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Three days before the 55th anniversary of their local congregation, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members from Mantibugao, in the Ecclesiastical District of Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, thanked God for such a milestone through a special gathering at their house of worship on May 12, 2024.
Brother Benjamin Pelias, district supervising minister, led the holy occasion. In his biblical preaching, he reminded the brethren of God’s kindness to the Church in its entirety and to its individual members as well.
“That must motivate them,” Brother Pelias said, “to never forget praising and glorifying God, that is, they must never forsake the worship services, among His other commandments.”
“Despite having experienced difficulties, with God’s help, I still uphold my Church membership,” said Ernesto Enriquez Sr., head deacon. “I am all the more inspired to help in sharing the faith here in our area.”
“For me, witnessing our local congregation reached its 55th year is a great blessing from God. I experienced severe illnesses back then, but I remain unhindered in upholding my worship of God,” shared Rogelio Toyum, one of the local congregation’s pioneer members.
“Back then, persecutions were so harsh. People around would entice us to violate God’s teachings,” shared another pioneer member, Alfredo Saguilongan. “Be that as it may, I made sure that I hold on to what is right,” he added.
As the brethren in Mantibugao, especially the pioneer members, reflect on the congregation’s successes through the years, “we recognize that God is the One Who made those possible. He is the One we must always be thankful to,” said Brother Christian Denise Ua-o, resident minister.
Mantibugao Congregation was established in 1969. Its house of worship, located in the town of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon Province, Philippines, is 30 kilometers away from the district office at Cagayan de Oro City. — With reports from Teddy John Mañale of INC News Section
