The celebration for the diamond anniversary of the Local Congregation of Solis, Ecclesiastical District of Maynila, in the Philippines, continues to further edify the brethren. As after a couple of months after it reached 75 years, the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, officiated at a worship service at the congregation’s house of worship. The 1,050-seater holy edifice was filled to the brim by brethren, each rendered thanksgiving and praises to the Lord God.

The seven and a half decades of blessings is a milestone that manifests God’s faithful love for the congregation. The brethren were able to uphold their firm faith through the years. The guidance of God’s teachings that the Church Administration consistently teaches made them adamant in their conviction.

During the worship service, the opening prayer was led by Brother Reynaldo G. Arizala, Jr., assistant district supervising minister, then the Executive Minister preached a Bible-based lesson. He emphasized the importance of putting God first and trusting Him completely.

This is so timely amid the prevalence of misleading ideologies posted mostly on social media. Church members must not be swayed by such. Instead, they must place their trust in the Almighty God. This can be expressed through prayers. By drawing near to God, they will be shown the path towards a spiritual life worthy of attaining salvation.

Pondering on the lesson taught, Sister Ana Myreen Lizarondo, a finance officer, easily related what she and her household experienced at the start of this year. She shared, “My husband died on January 26, a day before my birthday, due to heart attack. Despite what happened, as what the Executive Minister taught, we should be solid in our faith and remain calm whatever trials may come into our lives because God will never leave us, continue to pray to Him, and remember that He will never give us a trial that He knows we cannot face.”

 Life will always have its troubles, yet one thing must be certain for God’s chosen ones—to serve God no matter what. Such conviction is what Brother Glenn Cheung, a head deacon, exhibits as he holds on to the lessons continuously being taught by the Church Administration. He narrated, “Since we are still here living in this world, more and more obstacles will come to us. That’s why we should always remember what the Executive Minister taught. We should have courage and hope in what prayers can do. Everything that we are facing now in life is only temporary. All the worries and struggles will end if we are able to finish our race with the help of our Lord.”

Church Of Christ members know that the tribulations in life is part of completing their race towards salvation. This conviction is further bolstered as God will always provide help for them. The life experiences of Brother Noel Tiangco, a choir leader, affirm this. Three decades back, he can still vividly remember how God’s help manifested in his life.

“Before my father passed away, my entire family knew that he was already on the verge of death because of the condition of his heart,” recalled Brother Noel. As the eldest child of the family, a huge responsibility was placed on Brother Noel’s shoulders. “It was a challenging period to lose a parent and then, be tasked with the duty of leading the family. I prayed persistently and continued performing all of my duties as an officer in the Church.”

Most importantly, he and his family recognized that his father’s passing was a test from God. He truly believed that the Almighty Father will not give them trials they could not handle. Brother Noel said, “We were reminded that life has to go on for my mother and for us, our entire family. My father has finished his race as an active officer and member of the Church Of Christ. Now, we must ensure that we will also do the same.”

Concluding his homily, Brother Eduardo Manalo encouraged the faithful to uphold their devotional prayers to God for He is the only One who will be able to truly help them strive and prevail over hindrances. As they run towards the finish line and complete the race God has set before them, they were exhorted to hold on to their calling to be saved on Judgment Day. The Executive Minister also prayed to God to provide the brethren with the things they need in this life, most importantly His spiritual blessings.

Brother Romer D. Galang led the closing prayer while Brother Glicerio P. Santos IV led the prayer for the voluntary offerings. The benediction was said by Brother Bienvenido C. Santiago.

The faith of the members was the reason the Local Congregation of Solis was able to reach another milestone. This was done with the enduring help of the Almighty God Who has never allowed the Church to weaken, but only grow in strength. Brother Henry Macatuno Sr., the present resident minister, attested, “The strength, courage, and steadfast hope of the brethren are proven to be unwavering.”

This faith was even more edified through the pastoral visitation of the Executive Minister, which has left nothing but additional inspiration to the Church members to always be a light to the world—to shine as members of the true Church Of Christ.

By Nicole Joei-Ann Lizarondo