Fame Without Fulfillment
Manny Pacquiao, the world-renowned boxing champion from the Philippines, once lived a life of indulgence and excess. Raised in a Roman Catholic family, he attended church but spent his weekdays engulfed in gambling, drinking, and other vices. 'I went to church on Sunday, but from Monday to Saturday, I was in the bar drinking. I was gambling … I committed adultery. I didn't care,' Pacquiao confessed. Despite his monumental success in boxing, he felt an emptiness that fame and fortune could not fill.
A Voice in the Forest
In 2011, Manny experienced a profound spiritual encounter that would alter the course of his life. While praying in a forest, he claims to have seen a white light and heard a voice asking, 'Son, why are you leaving me? Why do you keep away from me?' This experience, where he also reportedly saw two angels, marked the beginning of his transformation.
A New Life in Christ
Following this divine encounter, Pacquiao embraced a new faith path, becoming a born-again Christian. He gave up gambling and other harmful habits, even selling his shares in a casino and nightclub in Manila. His life took a dramatic turn as he began to read the Bible daily and lead Bible studies, focusing on fostering a genuine relationship with God rather than mere religious practice.
Champion for the Gospel
Manny's newfound faith influenced not only his personal life but also his professional endeavors. He became a vocal proponent of his belief in Jesus Christ, driven by a sense of purpose to share the message of salvation. In his political career, he introduced legislation to recognize National Bible Day in the Philippines, underscoring his commitment to his faith.
Pacquiao's testimony is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus. 'When you have Jesus in your life, when you have God in your life, the things of this world are not important to your heart. The more important is God in your heart. That's how God changed my life,' he shared. His journey from a life of excess to one of devotion highlights the profound change that faith in Jesus can bring.