Inspiring
Convert Story-04
"It's Never To Late To Find The Truth"
By Leoncio Luna
Tactacan
Locale of Fresno, California, U.S.A.
BEFORE THE OUTBREAK of the first and second world
wars, in the far eastern reaches of the earth, I was born on
September 8, 1908. I was born to a prestigious family related to one
of the Filipino heroes, Juan Luna.
At an early age, I was groomed to become a loyal
Catholic follower. I learned early that attending the Mass every
Sunday was a necessity in our household. I was taught to pray the
rosary, and to carry a cross with me at all times. Although I had
questions about the Catholic faith especially on the practice on
bowing down to images of saints, I still did what my parents wanted
me to do.
At the age of 18, I found passage to the United
States as a farm laborer in California. In 1926, I arrived in San
Francisco, California. With little money and only my hard working
hands to give me my daily needs, I set out to become successful in
this free land.
After two years of working as a farm laborer and
after saving enough money, I flew to the University of Chicago to
get my education, and for two years I learned the ins and outs of
automotive repair. After successfully completing this course, I flew
back to California and opened an auto repair shop. This successful
business kept me settled for about six years until I decided to join
the United States Army. In the Army, I became a Sergeant Corporal. I
was able to visit many places around the world, like Japan, Germany,
Alaska, England and Australia.
Although the life I lived was filled with
excitement and successes, I still felt like something was missing. I
was searching for the true meaning of my life. Since I was a child,
I did not like what I saw in the Catholic Church, especially when
they bow down to images. It also bothered me that people who claim
to be "religious and "accepting God" were doing the same bad things
of the world. I had many goals in life, but this final goal I was
not able to achieve until almost the end of my life.
In 2000, at the age of 92, I was introduced to the
Church of Christ. Sister Monica Ramos an acquaintance, asked me to
attend the Bible study on doctrines at the Locale of Fresno in
California. After listening to one Bible study, I was convince that
this was my last and most important goal, which I needed to
accomplish before the end came. So, I listened to the Bible studies
and attended the worship services regularly.
About halfway through my lesson, I fell ill. My
weary body could not take the rigors of life anymore. Because of
this, I had to stop attending the Bible studies and could seldom
come to church services. Whenever I was visited and encourage to
continue my studies of the Bible, my old and aching body prevented
me from doing so.
It wasn't until Fresno Locale, held its memorable
30th anniversary celebration that I accepted their invitation to
attend the grand evangelical mission. Sister Ofelia Sensano knew me
and for years, had invited me to come back and listen. She was very
happy that I finally accepted her invitation.
The grand evangelical mission was officiated by
Brother Eddie San Gabriel. After revisiting the locale and
listening again to the truth, I was inspired once again and wanted
to finish what I had started. Knowing that I didn't have much time
left on earth, I went to Brother Elias Mercado, the
locale's resident minister, and announced that I wanted to again
become a Bible student. This time I was set on the truth and
nothing would stop me from achieving the victory I had wanted for so
long to receive.
After doing all the necessary steps to get
baptized, I eagerly wrote a letter to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo,
respectfully asking our beloved Deputy Executive Minister permission
to be baptized.
On April 21, 2004, at the house of worship of the
Locale of San Jose, I was finally reborn, baptized as a member of
the Church of Christ. At the age of 96, I feel that one is
never too old to finally find the true meaning of life. It's never
too late to find the truth that will lead to salvation.
I was asked, "Now that you are a member of the
Church of Christ, what are you going to do now?" Clearly I said,
"Follow."
___________________
Source: May 2004, God's Message, pp. 15-16
Note: Some words and phrases are in italics for emphasis.