The story of how Dr. Fabian Solis Tolete found his way to the Seventh-day Adventist faith is a reminder that no matter how much we may have achieved in life, there is always room for God to fill the empty spaces within us, bringing true peace and purpose. It is also a story of how God uses ordinary individuals and interactions to bring about extraordinary transformations. I can only praise God for the privilege of being His instrument in such a journey.
Meeting Doc Jun
I first met Doc Jun in 2023 while working as a company nurse at Camp John Hay Golf Club. He was well-known not only for his skill as a private surgeon for Lepanto Mining but also for his impressive achievements as a multi-awarded golfer. Doc Jun came from a family of professionals—his father was a doctor, his mother a teacher, and most of his siblings lived abroad. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, had four accomplished children, and was a widower, his late wife, Carmencita Marrero, having come from a well-respected family in Baguio.
Doc Jun would regularly visit our clinic to check his vital signs, and it was through these visits that I felt called to share Christ’s love with him. I prayed earnestly about it, and soon, began handing him leaflets and booklets about God and the Adventist faith. Although I was working as a company nurse, the heart of a missionary remained strong within me, having previously served as a literature evangelist (LE).
Engaging in Simple Conversations
As we talked more, we shared life stories. One day, while showing me pictures of his grandchildren, I mentioned The Bible Story, a story set for children that I thought would make a beautiful gift for them. To my surprise, he agreed to buy it. What truly amazed me though was when he expressed interest in doing a Bible study. It felt like a miracle—“Kasla nak lang nakangeg nga tuleng” (I was as if a deaf person were able to hear).
From that moment, our Bible study journey began. During one of our deeper conversations, Doc Jun opened up about the pain of his father leaving when he was a child. He confessed that despite many achievements, there was still a void in his heart. Gently, I suggested that perhaps God had allowed these things to happen so that He could be the One to fill the emptiness in his heart.
At that moment, Doc Jun broke down and cried, releasing emotions he had carried for so long. It was then that I reminded him that after all he had achieved, now was the perfect time to surrender his heart to the One who could heal his deepest wounds.
After that conversation, we continued with our Bible study sessions. Sometimes, I would accompany him to Catholic mass, where he was an active member and held a high position in the Knights of Columbus. Other times, we had Bible study sessions at fine restaurants, where we would talk for hours. Initially, I offered to pay for the meals, but eventually, he insisted on covering the bill, which always made me laugh. These sessions were not just about studying scripture; they became moments of healing, learning, and spiritual growth.
Making the Decision
After about six months, I introduced him to Pastor and Mrs. Maximino Cadalig, the president of Mountain Provinces Mission (MPM), the Seventh-day Adventist regional office in Baguio. Though still hesitant to fully commit to the Adventist faith, Doc Jun participated in various church activities—medical missions, hospital visits, and care groups for affluent individuals like himself. One day, I asked him to make a decision, telling him it was the right time because delaying could give the devil a chance to intervene. Although he wanted to consult his children, I reminded him that this was a personal decision and that the Bible study process had been leading him to hear God’s call.
Eventually, we visited the MPM, where we had a heartfelt conversation with Pastor Max. It was here that Doc Jun finally decided to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. After months of prayer and reflection, and with tears in his eyes, he was ready to fully commit his life to Christ. It was a powerful moment, and we all felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. On July 6, 2024, Pastor Max baptized Doc Jun, a special occasion attended by the Mission administrators and the friends he had made in the churches we visited.
Since then, Doc Jun has become eager to share his newfound faith with his family, friends, and colleagues. He is now on fire for mission work, reaching out to his affluent peers and relatives to share the same truth that changed his life. The Lord has filled the void in his heart, and he is excited to serve in whatever way God calls him.
Living the Gospel
Looking back, I realize that it’s often through the most simple encounters that the most significant changes take place. In my journey, especially as a nurse and a missionary at heart, I’ve seen how simple acts of kindness, listening, and sharing the Word can plant seeds of faith in others. Each encounter—whether in a clinic, over a meal, or during a casual conversation—has the potential to become a divine appointment.
What stands out to me is how God works through our willingness to be present in someone else’s life. With Doc Jun, it wasn’t just about giving Bible study guides or religious literature; it was about being there for him emotionally and spiritually, listening to his struggles, and showing him that God cares about his deepest pains. I see how God used my own background as an LE and my current role as a nurse to connect with people, build trust, and gradually introduce them to His love. This has taught me the value of patience, prayer, and the small steps that lead to major breakthroughs in someone’s spiritual journey. This is the essence of evangeliving – living the Gospel daily.
One of the greatest realizations I’ve had is that leading others to Jesus is not about forcing decisions or rushing people into faith. It’s about walking alongside them, just as Jesus walks with us, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts at the right time. My role is simply to be an instrument, showing compassion, sharing the truth, and letting God do the rest.
Each conversion story is a reminder that God is constantly at work, and we are blessed to be part of His mission, even in the smallest ways. This experience has deepened my own faith and commitment to continue serving wherever God places me, knowing that He has a purpose for every connection we make with others.