For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. -Philippians 1:21
I am Ferdinand Dela Cruz. I am the pastor of ANF- Philippines and a servant of God. Before I had a life-changing encounter with the Lord on January 10, 1993, at 9:45 am, my life was a mess. During my high school years, I was involved in trouble. I used to relish illegal drugs and be part of a chaotic fraternity group. This chaotic lifestyle almost led me to get expelled from my studies at Wesleyan University Philippines. I came to a point where I didn’t want to continue studying or even go back to my hometown due to fear. It was a dramatic experience that marked the beginning of my journey as a believer and a follower of Christ when God used one of the pastors of our barangay to be His instrument in reaching out to lost souls.
One day, while I was playing or gambling, he approached me, tapped me on the shoulder, and invited me to join in their gatherings. Although I didn’t fully understand it at the time, I felt a sudden desire in my heart that I had never experienced before. I quickly showered, dressed up, and went with them. It was the time that I had the opportunity to study the Word of God, and I felt that the Lord was speaking to me. When the pastor made an altar call, asking those who wanted to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, I responded without hesitation. Since then, I surrendered my life to Jesus and accepted Him as my Lord and personal Savior. This desire to follow Him has remained deep within me, and the Lord continues to speak to me through His words. I even made a promise to the Lord that if He was real, I wouldn’t sleep until I read the Bible and God granted my promise, I really can`t sleep unless I read the Bible and my journey of spiritual growth began.
As I delved into the Bible, my desire to follow the Lord was deepened, and in April 1993, my pastor appointed me as the youth president due to my commitment and passion for the Lord. This led me to pursue further studies at a Bible school in 1994, where I spent a year at the Rema Christian Training Center. After completing my studies, I got involved in the ministry that the Lord entrusted to me, and I have been serving Him ever since. From a life filled with chaos and confusion, I have been transformed by accepting Christ. I am grateful that God reached me out and changed my life. Praise God for His greatness and faithfulness.
Looking back on my life, I can say that from the messy life I had before, I am now filled with gratitude for the life-changing encounter I had with the Lord. I am confident that He will continue to guide me on this uncompelling journey, and I trust in His faithfulness as I eagerly embrace the future that lies ahead. Inspired by God’s command to make disciples of all nations, I am committed to sharing the love and truth of Christ with others, spreading His message of hope and salvation to every corner of the world. As I continue to walk in obedience to His calling, I am dedicated to equipping and empowering fellow believers to become disciples who will soon make disciples. Together, we will fulfill the Great Commission, and we will impact lives for eternity, knowing that God never removes something or someone that we need for the next season, and He will provide all that is necessary to carry out His mission.
