Bong Aviola
Member Profile
Alvin E. Aviola “Bong”
Conductor
Before I was saved, I was so insecure about my relationship with God and even about myself. I had always been a Christian; at least I thought I was. I attended Sunday school, sang in the choir, grew up eventually and conducted the choir!
When I was in college a friend approached me and asked me this question: “Brother, are you saved?” I just stared at him, absolutely not knowing how I was supposed to answer such a question.
The years passed, and I became more and more a man of the world! I was puffed up with my achievements, and I chose the wide and well-trodden path that people follow to destruction. In 2005, while on tour with the Himig Singers in Canada, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my pride and my sinfulness. And so, broken, defeated, humiliated, I came to Jesus at the end of my rope. He knew exactly who I was, what I had done, and what kind of person I had become; and yet He loved me and embraced me with open arms. His truth set me free from the chains of personal failure, guilt and shame! Now, by His grace alone, I can be foolish in the eyes of the world!
As we continued to sing in different churches in Canada, I experienced His faithfulness and comfort even in difficult times. At one point most of us in the group had so little money we could not even buy soap or toothpaste! But together we continued to trust in His provision. And the Lord provided, working through wonderful Christians who became for us the arms of Jesus! Every time, in our moments of need, when circumstances threatened to overwhelm us, His grace proved more than sufficient for us.
Since then, I have never felt more secure about my relationship with God. And because of this security I have a better understanding of who I am in God’s eyes. Now I have a confidence that cannot be shaken because I know that beyond all of life’s struggles and difficulties, and even if I die, I will have eternal life in heaven with Him.
