In New York, a data scientist discovers the greatest knowledge and is brought to the true faith inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ.
IN THIS STORY
- [00:00] From different walks of life, more are being added to the true faith.
- [00:23] John is a data scientist living in New Jersey. Currently directing an office of institutional research.
- [01:46] Brother Robert taught me a whole lot more than I knew.
- [03:33] If you are firmly convinced and you are a believer and you have faith, then you ought to show it. I realize there’s a lot of work to be done.
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FULL TRANSCRIPT
[Show Open]
Michelle Peredo: From different walks of life, more are being added to the true faith. Data scientists spend their entire careers conducting data analysis and generating new knowledge. But on the East Coast, one scientist receives the most important knowledge he could ever receive. Khemil Jamao-as has that story.
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NEW YORK CITY
Khemil Jamao-as: John is a data scientist living in New Jersey, currently directing an office of Institutional Research. With classes going on break. John began planning where to go on vacation, finally deciding on the Philippines.
John Choonoo: I met this family quite by accident, and they encouraged me to attend one of their services. I never heard of the Church Of Christ, so it was quite interesting to me.
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DISCOVERING THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
Khemil Jamao-as: John agreed to attend the worship service, a decision that would eventually change his life.
John Choonoo: It was very different from the church that I attended all my life. After the service, the minister said, John, when you go back to New York, think about joining the Church Of Christ.” I did return to New York. I, you know, went back to work. Something in me said, ‘Go and take a look at this Church. Find out what they’re all about.’
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LEARNING ABOUT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
Khemil Jamao-as: John, connected with Brother Robert Parsha, a minister of the Church Of Christ. When John began learning about the Church’s teachings, he approached them with the same academic mindset– searching for clarity, evidence, and truth grounded in Scripture. What John heard in those Bible studies was very different from the denomination he grew up in. And he wanted to explore why.
John Choonoo: Being a Presbyterian, I knew the Bible pretty well. Brother Robert taught me a whole lot more than I knew. I was able to document and provide evidence for every day, everything they said based only on the Bible, which to me, was quite amazing. I asked a ton of questions. Brother Robert never equivocated once ever. He never said, “I’ll get to you. Back to you on that.” He had enough evidence to show that, and that convinced me, because, again, most of what I do is evidence-based.
Khemil Jamao-as: After receiving and fully believing in the teachings inside the Church Of Christ, John, along with others, reached the day of their baptism. The service was held in the local congregation of Forest Hills and officiated by Brother Neil Patrick Omelda, Assistant District Supervising Minister of the Ecclesiastical District of New York.
John Choonoo: I was guided here. It’s no accident that I’m here today.
Brother Neil Patrick Omelda: The baptism we’ve had today is very important and in line with the aim and spirit of the Church Administration that we continue in bearing fruits. We hope that they will continue in activeness, in serving God. And that no matter the trials or adversities that we all encounter in our journey, may we choose to trust in our Lord, God completely, and to choose to to hold on to His promises no matter what we encounter. Even though the world is so busy, we have to find time to be able to share that faith. Because the more people we are able to bring into the fold, the more people will be saved.
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SHARING THE TRUE FAITH
John Choonoo: Faith without works is dead, right? If you are, if you are firmly convinced, and you are a believer and you have faith, then you ought to show it. I realize there’s a lot of work to be done, but I am prepared to do it.
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HOLY BAPTISM IN NEW YORK
Khemil Jamao-as: With their baptism complete, these new members move forward with renewed purpose, embracing a life grounded in faith and belonging to God’s nation. Khemil Jamao-as for the Iglesia Ni Cristo News Network.
Michelle Peredo: Congratulations to the newly baptized. It’s amazing to witness inspiring stories of faith from different people. What inspiring story do you have in discovering the true faith? Tell us about it in the comments.
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INC NEWS WORLD
Michelle Peredo: Well, that does it for us on this episode of INC News World. Tune in every weekend for new episodes of INC News World on INC TV and our YouTube channel. I’m Michelle Peredo. Thank you for joining us. Stay safe and we’ll see you next time. God bless.
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INC NEWS WORLD
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