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Marco Dale Mangada
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7:00 A.M.
Marco Dale Mangada: So, here I am about to finish work and after that long, but fun, night shift, I need to fill myself up with a warm cup of milk and a side of pancit canton and pandesal. You can never go wrong with those two.
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8:15 A.M.
Marco: And, in an hour, prepare myself for the upcoming worship service and fulfill my duties as a choir member.
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Marco Dale Mangada
Olongapo City, Philippines
Marco: Hello, I’m Marco Dale Mangada. And I’m the eldest among the three children of Marica and Morris Mangada. And we currently live here in Olongapo City, Zambales. And I’m from the Local of Filtration, District of Zambales South. And all of us, except for my dad, [are] actually [choir members]. And aside from that, I’m also currently part of the Education and Livelihood Committee for KADIWA. I’m also a volunteer news correspondent for Eagle Broadcasting Corporation, and a volunteer talent here for INC Media. And I’m also about to be a part of the Finance Office for my [local congregation] as well. I’m excited to fulfill all these roles and do my part for the Church.
I’m currently recording this on my birthday, which coincides with my return as a choir member exactly a year ago. And right now, it’s the day of our Church service, as well. So, for all of these chances to occur in one go makes this even more special.
I remember that one time in the middle of the pandemic, where we were slowly returning to in-person Church gatherings, I was crying before, during and even after the worship service. See, at the time, Brother Eduardo, I was going through a lot of family issues, and I was just ready to give up, trying to solve everything on my own. See, both my parents lost their means of employment during the pandemic. I studied to be an accountant, but because of the pandemic, my licensing exam kept getting rescheduled, so I couldn’t find a job for a very long time. I mentioned this because this was my turning point. After that Church service, I learned to let go and let God be the One Who I relied on and placed before anything or anyone. This was at the end of 2020. Then, you know what ended up happening, Brother Eduardo? At the start and actually, for the entirety of 2021, it was completely God that did things for me. I completely surrendered myself to Him, and life’s never been better. I’ve always had that excitement to turn to Him–go to worship service and tell Him everything. The lessons taught to us have more meaning now that I’m always seeking Him. And after countless devotional prayers and practices, I returned to my choir duties a day after my birthday. And now celebrating my first anniversary [of] this comeback. And it was such a blessing to attend a Year-End Thanksgiving [to] be led by you.
That Thanksgiving worship service was memorable for me, because you reminded us of the importance of Thanksgiving, even more so now that we are in the middle of the time where the world is just getting worse and worse. It was in that worship service when you reminded us to never give up when we were going through hard times. Instead, we should look at it as a blessing because that’s when we know that we are closer to God. If it wasn’t for your efforts, Brother Eduardo, to keep us close to God no matter what happens, to maintain our worship services in the middle of the pandemic, to lead those worship services for everyone to see, and to give reminders and activities for the strengthening of our faith– I don’t know if I would be this close to God.
Thank you, Brother Eduardo Manalo. I have yet to meet you in person, but know that I always have you in my prayers. And I’m confident that God will always be with you. No matter what the world or anyone around me says, I will continue to follow our Lord God [through] your leadership. And I pray that I could say this in person, but for now, my heart is full of gratitude to be able to finish writing this on my birthday. Thank you very much, and happy 13th anniversary on your continued dynamic leadership of the Church.
Mahal po namin kayo.
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We love you.
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