Before I came to know Christ, I thought I had the perfect life. I had a thriving business and was earning close to a million pesos a month. I wore signature clothes, shoes, and half-a-million-peso watches. I drove around in a multi-million-peso sports car. I had a big house and powerful, well-connected friends. Women and parties were my nightly fare. I was convinced that I had it made, and the best was still to come. I was the envy of most people and to top it all off, I was single and available.
Money and power were the basis of my security. Behind all the fun, I was very rude, violent, abusive, and self-centered. I felt powerful, fearless, and invincible. I intentionally hurt other people including, my own family. I would beat up my brothers, my closest friends, or anyone who crossed me. Criminal charges of serious physical injury and frustrated homicide have been filed against me several times.
I was a very abusive son and disrespected my parents; I never honored them. I played around with women’s feelings and slept around with women who were single, in a relationship, married, or even half my age. I just did not care.
In January 2004 my best friend introduced me to his girlfriend, a famous actress. She was beautiful, and I wanted her. I made my move and didn’t care about hurting my best friend. I ended up having a relationship with her, doing things behind my best friend’s back and enjoying it. We all got hooked on ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine, etc. and would spend ₱50 to ₱100 thousand every night on drugs.
My life was all about money, power, prestige, drugs, women, and sex. Like I said, I thought that the best was yet to come.
In February 2005, my best friend and my other so-called friends took revenge on me. He wiped out of all my savings — about ₱40M — and my house, cars, business, etc. I lost everything to him. Worst of all, he hired people to kill me while I was at the airport, escaping to the US. His threats to kill me and his ex-girlfriend continued even when we were already in the US, and my only consolation was that I still had the girl with me. But when the threats on her life and her family would not stop, she left me. Reality set in.
I was left with almost nothing. I was in the US but had nowhere to stay and could not go back home for fear of being killed. I felt hopeless, abandoned, and full of regret.
Everything came out on primetime television and in the newspapers, but I was portrayed as having stolen millions from my best friend and those who wanted me dead. I became angry and wanted my revenge! So, for ₱20,000, I took out a contract to have my best friend’s entire family killed. The killers were just waiting for my go signal. I was very confused and angry and even tried twice to commit suicide. But in my time of hopelessness, God was there.
A Filipino Christian family opened up their home to me and converted their garage into a bedroom. Because their house was beside their home church, they would invite me every Sunday to attend services. I resisted at first. I even threatened to beat up the pastor or anyone else who would pray over me. I felt so uncomfortable because they would call me Brother Ivan. But slowly, the Sunday messages began touching my heart and I found myself sitting in the very front seats. I was still cautious. I felt it was a setup because the messages would always be connected to my situation.
One Sunday, the pastor preached about forgiveness even when others have hurt you. Suddenly, he pointed his finger at me and shouted, “Is that correct, Ivan?!” How could he know about me, when he was just a visiting pastor and did not know anyone?
The following Sunday was his last sermon, and in the middle of his preaching, the pastor pulled me aside and told me that he wanted me to receive Christ before the service was over. I began crying uncontrollably to God. It was my first time to cry out to Him, and that Sunday I received Christ in my life.
My life was renewed! I declared God as my Lord and Savior. I felt not only his love for me, but also his mercy. I felt ashamed because despite who I was, He was there to accept me and love me. There was a big celebration that day in our church.
I felt led by God to come home in April 2006, with assurance from Deuteronomy 31:6, that God will never leave me nor forsake me; and Psalm 118:6,7 — “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Although I was already a Christian, I was still afraid of what was going to happen to me. But deep inside, I was willing to accept the consequences because I had faith that God was in control.
Amazingly, things fell into place. I did not have to do anything. When people heard that I was back, I was overwhelmed with offers of help. I was able to make peace with old friends and those who wanted me dead, one-by-one. People tried to convince me to try and retrieve the assets that were taken from me, but these were no longer important to me.
God has given me something far better — His overflowing love and a new life with a purpose, out of darkness. As I live my life for Him, He has given me love, peace, unspeakable joy, and security that can never be matched by any amount of money.
I thank the Lord for renewing my heart. If only I could ask forgiveness from all those whom I hurt. God has given me a loving heart, and I have only the utmost respect for everyone, especially women, friends, my family, and of course, pastors.
By God’s amazing grace, I have been with CCF from the very first Sunday since I came home. I am now leading a D-Group, part of a D12, and now with the GLC program. The things that were taken away are now slowly returning. I am back in my old business and operating at an even bigger scale. I asked God for a small condo unit and last year was able to buy one with a little extra for renovation. I was able to buy a new car. I am almost done with my first pledge for the Building Fund and will definitely make more pledges. I am engaged to be married this December. I cannot ask for more.
Truly, God is just amazing! Amazing! It’s not about me anymore; it’s all about him. I now live my life for God. My strength and hope is in Him. I am here to serve and be a committed follower. I will do my very best to bring glory to His name and to His kingdom. To my God be all the Glory!
41 Responses
I really thought this only happens in movies. Anyway, it’s inspiring. Life is a roller coaster. One day we’ll look back at our past and say how interesting our life was… Who says Christian life is boring?
Posted on July 3rd, 2009 at 2:01 am
Brother (now you can’t complain!), this time you are really having it made. But God isn’t done with you yet (neither is He done with anyone of us). As you said, the best is yet to come…and this time, it’s really the B-E-S-T. Yours is a powerful testimony, continue to be a witness to God’s forgiveness and love.
Posted on July 3rd, 2009 at 8:17 am
This is a very courageous and hopeful share of experiences. Many people need a fast turn-around and favorable change in life, especially when financial hurts, etc.
God is very kind to you that in a short time he gave you a favorable response. Others had to wait for years-and-years. All praise and glory to YHWH. Shalom!
Posted on July 4th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Hi! Ive been touched and blessed with your testimony, that I was crying after I heard it. May God cotinue to bless you and make you an instrument to bring other people closer to God.
Posted on July 5th, 2009 at 5:50 am
God is so good! Indeed nothing is too difficult for him. I know a lot of people were touched by your testimony. God Bless you always brother in Christ.
Posted on July 5th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Truly!God is good!!!Totoo nga na hindi mapapahiya ang sinumang tumawag sa kanya!!!
Posted on July 5th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I can’t help but cry,God is amazing! He cater us individually,you touch my heart by your testimony,bless u more as u take part of his mission!
Posted on July 6th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Praise God for your testimony!
Truly, its not about us, its all about God!
Posted on July 6th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Brother Ivan,
Im so happy and Bless with your testimony.Thank you so much for your forgiveness, everything happens for a reason. I will never forget all the kindness and love you gave to me and to my family. Your always in my prayers and Congrats for your new Life new beginning with Christ!
Posted on July 6th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Ivan, yours is a truly moving and inspiring. I am very happy to know that you have found your center in life. Your brothers in Batch ‘88, myself included, are amazed and proud of you!
Posted on July 6th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Hi Ivan,
I know your story even before you came to share your testimony. So when you shared and when i have finally heard and seen for myself how much God has changed you… I could not help but tear. God really is in the business of changing lives. You are in the right path my friend. God bless you and may your life be Used more by the Lord for His glory.
Posted on July 6th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Hi, Brother Ivan.
While you were sharing the story of your life, I was sitting there…stunned. Your story is amazing! Our God is even more amazing. I pray that God will bless you more and more, and that you will continue to share your blessing to others. Thank you for inspiring us.
Posted on July 7th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Your story is truly inspirational, brother. Somehow reminds me of a 60’s bad boy from the north who found God at his worst moments. As the old adage goes, it is never too late to change.
Posted on July 7th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Mahn, I thought i was reading a teleserye plot. lol. Your story is very inspiring and a real blessing! Praise God for the change He has brought it your life.
Posted on July 7th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
ivan, wow! i got so moved with your testimony. and to think i just met you last night in the bible study. this is truly inspiring! truly looking forward to knowing you and mia more.
Posted on July 7th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Revenge. Quite a familiar theme. It is astonishing what some people would go through to get even. A recent scandal broke out involving a celebrity cosmetic doctor and his dangerous liasons with public personalities after he chose to betray the trust of his closest friends. It is truly a burden to keep hatred in our hearts. Learning to forgive is the best lesson we must learn from this.
Posted on July 8th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Cool!
Posted on July 8th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Well said, it is now Ivan’s testimony that God will give eternalife through Jesus Christ and after all He wil give abundant life……..
I am very much inspired for the last sentance that IVAN said its all about God now, He is a committed follower of Christ.
Posted on July 9th, 2009 at 12:47 am
I sense fakery… Hmmm…
Posted on July 10th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
It’s amazing how the Lord could use our past to bring Him glory one day! Ivan, your testimony is an encouragement to many who can’t seem to make sense of their lives right now. Praise God, you chose to come out and give your testimony for the glory of God!
Posted on July 12th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
dear brother ivan,
i am so blessed by your testimony. a bad boy to a follower of Jesus. really a metamorphosis. a christian life is really very challenging. we have to be more prayerful now because the enemy is always waiting for us to stumble. sharing our testimony glorifies God and encourages many people that God can give us power to change only by His grace. while i was in the sunday service listening to your testimony…whew! what a turn around. i was truly amazed. well, God is faithful to finish what He has begun in us. we are chosen to become His warriors for this spiritual warfare. Godbless you ivan! me and my 6 fatherless will always pray for you..
Posted on July 13th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Wow! I’m truly blessed with your testimony brother Ivan. Truly, God has wonderful plans for each & everyone of us. Every day is a blessing for those who love & serve the Lord! May your life testimony continously bring glory to God. Congratulations!
Posted on July 15th, 2009 at 11:12 am
brother Ivan, your story is really inspiring. truly, nothing is impossible with God!!! how blessed i am to learn this again today. there’s so many other ppl living alongside us who seem totally hopeless. i’m encouraged to continue planting the gospel’s seed in people’s hearts. our God is almighty!!! He was able to deal with your heart. God bless you and your family more!
and to CCF, congratulations for being God’s instrument! God is hugely magnified through this page! excited to go visit the church again here in manila! i miss hearing about how God is transforming lives thru CCF!
Posted on July 16th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Hi brother ivan. Your testimony is truly inspiring. Praise God! To God be the glory.
Posted on July 16th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I really love your story. You inspired me. God molded you into something far from impossible to possible.
Posted on July 17th, 2009 at 10:46 am
to god be the glory your testimony is truly inspiring and im so blessed when i read your testimony god is good all the time god bless you brod in christ
Posted on July 21st, 2009 at 9:43 am
truly the Lord is at work in His children’s lives… may the Lord keep you and bless you!
your story is a living testimony that Jesus is alive and He is in the business of changing lives… To God be the glory and praise forever and ever…
Posted on July 25th, 2009 at 6:00 am
hi mr. ivan.. i was very inspired with ur story.. at first, i thought that it was only heard & seen in telenovelas.. but that story of urs is trully amazing.. Like u, God really did something wonderful to my life that i will never forget,.. he made me come closer to Him again.. well, nice testimony.. really an inspiring one!. God bless..
Posted on July 26th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
I am wow-ed by your story.Our God is awesome God! Truly He is a magnificent God that won’t leave us nor forsake us instead He always there waiting to accept His unconditional love He has for us. I am blessed and inspired with your testimony. God Bless
Posted on August 2nd, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Brother Ivan,
Im so greatly blessed by your wonderful testimony ! Trully God is good all the time for He make all things to work together for Good when we trust Him . I also had a hardships in life and trials. God allows these things to us that we could be develop our character and trust Him. Keep up the good work and continue to serve Him ,For in His there is Freedom and Hope.
Posted on August 5th, 2009 at 12:31 am
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
Posted on August 12th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
hi, I am in tears when I read your testimony, because Its hard for me to forgive. I am so blessed with your testimony. God bless you!
Mandy
Posted on August 19th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
God bless you Ivan
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Hi! truly GOD is so good! all the time!
Posted on August 23rd, 2009 at 7:37 pm
hearing for the testimony with progress report of forgiveness from the people he hurt in past…that’s a true transformation….God bless Ivan….
Posted on August 30th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Really Our God is an awesome God! He works in ways we cannot see and imagine…I Love You Lord!:)
Posted on August 31st, 2009 at 2:40 pm
i was amazed in your testimony when i heard it in CCF’s 25th anniversary and it made me think and realized that God is really working in our lives! May God continue to shower His blessings upon you as you serve Him wholeheartedly.. God Bless you bro Ivan and congratulations in advance!! best wishes! =)
Posted on September 5th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
God bless you brother! May our Lord continue to use you to further His kingdom. To God be all the glory!!!
Posted on September 6th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
very happy for u, Im not a CCF member but a Christian here in Macau. Hope u will continue believing in Him whatever happens. God bless
Posted on September 13th, 2009 at 12:35 am
God is truly amazing. Cant help but cry when i heared your testimony. God can really change lives. Thanks for sharing God’s miracle in your life. Truly encouraging and humbling experience. God Bless!
Posted on September 13th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Very well said Ivan.. i just heard your testimony when I watched the video of the anniversary.. while doing some homeworks.. i couldn’t help but cry while listening.. .it takes us a lot of energy covering our ears from what God wants to say to us..truly pains and trials are the megaphones of God…. but only a King and a God can transform our lives..Continue sharing the story of your life.. God is not done with us yet… there’s more to come.. God Bless!
Posted on September 15th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
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