Stephen Ong, a software engineering student from Far Eastern University, shares how a relationship with Jesus helped him become the man God has called him to be.

My Victory group leader, AJ, first shared God’s Word to me. I witnessed how God was faithful in his life, and I wanted to experience that as well. His life inspired me to believe God could change me into becoming the man He wants to be.

As AJ built a relationship with me and other young men in our Victory group, I learned about Jesus, discovering more about Him by reading the Bible and praying. The more I got to know Jesus, the more He showed me how great He is. I realized that I needed Him more than I needed anything else in my life.

Having a relationship with God changed my life as my mind gradually aligned to the mind of Christ. I’m now in the process of learning and unlearning things, and I’m excited for things to come.

For one thing, God opened my eyes to see the value of discipleship. There are many people who need to hear His message. I used to be one of them—and I know that Jesus’s love and sacrifice compels me to share who He is to others, especially to my fellow students.

Jesus called me to “go and make disciples” because He gave me His great commission. He wants me to be a representative of His image and work. With this, I believe that making disciples is one BIG opportunity for me, because I’m part of God’s big work. And you are, too!

It is my prayer that He would still continue to entrust me with people who are in need of hearing His message, and that I would be a great example of His love. At the same time, I want to grow deeper in my relationship with God, and encounter more godly people who would help me in my walk with Him.

Stephen leads a Victory group of students in his home church, Victory Pioneer.