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.