Jose Briones – Olathe, Colorado … Life has a way of throwing us into situations that test everything we believe in, and Manaan Jeronimo is no exception. His story is not about perfection, or a straight path, but how those moments shaped the person he is today.
“My dad made sure morning worship was non-negotiable,” Manaan said, reflecting on his Adventist upbringing. “It was just part of our life, like the sun coming up each morning. Those moments laid the foundation for everything I didn’t know I’d face later on.”
Growing up in Mexico in a tightly knit Adventist family, Manaan was immersed in scripture and prayer, creating memories that would become his touchstone through life’s chaos. But, like many young people, he felt the pull to explore what lay beyond the boundaries of his upbringing.
Manaan pursued a path into politics, setting his sights on public office in Mexico. It was a bold move for someone raised in such a spiritually grounded environment, and, for a while, it seemed like he was carving out a new place for himself in the world. Then came the moment that changed everything—a failed assassination attempt that left him shaken to his core.
“I’ll be honest, it scared me,” he admitted. “But more than that, it opened my eyes. I felt like God was telling me, ‘This isn’t the plan I had for you.’” That moment became the turning point: instead of letting fear consume him, Manaan turned back to the faith that had always been there waiting for him. He describes it as a homecoming—messy, emotional, but exactly what he needed.
His rediscovery of faith led him to the United States, where he found a new community at the Olathe Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Olathe, Colorado. “The church here embraced me like family,” he said. “It reminded me that no matter how far you wander, you can always come back. God’s love doesn’t expire.”
Manaan threw himself into service, spreading the message of hope and love that carried him through his darkest moments. He’s especially passionate about connecting with young people, showing them that faith isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. “I tell them, don’t wait for some ‘right time’ to let God into your life. Start wherever you are. His love meets you there.”
Now, Manaan stands as a steady presence within his church, a man whose life has been shaped by both struggle and redemption. His story isn’t just a testimony; it’s a reminder that even when life tries to break you, faith can put you back together in ways you never imagined.
—Jose Briones is lead pastor at the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church and is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.
