"I went through a life of suffering."

I went through a life of suffering. It all started when I was five years old, when my sister and I contracted measles. I survived, but my sister passed away. After that, my father was never able to accept what had happened. He became physically abusive toward my mother and me, especially when he was drunk. His anger toward me became so intense that, at one point, he nearly killed me.

As a child, I thought that kind of behavior was normal. But as I grew older, I began to understand what was happening and developed resentment toward my father. Because of the difficulties we faced, I often stayed with my aunts since my parents could no longer support us. Whenever my father came looking for me, I would hide because I was afraid he might kill me.

To help my family, I sold food so I could contribute to my siblings' education.

After graduating from high school, I went to Manila to work. I was so happy because, finally, I could be away from my abusive father. However, when I came to Manila, I began to drink alcohol with my friends until I met my ex-husband. We lived together even though we were not married, and we had a child. I thought I had escaped the abusive life, but in the end, I found out that my husband was addicted not only to alcohol and cigarettes but also to illegal drugs. He used to beat me, even while I was pregnant.

When my father found out about our situation, he forced us to get married against my will. But our marriage didn't work. We were always fighting and arguing. He was aggressive, forcing me to do things I didn't want to do. He beat me until I was covered in bruises and even strangled me. I wanted him to suffer too and go to prison because of his involvement with illegal drugs. Eventually, I started going out with my friends again and became involved in other relationships. Until I decided to end my marriage.

Eventually, I went abroad, but my life became even worse. I was deeply unhappy. I had suicidal thoughts, like jumping from the 35th floor or taking a large amount of medicine, but I never acted on them because I kept thinking about my family, who depended on me at that time.

Then I was invited to the Universal Church. I continued attending the services until I decided to leave behind my addictions, my bad friends, and the anger I had toward my father. I forgave him, and we became good friends.

I decided to be baptized in water. Despite the temptations, I continued to obey God's Word. Then I joined a Campaign of Israel. I made my sacrifice and gave everything that God asked me to give—my whole strength, my heart, and my life. Then God poured out His Holy Spirit upon me.

After that, my perspective changed, and I received the true joy I had been longing for. Now that God has changed my life, I share the same joy I have received with other people.

Not long after, God blessed me with a husband who is a man of God. We are happy, and our family is in the presence of God.

When I surrendered my old life on the altar of God, He gave me a life I could never have imagined.

— Angie Macalan