"STANDING ON THE PROMISES"

" For Everyone shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt". Mark 9: 49

Last October, I witnessed a testimony that deeply strengthened my faith—not from a young person, not from someone newly exploring life, but from a 68-year-old woman who chose to follow Jesus despite the cost.

Nanay Celistina Tamayo was baptized on October 4, 2025. But her journey began months earlier, during our home visitations in July.

She and her husband both attended Bible studies consistently. Week after week, we studied Scripture together, asked honest questions, and reflected on truth. She was attentive, thoughtful, and sincere in her desire to understand God’s Word.

As time passed, she made a personal decision.

She embraced the biblical truth that the church is the “pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). She also accepted the promise of salvation found in Acts 16:31: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” 

With conviction, she chose to be baptized and become part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

However, her decision was not met with celebration from everyone.

Shortly after her baptism, her husband questioned her choice. He asked why she had left their long-held Catholic faith, especially since they had studied the Bible together. His words carried disappointment and confusion. It was not an easy conversation.

Adding to the difficulty, Nanay Celistina had previously served as a leader and treasurer in their local Catholic church in Brgy. Sison. Because of her active role, many friends and former co-workers were surprised—even shocked—by her decision. Some directly asked her, “Why did you do that?”

 For someone who had been deeply involved in her former church community, this transition required significant courage. Social pressure is real. Family tension is real. And at 68 years old, making such a major spiritual decision is far from simple.

There were also practical challenges. Our church is about 20 minutes away by vehicle. Each Sabbath morning, I travel to her home to bring her to church. As a missionary, there are days when the physical demands feel heavy.

Yet every Sabbath, when I arrive around 7:30 a.m., she is already prepared.

Dressed. Smiling. Waiting.

There is no hesitation in her spirit. No visible regret. Only quiet joy.

Her consistency speaks louder than any argument. Despite questions from her husband and reactions from her community, she continues to attend church faithfully. In her expression and attitude, I see peace—the kind that only the Holy Spirit can give.

Her life now reflects what it truly means to stand on the promises of Jesus Christ. She is not standing on tradition, nor on social approval, but on biblical conviction.

 As a missionary, I initially thought my role was to strengthen her faith. But in reality, her steadfastness has strengthened mine. Her testimony reminds me that faith is not about age, convenience, or public opinion. It is about commitment.

Nanay Celistina’s story is a powerful reminder: following Christ may bring challenges, but it also brings purpose and peace.

At 68 years old, she chose conviction over comfort.

And that decision continues to inspire everyone around her—including me.

Name: Harrydel H. Gaden I1000 MM 64th Batch

Hometown:Legaspi Marabut Western Samar

Mission Field:Publacion Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat