will never forget that moment. When the pastor asked who wants to accept Christ as his Savior, without any hesitation I raised my hand and accepted the Lord as my personal Savior. To tell you the truth, I did it again the following Sunday because I really wanted to be sure of my salvation, but I found out that once I accepted Jesus in my heart- that was all I needed.

After I graduated in high school, I surrendered my life to God as a volunteer full-time worker in our church in 2005. My pastor taught me how to win souls and hold Bible studies. I learned to play instruments like piano, guitar, violin and some other instruments. I also became a youth pastor and music director in our church. By doing things for the ministry, I felt God was calling for me to do more for him.

In 2008, I was given the opportunity to study at the Fundamental Baptist College for Asians in Tarlac City, Philippines through the help of an American friend. I was in the Bible college for 4 years, learning more about the ministry and the word of God. After I graduated, I was ordained by my pastor and home church to pastor in one of our village churches, Shining Light Baptist Church of Alikabok.

In 2014, God gave me the privilege of coming over to the United States of America to further my education and training in the ministry. I came to America which is halfway away from home on September 23, 2014. I studied as a scholar at Marietta Bible College in Marietta, Ohio under the leadership of Dr. Myron Guiler to further my studies for the ministry.

In 2005, I served as full time worker in our church. I lived in our church building and was involved in many ministries. I was able to lead members of the church to go out and do soul winning. I was able to conduct home Bible studies and teach children in the streets and villages. I also assisted my pastor in worship services and became the music director.

In 2006, I became the youth pastor of our church. I led the young people, taught them the Word of God and encouraged them in the ministry. I thank God for the opportunity to be able to disciple young people and see them grow in faith and be involved in the ministry of God.

After I graduated in Bible college, I was ordained and became a pastor in one of our village church in Shining Light Baptist Church of Barangay Alikabok in Orani, Bataan. We held our first service on November 4, 2012.