“…Alalahanin ninyo ang inyong katayuan noong kayo’y tawagin ng Diyos. Iilan laman sa inyo ang matatawag na marunong, makapangyarihan at maharlika, sa paningin ng tao. Subatlit pinili ng Diyos ang mga naturingang hangal sa sanlibutan upang hiyain  ang marurunong, at pinili niya ang mga naturingang mahihina upang hiyan ang malalakas…” –1 Timoteo 1:26-27

Heartfelt congratulations to Senator Manny Pacquiao for his impressive and convincing split-decision victory last Sunday over his much-younger opponent Keith Thurman. With the win, the Pinoy boxer, now 40 years old, provided the American boxer with his first loss, became the super welterweight champion, and now holds a 62-7-2 record.
Pacquiao has come a long way. The life of a billionaire, champion boxer, lawmaker, sought-after product endorser, and preacher is a far cry from the boxer I came to know in the 1980s, when he was first starting his career. During those days, he was content with leasing a dingy, “below-the-road-level” room in Malabon City; he was even unable to make rent and was often threatened with eviction.
I was first introduced to the boxer by the late boxing promoter Rodolfo ‘Ompong’ Nazario, who called me to contact Pacquiao’s landlord in order to give him more time. After making a call, they agreed to let him stay (especially after being informed that the room often flooded with ankle-deep, murky water). Following that occasion, the “Pambansang Kamao” went on to capture successive victories but I have since lost contact with him. However, at that first meeting, I already had an inkling he would be instrumental in bringing people back to God. I saw his humble heart—a heart that will always defer to God’s will.

Does Pacquiao have the right to preach the word?
Based on my readings and discussions with members of the Children of God Blood Kin of the Christ Church, or the Simbahang Anak ng Diyos Kadugo Ni Kristo (AND KNK), despite Pacquiao having no formal training as a preacher, God often sends those who belong to the lowest classes of society.
According to 1 Corinthian 1:26-27: “God calls those who have less in life, those who have nothing in terms of riches and power, to shame the rich, the powerful, and the intelligent ones. The truth is that, performing God’s work of preaching and saving souls are not dependent on one’s status in life. It is dependent on the heart of man, especially a heart that wishes to truly serve God.”
As far as AND KNK is concerned, God has shown the truth in the passage because church members who have no college degree and wealth, even those deprived of certain rights, are able to guide and teach others. The only qualification AND KNK holds is to ensure members appear willing to preach and save souls based on the truth of the word of God.

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