Manny as Evangelist

24 April 2012. Baguio City, Phils. Five hundred local officials gathered to attend Pacman Bible Study in this cold summer capital of the Philippines. Despite of Manny Pacquiao’s busy schedule and heavy load training, he finds time to serve in his own special way the people who admired him. 

Pastor Samuel Martinez, a close friend of Manny, introduced him as the speaker and as an “evangelist.” For most Filipinos, the term carries a religious title rather than just a function or role as messenger of good news. Of course, most of these people came to see their champion in person, but Manny was focused on his purpose for the moment. He showed up, after hours of waiting for some adjustment in schedules, he managed to give everyone an opportunity to hear the message of hope.

Philippines is known as a Christian nation as well as the world’s most corrupt government institution. Hence, Manny Pacquiao as a congressman is an epitome of hope and change—an element of desire most Filipinos hold. After all, Manny’s journey of transformation from his former life of gambling, womanizing, cursing, and night life escapades towards a Christ-loving follower, husband and family man deserves positive affirmation. 

Here is a man who can make a nation stand still in a moment, and yet moves the heart with his humble acceptance that without Christ he is nothing.

Likewise, the Filipino’s ultimate hope lies in Christ. The nation’s hope is not in ideologies and religion, but in Christ as a person. For that, local officials come to hear that religion divides people, denominations disunite churches, but the kingdom of God encompasses everything under God’s love.

Above all, by reading the Bible as the Word of God, one finds the truth of their eternal hope in Christ. As Manny talks about God’s love for all people and the transformation that Christ can do to anyone who believes, he emphasized the absolute need of a relationship with God. 

Towards the end of his Bible study, he humbly asked the listeners to open their hearts to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Hundreds of officials showed interest in accepting Christ by faith for their salvation. Manny led them to a prayer of acceptance. It was a blissful night where heavens rejoice as more people come to know Christ as the way, the truth, and the life—the only way to the Father. 

People came to see a champion; many, however, found Christ.  

         

Emmanuel means “God with us.” Surely, Manny is not God or a source of people’s provision, but God’s presence can be manifested through him as His instrument of good will, bringer of Good News.

Pacman among Preachers

19 April 2012. Baguio City, Phils. If there is one thing that Kaka, Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin and Manny Pacquiao have in common, it’s their love for Jesus Christ.

Manny Pacquiao is making huge impact here in Baguio City, Philippines. Attending “Pacman Bible Study” was like a youth revival meeting. But there is a twist. More than three hundred attendees are preachers and church leaders—including me who felt blessed to sit, rubbing elbows with him on the front row.

While most preachers came to attend to know whether he is a “changed man” or having “right doctrines,” I came believing that with God, nothing is impossible. He can call and change a person, regardless of what they were or who they are. 

With mixed feeling, it went beyond what most expected. Manny testified about his God-encounter and personal faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His theme on the important reasons why people should read the Bible as a manual of life was inspiring. With simple and practical illustrations, his impact among preachers was awakening and stirring. Most preachers read the Bible to have something to share to their people, but Manny’s emphasis on the Bible as an “eternal food” for the soul through memorizing the words, meditating on the meaning, and verbal declaration was empowering. It personally refreshed me.

In a simple chat with a news correspondent who knows me personally as a Doctor in Theology graduate, I firmly accepted the fact that I learned many things while listening to Manny Pacquiao’s spiritual reflections and Bible study. It was refreshing and inspiring. My wife’s discernment affirmed his humility in teaching the Word of God with personal applications.

He generously quoted Bible verses from memory and did not rely too much on his multi-media presentation. His humor and unusual demonstration of power and command demanded attention like no other. His change from the “Old Manny” to the “New Manny” is a wonder to many. 

So “what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” Manny echoes Jesus Christ’s words. That man is nothing. People strive all their life to become successful financially, intellectually, socially, etc., but Manny learned a profound lesson in life: Success without Christ is empty.

In a time where even ministers suffer the temptation of belief and disbelief in their own journey with God and in their local churches, Manny comes with a great news. There is hope. It’s not about religion; it’s about a person. It’s not about dead faith—for even demons believe in God and shudder. It’s about facing away from sinful lifestyle and following Christ, walking in His steps.