James Henry Scott
Negros Occidental, Philippines
My Story and why...
“ANOTHER FACTOR that greatly influenced my decision was the warmth of the brethren. From day one, I was treated like family. The members are truly united and are a single big family. Every service and every event, I felt part of something truly greater than myself…”
I WAS BORN to Carl Eugene Scott (now deceased) and Mary Helen Scott (maiden name: Kamm) on October 10, 1973. My parents separated just before my 5th birthday. I grew up around the area of the city of Dallas, Texas with my two sisters. Life was hard for us growing up. My mother worked two full-time jobs and was seldom at home. My father was not much a part of my life until my early adulthood.
As a family, we did not attend any church services together. I would, from time to time, attend at the closest chapel within walk- ing distance. My family moved a lot, so growing up, I attended several different religious denominations. I never attended Bible studies in my childhood, but would talk to members and pastors about different subjects that confused me. As a young adult, I attended every different type and denomination I could always searching and never finding the real answers I was looking for. This thirst for knowledge continued on in my whole adult life.
I have studied many of the so-called “Christian” religions, and I found that I never really could fit in with some of their core beliefs. There are tens of thousands of registered Christian religious organizations and most believe in the idea of the
Holy Trinity. From an early age, I never could accept that idea. I also could not accept that so many of these organizations have additional books and self-created canons as bases of their faith, other than the Bible. Why do these groups need to add or change the meaning and the divine text of the one and only true source of God’s words and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Eight years ago, I was able to travel abroad for the first time in my life. The Philippines was the first destination on my bucket list. I love to scuba dive and the Philippines is a worldwide top diving location. For the next four years I vacationed there each year. During my travels to the Philippines I would notice the Iglesia Ni Cristo chapels. They really stand out and are very impressive. I never went inside any of the chapels and I never attended any service. Ironically, it was in Chicago, Illinois that I first attended a worship service.
I got lost while driving in the city and, by accident, saw the Iglesia Ni Cristo chapel. At this point in my life I was leaning towards the idea of possibly moving to the Philippines and I wanted to check out what the Iglesia Ni Cristo was all about. So, I decided to attend the next available worship service that next Sunday. I met several brothers as I parked. After a few questions, they led me inside and had one of the deacons help me understand the service format. I walked down the aisle and as I sat down, and bowed my head, there was such a calming feeling. Relaxed and so peaceful, the choir was amazing. The worship service was quite a bit different from what I was used to and the service really touched my heart in a way that I never experienced at any other service before.
A couple then invited me for lunch after the service, which I gratefully accepted. They explained a little more about the services and about the Church in general. They asked if I would like to attend the next week service, which I eagerly accepted despite the fact that I lived 170 kilometers from the chapel in one of the largest and busiest cities in the U.S. My travel time would very much be between two to four hours one way, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
After that first service, I did a lot of research online about the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Of course, not all of the information was positive, but it was easy to weed out what details are accurate and what are just hate speech. I started my Bible studies at about three weeks of attending services. All of the lessons were spiritually nurturing, but a few really stood out. The fact that I did not believe in the idea of the Holy Trinity, and then we studied that exact same thing, was probably the greatest relief for me. That was one of the biggest reasons I would not become a member of any other church before joining the Iglesia Ni Cristo. The idea that this Church only uses the Bible to teach and to conduct worship services was another big point. With so many other organizations that use their own created books and made up canons and ceremonies, it really was a relief that I found this Church that uses only the Bible, and no other sources, as the basis of faith. All the lessons guided my decision closer and closer to becoming a member.
Another factor that greatly influenced my decision was the warmth of the brethren. From day one, I was treated like family. The members are truly united and are a single big family. Every service and every event, I felt part of something truly greater than myself.
These are all factors to me becoming a member, but after my first service, my life started to become generally easier. Many things started to fall into place for me. I honestly believe that God was presenting me a path and it was up to me to firmly grasp it and allow myself to finally obtain what I have been searching for.
There were those who ask me questions about why I believed in a “Philippine” church that is not that old. Those questions really became very easy to answer. I normally would ask the person with questions to come and join me to a service and when that did not work, I would do my best to explain that the Iglesia Ni Cristo is that same Church that Jesus Himself started and is the one true Church and the only path to salvation. I would further explain that this Church is not a Philippine church. Sure, the Messenger in these last days was a Filipino and the Administration and Central Office is based in the Philippines, but it is truly a worldwide Church.
When I moved to the Philippines, I felt persecution. I have noticed loud music being played by neighboring houses or buildings during our worship services. I have also experienced the price of a rent being increased after the landlord found out I am Iglesia Ni Cristo. As a foreigner, I try to not let my emotions get the best of me when talking to nonmembers here in the Philippines to not be insulting or disrespectful in any way. I have no contempt for members of other religious groups. I even invite them to our evangelical missions or even at worship services. I notice that when I am outside the chapel before and after the service, many people would curiously look at me, probably wondering why a non-Filipino is a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. If you really believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, then please listen with an open mind and a clear heart. Come and attend our evangelical missions. Take an hour out of your day and just see for yourself what we are all about. Do not let friends or family make your choices in life, especially on such an important matter. There is no harm to just get a clear and better understanding about the Church Of Christ. We are a family here at the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
Reach Out
If you wish to acquire a deeper understanding of our Church Doctrines and have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We would be delighted to direct you to one of our local resident ministers in your vicinity. Kindly include any queries you may have so that we may forward your inquiry in advance. Thank you.
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(Eph. 4:29, Amplified Bible)
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(1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Amplified Bible)