23102399@usc.edu.
ph
CHRISTIAN
WITNESSING
IN THE PHILIPPINE
CONTEXT
WHAT IS
WITNESSING?
In the Bible, the word “witness” is used to describe both a person
and an action—someone who sees something and then talks
about what they've seen. Similar to today, this word is used in
both legal settings and to describe an experience with God.
MATTHEW 28:19-20
19
Therefore, go and make disciples of all
the nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and the Son and the Holy
Spirit. Teach these new disciples to
20
obey all the commands I have given you.
And be sure of this: I am with you always,
even to the end of the age.”
Witnessing will stimulate your
spiritual growth, lead you to pray and
study God's Word, and encourage you
to depend on Christ. You will experience
the tremendous privilege and honor of
representing Jesus to the world.
SAINTS WHO
WITNESSED FOR
CHRIST
Around the World
In the Philippines
In Cebu
ST. PAUL
1st Century
Witness through Evangelization:
Formerly Saul, converted on the road to
Damascus
Became one of Christianity’s most influential
missionaries
Traveled extensively to spread the Gospel
through preaching and letters
Writings, particularly the Epistles, remain
central to Christian theology
ST. IGNATIUS
OF ANTIOCH
c. 35-107 AD
Witness through Letters and Martyrdom:
Bishop of Antioch, one of the early Church
Fathers
Strong defender of Christian doctrine and unity
Wrote letters to Christian communities while
being taken to Rome for execution
His writings demonstrate commitment to the
truth of the Gospel, even unto death
ST. THOMAS
MORE
1478-1535
Witness through Conscience:
English lawyer and statesman, martyred for his
faith
Refused to recognize King Henry VIII as head
of the Church of England
Executed for refusing to swear the Oath of
Supremacy
Famous for his final words: "I die the King's
faithful servant, but God's first."
ST. FRANCIS OF
ASSISSI
1181-1226
Witness through Humility and Service:
Renounced wealth to live a life of poverty and
humility
Founded the Franciscan order, focusing on
service to the poor and love for creation
Known for receiving the stigmata, the wounds
of Christ
His life exemplified the Gospel’s call to love
God and neighbor above all.
ST. TERESA OF
AVILA
1515-1582
Witness through Mystical Prayer and Reform:
Spanish Carmelite nun and mystic, reformed
the Carmelite order
Writings on prayer, mysticism, and the interior
life deeply influenced Christian spirituality
Emphasized simplicity, contemplation, and
deep communion with God
Her reform of the order emphasized prayer
and personal transformation
SERVANT OF GOD,
ANTONIO
VALERIANO
1940s-1970s
Lay Leader and Witness:
Prominent Catholic lay leader in the Philippines
Dedicated life to evangelizing and promoting
the faith among Filipino families
Helped renew Catholic lay movements in the
Philippines
Influenced Filipino Christian spirituality through
his leadership and service.
SERVANT OF
GOD, GOMBURZA
MARTYRS
1515-1582
• Executed in 1872 during Spanish colonial period.
• Martyrs for justice, religious freedom, and
Filipino nationalism.
• Their deaths symbolized the fight for dignity and
justice.
• Venerated as martyrs, they continue to inspire
Filipino Christians.
SAN PEDRO
CALUNGSOD
1654-1672
Martyr and Missionary:
Filipino catechist and missionary who worked
in Guam
Martyred at 17 for evangelizing and baptizing a
child
Stoned to death for his commitment to
spreading Christianity
Beatified in 2000, canonized in 2012; a symbol
of courage and sacrifice.
source: youtube.com/CCFmainTV
HOW TO BE AN
EFFECTIVE WITNESS
FOR CHRIST?
BEING AN EFFECTIVE WITNESS FOR
CHRIST IS ABOUT LIVING IN A WAY
THAT REFLECTS HIS LOVE AND
TRUTH, AS WELL AS ACTIVELY
SHARING THE MESSAGE OF THE
GOSPEL WITH OTHERS.
— UNKNOWN AUTHOR
1. LIVE OUT YOUR FAITH
Authentic Lifestyle: Your actions should reflect your beliefs. People are more likely to
listen to your words if they see your faith in Christ transforming your life.
Love Others: Christ commanded His followers to love one another (John 13:34-35).
Showing love, kindness, and compassion to others speaks volumes about the heart of
God.
Integrity: Be consistent in your actions, whether at home, work, or in social settings. A
life of integrity and honesty will point others to Christ.
2. KNOW THE BIBLE
Understand the Message: Be clear on the core message of the Gospel: that all people
have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, but Jesus came to save us by His death,
burial, and resurrection, offering forgiveness and eternal life (Romans 3:23, Romans
6:23, John 3:16).
Know Scripture: The Bible is the foundation of your witness. Familiarize yourself with
key Bible verses and stories that highlight God’s love and the salvation found in Jesus
(e.g., John 14:6, Romans 10:9-13).
3. BE SENSITIVE TO THE
HOLY SPIRIT
Listen to God’s Promptings: The Holy Spirit guides us in our interactions with others. He
can give you opportunities to share your faith and give you the right words to say at the
right time (Acts 1:8).
Pray for Boldness: Pray for courage and boldness to share your faith. In Acts 4:29, the
apostles prayed for boldness in speaking God’s Word, and God answered their prayer.
4. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
Genuine Connections: Effective witnessing is often relational. Take time to build
genuine friendships with people, showing interest in their lives, struggles, and needs.
Listen More Than You Speak: People are more likely to listen to you if they feel heard
and understood. Take time to listen to others’ perspectives before sharing your own.
Serve Others: Acts of kindness and service can open doors for conversations about
faith. Sometimes showing love through action can be more powerful than words.
5. BE READY TO SHARE
YOUR STORY
Personal Testimony: Your own story of how Christ changed your life is one of the most
powerful tools you have as a witness. Be ready to share how you encountered Jesus,
what He has done in your life, and how you’ve experienced His love and grace.
Keep It Simple: When sharing your testimony, keep it simple and clear. Focus on the
key elements: your life before Christ, how you came to know Him, and what He has
done for you since.
6. WITNESS TOGETHER
WITH A GROUP
Invite Others to Church: Bring friends, family, and neighbors to church with you,
especially when there’s a guest speaker or special event that might be a good fit.
Share Resources: Share books, podcasts, videos, or articles that have helped you in
your faith journey. Sometimes resources can open doors to deeper conversations.
Be Involved in Outreach: Get involved in local or global missions, community outreach,
or volunteer opportunities where you can serve others and share the Gospel.
7. TRUST GOD WITH THE
RESULTS
Leave the Outcome to God: You can’t save anyone—only God can. Be faithful to share
the Gospel and trust God with the results. Some will accept the message, and others
will not, but your responsibility is to be faithful in planting seeds (1 Corinthians 3:6-9).
The authority to witness is from Jesus
(Matthew 28:19 , 20 ).
The power and boldness to witness is given as a
result of the work of the Holy Spirit
(Mark 16:17-20 ; Acts 1:8 ).
The willingness to witness is a decision each
one must make. The message to share is the
simple truth that “God loves you”.
It’s not about being perfect or having all the
answers, but about being available, willing, and
faithful to represent Jesus in your words, actions,
and relationships.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God can
use your testimony to bring others to Himself.
23102399@usc.edu.ph
CHRISTIAN
WITNESSING
IN THE PHILIPPINE
CONTEXT
