The day I became a believer

It was year 2005 when I enrolled in Mindanao State University, Marawi City along with my Highschool friends. The university is 12 hours to travel by land. It was always my dream to study college as far as possible. It must be farther the better! 

Why is that so? It is because I wanted to live a life of independence. Away from family, away from home or I'd rather say away from our house. I can never say our house is my home but I'd rather say it is hell on earth. I can only count in my fingers how many times I haven't dreamt of leaving our house. The day I will go to college is the day I've been waiting for all my life. I always wanted to be free! No family and no siblings around me is freedom! Later do I know that the day I went to college is the exact opposite of what I've been expecting for.

Behind the anger that I've been feeling is a hunger and thirst for the love of God that is burning inside my heart.  I have this longing for love that only God can fulfill. 

One day, I decided to go to church with my friend that I met in our apartment. She was also a freshman and a firstimer like me. When we entered the Dimaporo Gymnasium, it was filled with a bunch of young people more or less 700 dancing and singing in worship to God. I can't explain my feeling at that time most specially during praise and worship. I can't help but cry and cry and cry. I felt the strong presence of God embracing me. From then on I decided that this is the church I've been waiting for. This is the church that I belong. 

On the same day, I was then introduced to my bible study leader. She told me if its ok with me to have a bible study at least once a week, without hesitation I agreed. From then on, my life has changed. I also tag along my two Highschool friends with me in our bible study and believe it or not our first meeting took us four hours! As you can see, we were so curious about the Bible. We were just throwing questions here and there. 😂 I was so amazed that God indeed loves me and He is able to save me from all my sins. 

At the end of the Bible study, we were asked to do the acceptance prayer. We opened our hearts and let Jesus come in to our hearts. I believe that was one of the most powerful prayer I've prayed in my entire life. Indeed it was a life changing experience. That was the beginning of my walk with God and the start of my lifelong relationship with Him. Knowing Him is the best thing that happened to me. It felt the unspeakable joy that only God can give. 

If you haven't received the Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you may pray this simple prayer in your heart.

"Father God in heaven, I come to you as a sinner. I have sinned against You and disobeyed Your word. I need Your forgiveness. I believe that You have sent Your Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins. I open my heart and accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior now and forvermore. In Jesus Name, amen."