I grew up without the constant presence of my parents; my mother...

I grew up without the constant presence of my parents; my mother worked as an OFW to provide for us, and my father, though a lawyer, was often distant. I was raised by my grandmother, aunts, and cousins, but for a long time, I didn't feel the true love of a family. I felt like I didn't truly belong.

As I grew older, I faced many challenges, particularly living with a disability. I felt a deep emptiness and began looking for happiness and worth in other people. I struggled with my identity and became addicted to things I thought would fill the void. I idolized beauty queens, looking at them for the strength I felt I lacked. I also fell into an addiction to pornography, which led me down a dark path where I began to sell myself to others—not just here in the Philippines, but to people worldwide.

I was spiritually blind and made many mistakes, even sharing hurtful videos of my classmates just to fit in. As my sadness deepened, I constantly posted online, desperate for attention and a reaction from strangers just to feel seen.

My mother eventually introduced me to the Simbahang Universal. At first, I only watched the services online. I was looking for a "quick fix" for my sadness, so I didn't see much change. Until I started attending the physical service, and then I understood how important it is to surrender your whole life to Him if you want true peace. And so I did.

The turning point was difficult. But I humbled myself to seek change. I have embraced my identity as a man of God. I have found the strength to forgive those who hurt me. God has completely changed my mind and my heart.

Today, I am totally transformed and have the desire to talk to other people about how God transformed my life. Edward Pilar