Recently, they were asked the following questions:  Can you tell us a little more about yourselves? Why did you choose the Metropolitan SDA church family? Do you have any advice you’d like to give to us?

Below is their response:

We are both retired from the educational system having worked with the  Brownsville ISD for many years. We moved to Sugar Land in 2003 from Rancho Viejo, Texas  to be  closer to family. Most of Joe’s siblings live in this area. We have two adult children and one granddaughter. At the present time we help care for our granddaughter  in Pearland. Joe likes to give Bible studies and is currently involved in doing this. Elida helps take care of her sister who is very sick. We decided to attend the MET SDA Church because it is closer to our home and also because it is a friendly church. We also enjoy the weekly potlucks.

Joe and Elida, may God continue to shower you with his richest blessings as you serve our church!

Tell us a little about yourself

I am eagerly waiting and actively participating to see Christ’s prophecy fulfilled to the end. I’ve grown up expecting Christ’s return since I was little, thanks to my parents who have very strong faith.

Baptist is my background denomination; my grandfather was a pastor. In fact, he baptized me. Because of my upbringing, Jesus has always been real to me. I knew exactly why I decided to be baptized at the age of 11 or so. My walk since then has been quite a growing process. One that has taken many turns through a wilderness of my own choosing, and yet still He has been able to accomplish His perfect will for me by teaching me through my mistakes.

One of my recent revelations (I had begun to doubt that there was anything left to know) was the Truth about Saturday or Sabbath worship. For a long time, I couldn’t connect the Old Testament to the New, besides the prophecies. I now know that the seventh day is a day set aside so that I can rest and have pure fellowship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. As trivial as it may seem (and it did seem that way at first), the day which we consider “The Day of the Lord” does matter. Who are we to decide what day to give Him? He’s asked me to “remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.” After realizing this, I had to obey. So here I am, thankful that now I have a stronger witness that separates me from the rest of the world. Praise God.

Why did you choose Metropolitan?

My boyfriend and I decided we needed to find a church that worshipped on Saturdays… not Saturday evenings… Saturdays. We just had to google “Saturday worship services in Houston, TX.” MetSDA was the first that came up! We were so attracted by the welcoming members and honest testimonies/sermons. Oh, and the potluck is great, too : ) Right away, we found our area of service in the church. This was a huge answer to my persistent prayers to God.

Do you have any favorite memory verses or advice you’d like to share our members?

My favorite Psalm is Psalm 27. It was referenced in a letter that my grandfather gave to me before I went off to college.

My advice would be the same advice he gave me:

Don’t be impatient with your life… or in too much of a hurry to grow up.
Make relationships and memories.
God has a plan for you; find it and follow it.
Don’t let others set your pace.
Read Psalms and Proverbs every day. Let the words sink into your heart and think about them.

Metropolitan SDA is ready and waiting for you with open arms. Just remember, there is a purpose for you here when you come!

Tell us a little about yourself

We are a family that loves the Lord and thrive everyday to serve Him better. Matt was born November 5; Kristel and Kevin were born on April 2, and Kassia was born on October 8. Matthew, Kristel, and Kevin love, and are active, in sports. We would love to get involved in church activities, especially the youth activities and be active participants of the church mission statement.

Why did you choose Metropolitan?

We love the age mixture, the friendliness, and the way we felt welcomed. We also love how the church is involved with its youth.

Do you have any favorite memory verses or advice you’d like to share to our members?

Our favorite verses are: Psalm 37:3-4, Proverbs 3:5-6, Hebrews 12:1-2

Adults: continue to be positive role models to our youth

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I like challenge and dynamics. That is why I ended up in Metropolitan SDA church. I am also a risk taker. Perhaps, that is the reason why I came to Houston where I have no relatives and friends in the beginning.

I am currently doing graduate studies in Chemistry/Chemical Biology at the University of Houston.

I like spending time with my wife and watching movies, aside from doing my research dealing with dangerous/hazardous chemicals.

Why did you choose Metropolitan?

The church is like a one big family. The church is alive, dynamic, innovative, and gifted with many talents. With the active involvement of the youth and the full support of the parents/leaders of the church, I could see a bright future ahead. This is the place where I want to grow my children. Moreover, the church members are very accommodating and helpful to newcomers.

I have never found a church as kind and generous as the Metropolitan SDA church. I had been to different churches in Singapore and Houston, but Metro SDA Church is remarkable and stunningly generous and supportive.

Lastly, the church is spiritual and Christ-centered.

I am very glad to share my insights about the church.

Would you like to say any other thing to our readers and members?

Focus on Christ and not on the church physical attributes, including its members. Keep in mind that there is no perfect church. I am very certain that a perfect church is nowhere to be found in this world.

Having Christ in a church is what matters most to me, and that is what we need.

My full name is Dinah de los Santos Piamonte. I was born in July 1968 at Union, Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province in the Philippines. I am married and have 2 daughters. I am a hard-working mom, friendly, and God-fearing.

Why did you choose Metropolitan?

Metropolitan church members are warm-hearted, approachable, and very hospitable. I am comfortable being here, and they make me feel at home. I’m so happy to be a part of this church family.

Is there anything else you’d like to share our church members and online readers?

I would like to share 2 of my favorite verses:

“Keep thy heart with all diligence, For out of it are issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

God bless the Metropolitan Church!!!

Welcome Dinah to our church family!