Second Chance (FULL VERSION)

Hi, my name is Peter. I'm writing an article about my testimony on how Jesus Christ changed my life. Not just about changing my life but giving life to the fullest.

Now let me tell you first in my life before knowing Christ. I grew up in a Christian family but not totally with a deep understanding of Who God is, without any deep relationship with Him. I go to Church regularly because my mom tells me to. When I went to high school, I entered the world of vices (smoking, drinking, and even drugs). At first, it was all fun for me. Then it became my hobby. I never thought that I was already addicted to it. I was a significant influence in my school at that time. I guess all my friends (close friends) are involved in vices because of me. Then I was interested in lustful things, like pornographic materials, and got into the wrong relationships. I was in prison for almost one day because of vandalism. I used to go home late or sometimes never. I was a drunkard and never realized that I fell asleep w/ my shoes on. My dad was an OFW, and my mom was a pastor, which didn't make me stop doing these things. I was a captive of these vices for a long time. I was struggling and wanted to stop doing these carnal things. I tried, but I failed.

I got involved in the music ministry as a guitarist in our Church. It did change my life a bit. I went to Church almost thrice a week to play the guitar. However, It did not change me in a significant way. 

Then I went to a prestigious University in Cebu and took up a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering but failed almost all subjects.

Then It was at this point that I experienced a big heartache. My girlfriend for six years broke up with me for some reason. I was in pain; I didn't know what to do. I've felt so alone in Cebu. My life lost its direction.

My life became worst. The more I was hurt, the more I became a slave of drug addiction. I wanted to end my life.

Sometimes, God allows painful situations in our lives for us to understand His good and perfect will. Speaking of GOD's GOOD AND PERFECT WILL, That's when I met my father in faith Ptr. Justin Siao and the City Gates Family back in 2009 (now Catalyst Church). I was a VIP at that time. Every Sunday, I see myself joining the altar call. I took a step nearer to God. I began to read his word, meditate, and accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour with all my heart and join this community. It was only then that I knew the real essence of Christianity. I joined the encounter conducted by faith, and an ambivalent feeling came into my heart. I was changed. I was looking back at the things that happened in my life. I would confidently say that Christ gave me another life. Everything wrong about me, the excruciating pain in my heart, and my vices were gone. God works in ways we cannot see. I moved closer to God and became one of His children. 

My journey was not easy, and my friends misunderstood me. But it didn't stop me from serving the Lord.

It starts with the humility of knowing that we can do nothing alone. And it doesn't matter if you've got a camera pointed at you or a microphone. The simple, humble, faithful, attentive to the Holy Spirit - that's where it begins. All of us, myself included, tend to be caught up in the hype. But the Gospel is about being humble to the point where you're willing to pick up your cross and daily pursue communion with this gracious God who loves the world. He loves us so much that he gives of himself for us to consume.

Many say that the greatest miracle in life is "magbagong buhay". But with Christ, nothing is impossible. I'M NEW, AND I'M CHANGED.

Last 2013, I finished mechanical engineering and became a licensed engineer.

Last 2019, I married the most beautiful lady in the world, and she gave me a handsome son who is a joy bringer.

     

Uso na mag bag.o kinabuhi

Glory to GOD