Testimony of Conversion

I was born in Poro as the eldest son of Oscar and Amelia Rivera. Our family was devoted to the Roman Catholic church.

As a boy, my cousin invited me to attend a youth group conducted by a missionary. I continued to attend into my senior year of high school, but my parents forbade it, and I stopped going. I began to spend time with friends, and we were quick to be dragged into the vices of wine and marijuana. This had only been in my first year of college, but my parents decided to pull me from this as well.

I went to live with my auntie and her family in Pasay City, who were devoted believers of Christ. They invited me to attend Bible studies and Sunday worship, but never forced me. I began to attend once again, and my auntie then asked her pastor if he would conduct a Bible study in their home where their relatives and neighbors could benefit from hearing the Gospel.

This pastor emphasized the sinfulnes of man, and the need for a Savior. I ignored the message because I thought I had heard it all; the youth group back in Bicol had the same tune. 

My uncle, Gerry, shared the Gospel in patience to us every night, and sometimes we consumed the whole night with discussion. That was the time that I understood the message of the Gospel, and true faith began.

I experienced the grace of God that brought salvation into my condemned soul.

Praise God for the patience he worked in my life through the lives of His servants. 

Call to Ministry

As a new believer, I experienced joy and excitement while studying the Word of God and attending every church gathering.

Through the guidance of Pastor Rolando Fayo, I was guided in my Christian walk to my ministry. He taught me with great patience, and disciplined me as a new follower of Christ.

I began as the partner of my pastor in every Bible study he conducted, and he later trained me to lead these by myself. In 2000, we both enrolled in the extension class at the International School of Theology Asia, a year long course called “Foundation for Christian Leadership.”

In May of 2003, I decided to go to Bible school on a full-time basis for ministerial training. I enrolled at Mindoro Bible College, where I would eventually graduate. From there, I was presented with the opportunity to minister in local churches.

After a few moves, I now find myself leading a congregation at Grace Gospel Mission.