I was born and raised in the Philippines to a Christian family. My parents are missionaries in the Philippines. I grew up as a very shy kid. I hid behind my mom and kept my distance from other people. Growing up, I was very dependent on my parents. Life was easy for me whenever I was with them. I can’t imagine what I would do without them. So as a kid, I always said to myself, I’m going wherever they’re going.

One day, in our Sunday school, my teacher talked about salvation. She asked us, “When you die where will you go, heaven or hell?” As a pastor’s kid, I was used to hearing those kinds of questions. So I didn’t pay close attention. All I know was, I’m going to heaven because my dad is a pastor. Besides, I’m going where my parents are going.

Then one night my mom talked to my siblings and me. She asked us the same question my Sunday school teacher asked. I confidently answered that I am going to heaven. She asked why and I said because I’m a pastor’s kid. But she replied that it doesn’t work that way. Even though I’m a pastor’s kid, it doesn’t mean that I’m going to heaven. Even though I’m their daughter, it doesn’t follow that I’m automatically saved. I asked why and she explained that I am a sinner. I heard that often before but this time, it got my attention. She began to explain what a sinner does. A sinner cheats, lies, fights with other kids and disobeys. I remembered the things that I’ve done. I cheated in a pop quiz, I lied about my score, I fought with my siblings and I disobeyed my parents when they ask me to do something and I didn’t do it. I realized that I’m a sinner. I felt bad. Then she added that all sinners go to hell. That made me feel even more terrible. In hell, there are worms that don’t die, it’s very dark, it’s very hot, and in hell, I will be alone. Imagine a little girl finding out that she is going to hell. I was afraid. I couldn’t imagine going there. I wanted to be with my parents. I wanted to be with my family. And if I’m going to hell and they are going to heaven, I will be separated from them and I didn’t want that to happen.

As my mom continued to explain, I listened closely. I was terrified as I realized I was going to hell. But I was relieved when she said I could still go to heaven. And it was through Jesus Christ’s love. She said my dad can’t take me to heaven with him. Even she can’t take me there. But only Jesus Christ can because He died on the cross to pay for my sins. All I have to do is trust and accept Him as my Lord and personal Savior. So I did.

At the age of 8, I trusted and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in my heart. I’m not afraid any more for I know that I will go to Heaven when I die. I want everybody to know that it’s not by being a pastor’s kid or by doing good deeds that one can go to heaven. It is only through Jesus Christ, by trusting and believing on His name. I am going where my parents are going after this life- not because of who they are, but because of Jesus Christ.

After I graduated high school in the year 2012, I was not sure what to do. I did not have plans to study in a secular school but I believe God is preparing my heart for His ministry. God dealt with my heart. In the summer of that same year, I surrendered my life to the Lord during our Summer Youth Camp.

After I surrendered my life to the Lord, I decided to enroll at Fundamental Baptist College for Asians at Tarlac, Philippines. I studied Bachelor of Elementary Education. While studying, I was able to be involved in the ministry and apply what I was studying at school in the mission field. God opened another opportunity for me to further my training and allowed me to study at Marietta Bible College at Marietta, Ohio as a scholar. By faith and God’s provision, I came to the States on September of 2013.

When I surrendered to the work of the Lord, I began to teach the junior class of our church and in our children’s ministry outreaches. Together with other volunteers and Christian workers, we teach the Bible and about Jesus Christ to different villages. I thank the Lord for giving the privilege to teach and be a part of their lives, nothing will ever replace the joy of teaching them and seeing their lives changed because of the Word of God.

I am really blessed that the children that I used to teach back then are now young people and are now the ones who are teaching in our children centers.