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In an awe-inspiring display of faith and unity, thousands of Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members from the ecclesiastical districts in Metro Manila and those in the neighbouring province of Bulacan, in the Philippines, brought guests to the worship service and evangelical mission officiated at by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, at the Philippine Arena, in Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue, Bulacan.
The lesson during the said sacred occasion imparted a profound biblical message on heeding God’s warnings and following His will to ensure salvation. Drawing parallels between the government’s issuance of warnings in the face of impending disasters and God’s own warnings to His people, Brother Eduardo Manalo reminded the attendees, brethren and guests alike, of the importance of being vigilant and fully prepared. It was a reminder not only to be ready for the challenges of the world but, more importantly, for the ultimate catastrophe that is bound to happen—the Day of Judgment.
The momentous occasion, was streamed live to the local congregations around the world, including those that were celebrating their respective milestone anniversaries. The world’s largest indoor arena, with its capacity of 55,000, was filled to the brim, a manifestation of the brethren’s enthusiasm.
The prayer before the preaching of God’s words was led by Brother Eufracio B. Castillo Jr. while Brother Romer D. Galang led the prayer after the Executive Minister’s preaching. Brother Ernesto V. Suratos led the offertory prayer. Afterwards, Brother Eduardo Manalo himself said the benediction.
Philippine Arena, Bocaue, Bulacan
By Mylene Tamondong Reyes
Brother Redel Boncolmo was one of the deacons who performed at the worship service and evangelical mission held at the Philippine Arena. His commitment aligned with the lesson taught during the gathering—preparing for the terrifying disaster at hand.
During the study of God’s words, the Executive Minister expounded from the Bible that on Judgment Day, God will pour down His intense anger, and there will be destruction, and devastation. Everyone who has sinned is destined to be punished and not even the lustrous gleam of silver and gold will guarantee salvation because the entire world will be consumed by fire and it will come to an absolute end. To be saved, man ought to obey the command of the Lord Jesus Christ to enter or join the flock—the Church Of Christ.
This call of the Executive Minister resonated strongly to Brother Redel, a dedicated firefighter by profession, a deacon and finance officer in the Local Congregation of Biñang 1st, Ecclesiastical District of Bulacan South. His devotion, and seemingly fearless approach to his arduous profession in responding to emergency situations such as fire, among others, reflects his resolute commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
For a person accustomed to confronting life-threatening situations, the concept of salvation takes on a unique significance. “Responding to emergencies to save others’ lives and properties are our goals as firefighters,” Brother Redel shared, “but as a member of the Church Of Christ, it is my topmost objective to save not only others’ lives but their souls as well. As taught by Brother Eduardo Manalo, we must save others from suffering in the lake of fire.”
Embracing this God-given duty, Brother Redel and his household help in the intensified works of propagation. His words echo with conviction: “I impart to others that heeding God’s warnings is an imperative because what He warns about will take place regardless of human desire or preference. The Day of Judgment is inevitably approaching.”
Likewise, Sister Josephine Gante, a deaconess from Ciudad de Victoria Congregation, Bulacan South District, grabs every opportunity to share the true faith whenever she possibly could. She enthused, “It’s not easy to convince people, but if we believe in the power of God, we don’t need to be afraid to approach people and invite them to evangelical missions.”
Before the worship service and evangelical mission at the Philippine Arena, torrential rains kept pouring for days causing massive floodings in Bulacan, and nearby provinces, and among those that were devastated was the house of Sister Josephine. Despite the situation, she continued helping in the work of propagation by persuading her friends and relatives to attend the said gathering. “Even though I experienced intense challenges during that time, I didn’t stop fulfilling my duty. It only made my faith stronger,” she said.
Richelle Ones, one of Sister Josephine’s guests that day, relayed, “I have learned a lot from Brother Eduardo Manalo. It felt comforting when I listened to the sermon that is based on the Bible. I also truly admire what the Church is doing despite the poverty the world is experiencing.”
Palmerston City, Northern Territory, Australia
By Dianne Karmille Cabang
It was a special day for the brethren in Palmerston City Local Congregation, Ecclesiastical District of Australia West, as they were able to witness the worship service and evangelical mission led by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, via livestreaming.
In 2008, many migrants from the Philippines arrived in Northern Territory’s largest and capital city of Darwin. Among them were the Ampeloquio Family, consisted of Brother Reagan and Sister Irish, and their two young children back then. They were part of the then Darwin Group Worship Service (GWS) which later on became two congregations—Darwin and Palmerston City in 2018.
The couple shared how they were inspired by the biblical preaching of the Executive Minister about holding on firmly in their divine election, among other preparations taught by the Bible, to be saved on Judgment Day. “As parents, we strive to exercise a good and Christian way of living especially in raising our children as well as urging the brethren to do the same,” said Brother Reagan, one of the head deacons.
Sister Irish, a finance officer, concurred with her husband by saying, “Since we came here, we have been leading and guiding our children at their young age in attending the worship service. They grew up seeing how we dedicate ourselves in serving the Lord and performing our duties.”
The family had to face a great ordeal in 2022. Sister Irish was diagnosed with a brain tumor. But despite that, the Ampeloquios remained steadfast in their faith by trusting in God and in what He can do for them. Instead of worrying too much about her health condition, Sister Irish never lost hope, because according to her, “We really need to go through a lot of trials. But what’s important is that we continue to hold on and remain inside the Church.” Brother Reagan added, “We are grateful to God because we got the needed strength through His words.” God granted their fervent prayer as Sister Irish’s operation was successful, and as of this writing, she is steadily recovering.
In spite of what they went through, the family continues to uphold their duty to share God’s words by encouraging some of their friends to enlist as Bible students on doctrines. Sister Irish shared, “Just like what we heard from the worship service, if you know that some people are going to be in danger, you will warn them because you want them to be safe. That’s why we strive to do our best to invite others for their own sake and salvation on Judgment Day. It is out of our love for them that we do it.”
Alabang, Muntinlupa
By Adrian Suarnaba
A huge part of Alabang, a village in Metro Manila’s southern city of Muntinlupa, used to be a livestock farmland during the early 1900s (theurbanroamer.com). Now, it has been transformed into one of the country’s prominent central business districts. Another notable growth in the area is the Church Of Christ, specifically the Local Congregation of Alabang, Ecclesiastical District of Metro Manila South, which was established in 1928. Just a few steps away from a famous massive urban hub is where the congregation’s magnificent 1,500-seater house of worship stands.
Although 50 kilometers away from the host site, Brother Ely Valera, a head deacon who also performed his duty on the worship service led by Brother Eduardo Manalo, felt the love and concern of the Executive Minister as he taught the words of God from the Bible. With the same compassion towards others, Brother Ely reflected, “As members of the Church Of Christ, we are doing everything we can so that our fellowmen, neighbors, and loved ones would not perish when Judgment Day comes, but instead receive the promised salvation.”
As a manifestation of his genuine concern, he led the brethren under his care to invite many guests to attend, so that they can hear God’s teachings and get to know more about the Church Of Christ, as well. “That’s why,” Brother Ely shared, “I brought my coworkers to our house of worship that day. We also hold regular Bible studies on basic doctrines in one of the construction sites where I work as a contractor. I continuously persuade them to attend worship services either in our congregation or at the other congregations in the area near our site.”
Like many other people, Brother Ely also experiences trials and problems in life, but he does not allow these to hinder him from actively performing his God-given obligations, among which is helping the Church Administration in the intensified works of propagation. He promised, “I will never stop encouraging people to convert to the Church Of Christ. Because it is only through joining this Church and remaining in it until the end that they can receive God’s promises, the greatest of which is the eternal life in heaven.”
