"HATED FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST: A TESTIMONY OF BRO. GERALD SABAS"

 by Pastor Leonardo Balberan

 

"With what they are doing to me here, they are only proving that they lack love, even if what they are doing is emotionally painful, it is okay, at least that is not an obstacle to my trust in the Lord."

Gerald Sabas was a former youth leader of the Seventh-day Adventist from Sta Cruz, Benitos Soliven, Isabela. Prior to his conversion as a born again Christian, he ardently participated in various Seventh-day Adventist programs such as sports fest, revivals, festivals, Bible seminars, and praise meetings. Gerald was then one of the excellent partners of Pastor Leo Balberan in Bible Exposition presentations when he was assigned as a district Pastor at North Central Isabela District of SDA where Gerald was the President of District Adventist Youth back then. 

Surprisingly, after Ptr. Leo Balberan left the SDA church, he found a way to reach Ptr. Balberan and expressed his curiosity about the gospel presentations that the Former Adventist Fellowship Philippines teaches. Gerald continues to learn more about the gospel truth and reasons why SDA holds absurd teachings through the social media & Bible study podcasts of Former Adventist Fellowship Philippines such as Complete in Jesus Ministry of Pastor Leo Balberan, Back to the Scriptures Today of Ptr Ronald Obidos and New Covenant Christian Fellowship of Ptr David Sabaupan,

Gerald had always been an open-minded individual, willing to explore different perspectives and ideas, unlike many SDA members who only anchored with their loyalty to their denomination alone. After his prayerful yet challenging journey of listening to the full gospel presentations, together with Sister  Cynthia Dollente, Brother Gerald surrendered his life to Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior by embracing baptism officiated by Ptr Leonardo Balberan at Paniqui, Tarlac under FAFP Complete in Jesus Ministry Church. 

Currently, he is being persecuted by his former churchmates and friends for his decision to follow Christ. Gerald told us,

"Even though there are many negativities around, my experiences here are terrible. I got cursed by an SDA pastor, poked and prodded by an SDA deacon, laughed at by their members, and told that I lost my mind and my soul, they even told me that I left the SDA church and joined with FAFP because of money, and many other things were said which is not true, but it's okay, may God forgive them for they do not really know what they are doing!"

By God's grace, he continues to be more faithful and firm in his stand to serve God by conducting Bible studies and sharing the love of God with several SDA members who showed interest in the gospel truth in Isabela despite the persecution he is receiving from the SDA church. Now living under the grace of God (not anymore under the Law), bro. Gerald tells us how he responds positively to these people,

"With what they are doing to me here, they are only proving that they lack love, even if what they are doing is emotionally painful, it is okay, at least that is not an obstacle to my trust in the Lord."

Former Adventist Fellowship Philippines is now working to build a support system for the future missionary activities of the FAFP to speed up the work of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially to the Seventh-day Adventists. 

Brother Gerald is currently serving as a FAFP full-time missionary in Isabela. Let's continue to pray for Bro Gerald Sabas and give support to his ministry as he reaches out to our Adventist friends to help them understand the gospel of salvation that leads to eternal life through faith in Christ alone! Glory to God for his wonderful decision!

Pastor Leonardo Balberan is currently the Vice President of Former Adventist Fellowship Philippines and the Senior Pastor of Complete in Jesus Church in Nueva Vizcaya.