AWR News

by Voice of Hope Staff, North Philippine Union Conference

Six days a week, Adventist World Radio broadcasts programs produced by the North Philippine Union Conference, which can be heard on a variety of frequencies at different times in the morning. Currently, we have about 3,000 regular listeners of the program who have signified their regular listening through text messages, phone calls, and letters.

God calls people in varied ways. For instance, Jojie Afulgencio had known a little about Seventh-day Adventist beliefs only when her sister became an Adventist. Afulgencio didn’t show any interest about her sister’s new faith until she viewed an Adventist program on television.

After that, she searched for her answers to questions on issues such as the Sabbath, the second coming, diet, and more. Somebody referred to her Pastor Romeo Mangiliman, communication director of the North Philippine Union Conference and broadcaster of the radio programs The Morning Watch and Voice of Hope. Eventually, Afulgencio had a series of Bible studies, most often held in Pastor Mangiliman’s office.

Her faith in God and His teachings grew through listening to the radio programs, where many topics were being discussed. After a series of Bible studies, Afulgencio decided to accept Jesus as her Savior and Lord, and this spring she was baptized by Pastor Mangiliman.

Afulgencio is an entrepreneur, and she has branches of her business in Cebu City, where she was born and raised, in Manila, and in other provinces. She decided to embrace the Adventist faith, notwithstanding her son who is currently studying in Spain, preparing to become a priest.

We are glad to share with you some of the letters and text messages we have received from our other listeners.

“My wife and I were baptized Seventh-day Adventists. Our daughter was only a toddler when we stopped going to church. Now, she is already in high school. For years, we had not been to the church. Last October, 2009, I tuned my AM radio to DZRH and paused upon hearing a religious program, Ang Tinig ng Pag-asa (Voice of Hope). I got impressed, and somehow I could relate with it. Immediately, I sent a text message to the broadcaster and learned that he is a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, Pastor Mangiliman. He came to visit my family. There and then, we decided to go back to church and serve the Lord all our lives.” – Arnel Quicho, San Fernando, Pampanga

“While I was selecting a radio program, it’s so timely that the Voice of Hope was on the air. I was fascinated with the inspirational music. The melody has induced me much, and my heart was full of joy. I sustained my doubtful mind and erased my unbelief…. When the preacher expounded the light of truth, my haughty spirit was exposed. A convicting voice compelled me to humble myself and renounce my spiritual maladies. The preacher was instrumental to draw me to Christ and seek pardon.” – Arsenio Bautista (retired military), Brgy. 28, Laoag, Ilocos Norte

“The preacher [on the radio program] does not exalt himself or his religion. I am always eager to listen to your program. The program does not provoke other religions to initiate debate; your program is Christ-centered.” – Alice Gatdula, Pilar, Bataan

“I find listening to your program a blessing. I am a born-again Christian, and I get new insights from your program. I couldn’t keep it to myself. I share the Bible truths with my fellow believers.” – Romy Tan, Caloocan City

“I think I am one of the hopeless persons, full of regrets and failures. I am a businesswoman, but I was bankrupt. My family suffers much. One morning, I got your book from a friend. That little book from your radio program enlightened and gave me hope again. Please pray for me and my business.” – Mary Jane Pacito, La Trinidad, Benguet