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My Encounter with the El Shaddai  by: Ricardo Liong During my frequent business trips to Manila in the early nineties, “El Shaddai” stickers on cars and taxis intrigued me. A taxi driver explained, “This sticker was placed by the taxi’s owner. This may be a Middle East organization.” That was my first encounter with the group. Months later, while channel surfing in my hotel room’s television, I came across a religious rally. The style and atmosphere projected the image of a Protestant evangelist’s meeting. The dynamism of the speaker, his frequent biblical quotes, the impromptu prayers, and the spontaneous responses of the audience seemed to be unmistakable signs of a Protestant group. Normally, I would immediately switch channels but I didn’t. There was something different with the crowd. It was not dressed in its Sunday best and there were many old folks among the predominant “bakya” crowd (the lower economic strata). I was totally confused about this group’s religious affiliation. Setting aside more serious business, I pestered my local colleagues and friends to find out more about “El Shaddai.” A lady at our office confirmed that it is a Catholic charismatic group led by Brother Mike Velarde. Her answer whetted my curiosity and being an impatient and inquisitive fellow, I wanted to know more about it. That night, I accidentally tuned in to a television play called “The Golden Teaching of El Shaddai.” Although the play’s production was crude and below par, the sincerity of the players brought home the message. Ordinary folks got into difficulties and, in different manners, encountered the El Shaddai movement. Through prayers and patience, their problems were subsequently solved: getting a job as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, kicking a drug or alcoholic habit, or asking for a cure for cancer and other sickness. Another mid-week televised meeting showed Brother Mike answering questions on mostly simple problems regarding “live-in” partners, faith, and oppression from the rich and powerful. Brother Mike’s answers were equally simple and straightforward. What struck me most in his program was the hope and faith of the masses who followed their “servant-leader,” as Brother Mike called himself. They confidently believed that God would grant their prayer-requests. Unashamedly, they shouted “Alleluia” and “Amen” acknowledging God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Like the multitude on the mount, they were not afraid of the sun nor rain and the ridicule of unbelievers or other “better-fed lambs.” During my subsequent business trips, my own problems with meeting the budget, doubling my bonus, and staying at the top of my profession seemed less important. My worries and anxieties paled in comparison to those who attended the El Shaddai meetings. I learned to be more grateful. In the solitude of my hotel room, I too started praying with Brother Mike and the crowd. Rather than dwelling on his negative sides, I stress the positive. Brother Mike’s humility was repeatedly shown on television. He confessed his limited knowledge of the Church’s doctrines, theology, and practices. He publicly apologized for any unkind remarks and tearfully asked our Lord’s forgiveness. No, it was not showmanship. If so, he may have fooled me, but surely not hundreds of thousands of followers. After my encounter with the El Shaddai movement, I began catching up by reading on the Holy Spirit, the charismatic movement, and the Bible. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit is showing His signs in the El Shaddai movement, just like in other true religious movements. By its results, by the faith of its followers, by the miracle of healing in their bodies and in their hearts, and by its many other manifestations, I can’t come to any other conclusion. Because I, too, have undergone a healing in my heart! About The Author Ricardo Liong Although I am not a member but the El Shaddai movement has added meaning into my life as a Catholic. The Author is free-lance author on religion and contemporary Chinese culture. leung7895@hotmail.com This article was posted on February 17, 2006 Read More Articles from the "Religion" Category: Gifts by Cory L. Kemp Revival Fires in America – Where Will They Light by Rev Michael Bresciani Religion And Spirituality - A Little Slice Eternity by John Harricharan Jewish Wedding Ceremonies by Pepper Montero Prayers God Answers - The Prayer of Jabez by Rob Marshall Is Unbelief Ruining Your Life? by Rob Marshall Abandon Religion by Andy Carloff Dating: Single, Female and 30 Something by Alison Edwards Iran, Israel & the 12th Imam by Tony Pearce The Mutuality of the Gospel by Cory L. Kemp << Back to "Religion" Index

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