How God Miraculously Answered Me!

by Daniel on February 8, 2009

Does God still answer in miraculous ways today? We’re talking about a definite, immediate, and clear answer to prayer. Read this amazing story.

By Edmond D. Macaraeg

I first became aware of Church of God publications in mid-1962. It was then being advertised in The Philippines Free Press, of which my father was a subscriber and occasional writer. Being a second year college student then in Zamboanga City, I did not have as much time to seriously read those publications, unlike the rest of my family residing then in Kabasalan, Zamboanga del Sur. But the things I heard from my father back home seemed to make good solid sense.

While in college, I was then very active in the leadership position of the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. Having been born and raised as Evangelical Protestants, we were taught to be careful about publications that contradicted its teachings. Thus, I found an inner struggle trying to reconcile what I was beginning to learn as truth with what I had been previously taught. An even greater problem loomed in my mind with the possibility of making drastic changes in my life—including a change in my religious affiliation. The idea was becoming quite scary then. [click to continue…]

{ 6 comments }

My Life’s Battle

by Daniel on January 26, 2009

When Audrey was a baby, her parents faced a difficult trial that threatened to take her life. The lesson they all learned was priceless.

By Audrey Ruth R. Angcos

My life started on the night of December 11, 1985. My birth was a very happy occasion for my parents. Everything seemed to be wonderful until I was six months old and started having convulsions—attacks that occurred not once, not twice, but at least five times a day! I was brought to the hospital and multiple tests were performed. Even with tests on my blood, my heart, and the different organs in my body, the doctors could not determine why I was having the convulsions.

Audrey as a babyThe doctor told my parents that every time I experienced a convulsion my brain was being denied oxygen—a dangerous situation. So he prescribed Phenobarbital—a barbiturate drug—to prevent the convulsions. It was believed that this drug would lessen my convulsion attacks but there was also a possibility that the drug would have a lifelong negative effect on my brain. The main concern of my doctor at that time was to stop the attacks and to keep me alive. [click to continue…]

{ 8 comments }

In the Shadow of Death

January 16, 2009

He was forced to drive the men at gunpoint. We were not even allowed to say goodbye. Here is my dad’s account of the hostage drama that happened exactly 22 years ago.

By Edmond D. Macaraeg
Background setting
In an effort to promote peace, in December of 1986, then Philippine President Corazon Aquino declared a unilateral ceasefire for [...]

Read the full article →

Don’t Wait to Show How Much You Care

November 24, 2008

Ambassador College, Big Sandy, Texas, USA—It’s 10:48 p.m., November 24, 1993. I hate to admit it, but I think I’m beginning to feel a little homesick.
Thanksgiving break started at noon today. Everything seemed to come to a screeching halt. Everybody seemed to be heading somewhere—except me. Some of my friends have already left for home. [...]

Read the full article →

The Purpose and Meaning of Life

September 16, 2008

Have you ever wondered about the purpose and meaning of life? Some say there is no purpose or meaning to life. Others say it is up to each individual. How can we know for sure?
Why are we here? Just what is the purpose and meaning of life? That question has intrigued and baffled scientists, philosophers, [...]

Read the full article →

The 4Cs of a Spiritual Diamond

April 12, 2007

Nobody enjoys pain and suffering. We don’t like trials and hardships. But a gem is not polished except by friction. A diamond is not formed except by intense heat and pressure.
Have you ever looked closely at a diamond? Nothing quite compares to its dazzling beauty, sheer elegance and fiery brilliance! It is the hardest natural [...]

Read the full article →

Dear God

April 2, 2007

This was my entry to a church-sponsored essay contest when I was 17, on the theme: “What God’s Church Means to Me.” It won the Gold Level award.
I don’t know exactly how far away You are—how many light years Your throne is from where I am. I just know you are somewhere behind those brilliant, [...]

Read the full article →

Held Hostage!

March 29, 2007

On the full-moon night of January 16, 1987, in the suburban town of San Pedro, Laguna in the Philippines, a shocking nightmare was about to unfold…
“Close your eyes! Nobody moves, screams or looks at us—or I’ll blow his head off!”
My family had barely finished asking the blessing on a Friday evening meal when we were [...]

Read the full article →

Give It One More Shot!

March 29, 2007

This was a speech I gave as a freshman in college 14 years ago, as one of the six finalists in a speech competition. It’s a story about faith in God, prayer, and persistence.
“Thank you for that kind introduction; good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Being from a third-world country, I liken coming to America, much [...]

Read the full article →