Celebrating SFM 50th: Ministerial students in PH, fresh graduates lead evangelical missions

By DAN RANIER NOOL

Date Posted: September 26, 2024

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On September 16, 2024, the exact day the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) School For Ministers (SFM) reached its 50th anniversary, the ministerial students in its main campus and extensions throughout the Philippines, including 1,434 fresh graduates, led Church members in bringing guests to evangelical missions.

Luzon

In the Ecclesiastical District of Benguet, SFM extension coordinator Brother Jessie Calugas officiated the evangelical mission that was held at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Baguio City. He taught from the Bible that true peace can only be found through becoming member of the true Church Of Christ.

“I’ve learned about having firm belief in the true God. It gave me a sense of peace and enlightenment from all of the misconceptions I’ve had growing up as my parents both have conflicting religious affiliations,” shared Shen Hui, a guest of the Local Congregation of Tuba.

In the Ecclesiastical District of Metro Manila East, newly-appointed regular ministerial workers together with the brethren brought hundreds of guests at the Ugong Congregation house of worship. Brother Israel Solano, SFM minister-instructor, taught the attendees that membership inside the Church Of Christ is essential for one’s attaining salvation on Judgment Day.

“I came to understand the reason Iglesia Ni Cristo members are dedicated in inviting people to attend gatherings such as this. It showed that their teachings are not exclusive to them but are also intended for other people too, for their salvation on Judgment Day,” said Princess Mae Nerizon, a guest invited by the Local Congregation of De Castro.

Visayas

In the Ecclesiastical Districts of Cebu City, Cebu and Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, whose jurisdictions include the SFM extensions in the country’s Visayas region, the evangelical mission was held at the houses of worship of the Local Congregations of Cebu City, and Talisay City in the Philippines, respectively.

Brother Reynaldo Gaper, SFM minister-instructor, led the one in Cebu City, while Brother Relito Gamboa, Bacolod City extension coordinator, at the latter said venue. Also the importance of being a member of the true Church was discussed on both occasions.

A guest of the Local Congregation of Taculing in Bacolod City, Ed Philipp Ramos commented that “Iglesia Ni Cristo members’ discipline is on point, which is why there are so many people eager to join this Church.”

“The biblical teachings were mind-opening, which is why I want to continue attending gatherings like this,” said Romeo Cañete, guest of the Local Congregation of Cordova in Cebu City. 

Mindanao

In the Ecclesiastical District of Sarangani, the propagational endeavor was held at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Calumpang with Brother Neil Galapon, SFM General Santos City extension coordinator, officiating. “The INC members’ dedication in sharing their belief to other people is very remarkable. Their welcoming presence was evident,” observed Jeric Bordago, a guest invited by the Local Congregation of Polomolok.

Brother Jonald Salvador, INC-SFM Davao City extension coordinator, preached during the evangelical mission that was held at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Gen. Malvar, and was attended by hundreds of guests.

Rex Aparicio, college instructor and a guest of the Local Congregation of Toril attested that during the evangelical mission he attended, “the biblical teachings the Iglesia Ni Cristo upholds differ so much from the dominant religion in our country. It makes me want to know more and see more of what this Church offers salvation-wise.” — With reports from Claidenn Villar and Jemaima Jamito