The truth sets me free

[William Altobar]

I’m William Altobar from Manila,Philippines, born Feb. 4, 1963. I am working as a General Physician at Valenzuela City, Metro Manila. When I was young I dreamt of becoming a doctor someday. But in my High School and College life I became an easy going person. It seems that I was a good son and an introvert person but occasionally I went out drinking heavily with my friends. During vacation, I drink beer everyday alone at home just for fun and practice. Among my peers, I am unbeatable when it comes to drinking. In College I prayed to have a girlfriend thinking that it might become a source of joy plus drinking and study. But my drinking habit progress and instead of courting a girl I end up visiting prostitute’s house. My grades went down dramatically and I could nearly pass my subjects. But deep within me I was always asking what is the meaning of my existence and with all that I was doing I cannot find joy and peace that I was longing for.
In February 1985 I was introduced to Ron Quilaton. He is a Filipino-American studying Medicine at Fatima Medical College at that time, where I was studying Medicine also . He came from Dr. Ben’s fellowship. He invited me to bible study. Through my bible studies with him many questions in my mind were answered and I received Jesus as my Savior and Lord of my life. I realized how sinful I am and how Jesus suffered for me. He bore all my shame and guilt on the cross. I received John 8:31-32 as my personal key verse. I was very thankful to God for freeing me from my drinking habit, smoking and lust. I prayed that may God use me as His instrument. I thank God that up to now by God’s grace I am still here serving Him. God blessed me with caring coworkers, beautiful wife and 6 children. My prayer is that God may grant me wisdom in leading Phil. UBF. I pray that God may bless this coming semester with young students who are hungry for His words. May God bless the start of putting up new church at Antipolo. I thank God for Dr. Ben and Shep. Cristy, Westloop Church and Chicago center who continuously support us in many ways.