37 Inmate: Manuel B. Gano Jr

Often this and other problems seem to have been brought on by wrong choices. People bring a lot of troubles on themselves. That’s why this is the cause of my wife’s death — Satan destroys lives — Jesus saves lives. Many times we suffer from circumstances over which is the choice of Satan! He makes himself become our God. Because of the death of my wife I’m the one in prison and I ask my self why, why, why?

One day my friend shared with me about God and his promises and I asked about my problems and is it possible to have faith under such conditions. He told me that if I believe in Christ, I would be free form the bondage of sin and have eternal life. Wow, Wow! I praise you lord, I praise you, I praise you lord! I thank you very much, thank you very much for saving me from hell I now have eternal life. This is a joy in the presence of god over the sinners who repent and turn from sin, I rejoice with the angels in your decision.

Anyway despite my sufferings as a prisoner, I am happy to be here because God is with me. Actually, when I received God the desire of my heart was to worship the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. ‘Phil 4:18 hallelujah ‘praise the lord, in your presence oh lord I worship you day by day.

Actually, I’m one of the graduate students for evangelism explosion this coming December 15th 2001.

Almost every day I come up against cases in the newspaper among our acquaintances or in our lives because I’m the one suffering this case, but in my life I’m the innocent victim. But this time I know this is for Gods purpose, Amen! Praise the lord, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah! In thy presence oh Lord I praise you almighty God, there is none like you. Leo Cabug.

Witnessed by Ptr Andy C Dolin 37 Inmate: Manuel B. Gano Jr.

August 20th 2001

Name: Manuel B. Gano Jr.

Nickname: Manny

Dormitory: Dorm6B, MSC-NBP,BOC Sentence: 3 Life Imprisonments

Crime: Drug pushing and Malversation of Public Funds

Occupation: Book Keeper. Status: Single DOB: Age 37. 27/12/64 Family Address: Naliwan, Poblacion, Hingyon, Ifugao 3607, Philippines.

Time Served: Detained since 1990

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ.

I am Bro. Manuel B Gano Jr., single, 37 years old and a resident of Naliwan, Poblacion, Hingyon, Ifugao, Philippines, presently a prisoner for the last 12 years.

From childhood until adolescence I was raised in a pagan family. However, sometime in 1983 my parents were converted to Christianity. But this did not influence me to be a child of God due to my disobedience to my parents. Hence my life before I became a Christian was very miserable. It was due to the vices, which I had acquired through the influence of friends. My vices contributed most to my incarceration. I was a patronizer of bars, clubs and gambling places, and my passion for the opposite sex was great. To sustain my vices I was forced to steal or appropriate money entrusted to me as a government employee. Furthermore, engaged in the sale of prohibited drugs (marijuana), I went AWOL. I was charged in Court and finally convicted.

In prison my life became worse because I considered myself already useless. My concerns were but worldly pleasures so I continued to live a life full of sin and enjoyed doing it. However in 1996, here at the Maximum Security Compound, Bureau of Corrections, where I am presently serving my sentence, I had the opportunity to listen to the Good News about Jesus Christ preached by a man of God. Some months passed after hearing God’s Word before I put my trust in Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and Lord of my life, in July 1996. I was baptized in water on March 16th 1997.

From that time on I experienced great changes in my life. Unknowingly, I renounced my vices, put to an end my illicit sexual relationships, and stopped the various activities that I loved to do but which are not pleasing to God. Furthermore, my heartaches and wounded feelings were relieved and cured. Confusions in my life vanished and I am now living a life full of hope, despite being a prisoner.

Many questions that I asked God were also answered through his Words. I now understand why I am now here in prison – because ‘God loves me and has a plan for my life’ Jeremiah 29:11. Nowadays I experience peace of mind despite the weight of my sentence, unlike the days after my conviction – for surely God’s promises will come to pass. He said in His Words ‘Nothing is impossible with him’ Luke1: 37. His Words are great assets for me, relieving me in times of suffering and hardship. Truly I have tasted the Lord’s goodness in my life, ever since I became a Christian. My needs were met, and during the times I encountered trials and problems He has always been able to comfort and aid. His spirit gives me the strength to face trouble and the wisdom to do the right actions to be triumphant. Moreover God’s Grace is not just to me alone, but also to my loved ones. What God is doing in our lives is incomparable. Words are limited which give glory, honor and praise that are accorded to him alone.

My hearts desire is now to spend the rest of my life serving the Lord, who has been very kind to me all through the years, forgiving me my sins, and giving me a meaningful life. Verily, God is the capable one that can totally transform man’s sinful life into a Holy one, simply through His Son Jesus Christ. Without Him in our lives we cannot taste a peaceful and abundant life here and hereafter.

Above all, I do not fear death anymore as I did during my first days in prison. Many people in this world fear death, but a child of God has nothing to fear. Now whatever happens to my life, as a child of God I know that I shall be resurrected to be with the Lord eternally in his heavenly palace?

Dear Readers, are you still living in sin? Do you want to be free of the sin captivating your life and be spared from the dangers of going to hell upon death? Make a positive decision now, not tomorrow, you must be born again. If you want, pray this prayer wholeheartedly:

‘Lord, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that your son Jesus Christ, died for my sins. Please forgive me for my sins and make me into a new person. I receive your son Jesus Christ, and trust him as my personal Saviour and Lord of my Life. Let your spirit reign in my heart to direct and guide me, that I will do what is pleasing to you Father God. Lord I commit my life to you today, In Jesus name, Amen

May God Bless you.

Manuel Gano, Jr.

This testimony was witnessed by Pastor Andy C. Dolin.