"I had an emptiness in my heart."

Before I came to the Universal Church, I had an emptiness in my heart. I was searching for happiness and something that could fill my heart in this world. I became involved in addictions, including pornography. I entered into many relationships and began to doubt people after experiencing deception.

Because of the void inside of me, I looked for fulfillment in my friends and colleagues. After work, we would go out and drink until early morning, then I would go home, rest, and return to work the next day. This was my continuous cycle.

Until I was invited by my colleague to the Universal Church, I accepted the invitation because I wanted to be healed from a severe UTI, and I was healed.

As I continued attending, I began to understand that God had a greater plan for my life, and I also learned about the Holy Spirit. I tried to change my habits outside, but I still struggled with wrong thoughts, wrong intentions, and weaknesses inside.

Over time, I realized what it truly means to humble myself before God. I truly sought the Holy Spirit and surrendered everything to Him. I let go of my addiction, my worldly attachments, my friends, and even my job, which was influencing me negatively and leading me toward dishonesty and love of money.

Until the day I received the confirmation from God that He had chosen me through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I felt a fullness of peace and joy that I had never experienced in the world. From that day forward, I made a covenant with God that everything I do will be for His praise and glory.

Now, I am happy serving God, and I find joy in doing everything for His glory. I thank God because He changed my life. Before, I did not trust Him, but now I trust Him completely, and my life belongs to Him.

— Ilonag Taguinod