The year was 1986. My eldest brother, Arnulfo who was then a fourth-year high school student in our local school at Pasacao Camarines Sur brought Bro. Steve to our home and introduced him as his newfound friend. Bro. Steve Mcgowan was a black African American and a former military man from North Carolina. He was married to a Filipina who happened to be our local “kababayan”. They came to our hometown for a
short vacation. His initial visit became frequent, and the couple became close to us. It was during those visits where I learned how my brother came to meet Bro. Steve and how they became close. First, Bro.Steve offered and taught my brother the basics of martial arts and then shared the Gospel to him. My brother then finally admitted to us that he had already accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was already attending a church service with this couple at a local Christian church -the Pasacao Faith Assembly of God (AG).
Though our family was not a fanatic Roman Catholic, we were Roman Catholics nonetheless in belief and in practice. We attended some of its services and participated in its religious activities like the novena, the procession, the Ash Wednesday, the “Pasyon” during holy week, the “Santa Cruzan” and the “Simbang Gabi” to name a few. My personal favorite was the “Santa Cruzan” where a number of games (e.g., “Palo Sebo”) with respective prizes were given to the eager participants and winners.
When my parents learned about my brother’s conversion, they resisted it and discouraged my brother from attending the local Christian church.
Despite my parents’ objection, my brother persisted. One by one he invited us to the church. And one by one we also came to faith in Christ starting with the second from the eldest sibling. Then I, followed by the third from the eldest. Eventually, our entire Resuena family all became committed followers of the Lord Jesus.
My Christian conversion happened in one of the regular Sunday services. Ptr. Andres Cal gave an ‘altar call’. There I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I was then only 11 years Old. What initially made me want to keep on attending the Church Sunday service was the joy I felt during the worship singing.
Although I enjoyed some religious activities in my previous Church, it was the first time that I felt such a different kind and level of joy. It was much deeper, more meaningful, and fulfilling that it led me to Jesus Christ. I still crave that same unforgettable, joyful worship experience until today.
So here I am today, 37 years after my personal Spiritual life transformation. Without regrets I am still moving forward in this exciting journey called the Christian life. I know that with Christ I will make it to the finish because Jesus is not only the Author but also the Finisher of my faith (Hebrew 12:2)