Pastor Perlen K. Ababa with wife Dr. Zenaida A. Ababa

Personal Testimony of Dr. Perlen K. Ababa: 

• I am a son of a former Pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP). But I have not understood what salvation means. 

• I am considered as good by human standard since I do not have many vice (smoking, drinking, gambling, etc.). I am very active in the choir, was a president of young people, active in jail ministry, involved in most of the church activities but with the wrong motive of earning my salvation by doing good works. I haven’t fully understood Ephesians 2:8-10 that my good works cannot bring me to heaven. It is only what Christ has done for me that I can be with Him in heaven.

• I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior several times because I doubted if I am already saved, especially at times when I yielded to temptations and commit sin. I was not assured that I am already saved. I have not fully grasped the meaning of I John 5:11-13; John 1:12; Romans 8:16; John 10:27-29; Ephesians 1:13 and Romans 8:35-39. 

• God used several people many times at several places before I started to understand the above verses. It was sometime in 1978 when somebody committed to study the Bible with me on a one-on-one basis. He challenged me to spend more time alone with God. After spending more time alone with God in a regular manner, His word became so real to me that I decided to commit my life to Him. I accepted Him as my personal Savior and Lord. I am assured of my salvation, answered prayers, victorious life and forgiveness. I am assured of His ever presence and guidance. 

• Today I regularly spend quality time with God as I fulfill His will for my life for guidance especially personal and ministry directions (Mark 12:29-31) and as I obey the Great Commission (Mat. 28:18-20) by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). His words are instrumental in my desire to live a Holy and victorious life and become more like Jesus. 

• Today and for the rest of my life, I intend to live it for my Lord Jesus. Use it to challenge Christians to spend their lives for Him and to put into practice the things they learn from their relationship with Christ. A life that can convince others to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.