Church Blog

Pablo’s Testimony

Last Sunday we had five baptisms. One young man baptized was Pablo Zalduondo. I wanted to share the testimony he shared before being baptized because it’s particularly relevant to our Week of Prayer as we pray for the youth of our church—especially prodigals like Pablo.

I was raised for most of my life in Covenant Life Church. From kindergarten to eighth grade I attended Covenant Life School and church every Sunday. Yet I was rebellious and prideful in my ways even as a child.  I left Covenant Life School in eighth grade. Once in public school I had before me everything I believed I wanted. I quickly grabbed everything I could; friends, alcohol and drugs. These things completely enveloped me and consumed me for years. After years I realized I had everything I wanted, yet my hatred for life became out of control. My anger led me to join the Marine Corps after high school. My intention was to be able to legally kill and take my hatred out on others. Anger led constantly to violence, more drugs and a completely self-destructive lifestyle.  I began to blame the Marine Corps for my problems.  My desperation became out of control.  I needed a savior. 

About six months after I was released from active duty, my father gave me some messages to listen to.  Only by God’s grace did I listen to the messages. Only by the grace and mercy of God could the selfish, sinful, prideful, arrogant person I was, listen to messages defending and affirming the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The Holy Spirit began to move and transform my heart slowly yet surely.  I turned from my sin and trusted in Christ. The first thing that God ripped from my life was my anger, how thankful I am for being freed from this sin that consumed me. He continues to work in me through the Holy Spirit to make me more like His Son, Jesus Christ. I wish to be baptized today to obey Christ’s command.  I am honored to be baptized here at Covenant Life Church.

After he shared his testimony, I asked Pablo to lead the congregation in praying for the prodigal sons and daughters of our church. In this week devoted to praying for the next generation, please pray for the young men and women of our church who are not walking with the Lord. Ask God to draw them back to Himself as he mercifully did with Pablo.