Series of activities held in Hawaii to celebrate INC 110th anniversary

By VINCE T. BASCO

Date Posted: August 18, 2024

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In unity of their brethren all over the world, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members from the Ecclesiastical District of Hawaii-Pacific commemorated the Church’s 110th Anniversary. This they did by attending and taking part in a series of activities that included a baptism, Police Appreciation Day, and INConcert.

Baptism

The baptism was held on July 22 at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Ewa Beach.

Brother Gem Baitan, district supervising minister, officiated at the baptismal service during which he delivered a lesson for the further preparation and edification of the baptismal candidates.

In part, he reminded that upon receiving baptism, they ought to all the more uphold God’s teachings, especially the intensive renewal of life, for them to remain firm in the true faith as they hold tight their hope for salvation.

“I feel renewed after all that I’ve been through in life,” Joshua De Jesus, newly-baptized member from the Local Congregation of Waipahu, attested. “This is a proof that God still loves and cares for me,” he added.

“I will do all my duties to God in the Church,” said Patricia Tugaoen, also a newly-baptized member from the same congregation. She even shared that she is “interested in holding a Church office … in the choir.”

Meanwhile, the day before the baptism, the marquee of the Hawaii Theatre located along Bethel Street, Honolulu displayed “Happy 110th anniversary Iglesia Ni Cristo ‒ Church Of Christ. Praise be to God” in bold letters.

And, on July 27, the very day of the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s anniversary, the Aloha Tower in 155 Ala Moana Blvd. lit up with the Church’s colors—green, white, and red—as the city’s way of greeting the members, especially those residing within its limits. 

Police Appreciation Day

That very same day, the members of the Local Congregation of American Samoa held an Appreciation Day at the station of the American Samoa Police Department in the village of Tafuna.

Led by Brother Brian Aniciete, resident minister, the activity aimed to show gratitude to the police officers for their selfless service and dedication to maintaining peace and order in the community.

“Law enforcement makes selfless sacrifices in order to protect and serve the community,” Brother Anicete explained. “So, it’s only fitting that we appreciate the officers and recognize their great efforts.”

The Children’s Worship Service (CWS) members in the congregation handed thank-you cards to the day’s honorees, which the children made themselves.

“Today is very special for us having received tokens of appreciation,” said Filemoni Amituanai, Police Captain of Traffic Division. “Thank you, even to the young ones, for coming and giving us these gifts.”

INConcert

A day after the Church’s 110th anniversary, the brethren flocked at Farrington High School Auditorium along N King St, Honolulu, U.S.A. for the INConcert on July 28.

“Praises be to our Almighty God,” enthused Josh Galang, choir member from the Local Congregation of Waipahu. “It’s my first time performing in this event. I’m so glad having this opportunity to sing with the choral group and as a soloist as I want to give glory to our Almighty God.”

Talented brethren rendered original Christian songs about the love and goodness of the Lord for His people today and the faith and hope they received through His sending of a true messenger of His to preach the gospel of salvation in these last days.

“The songs rendered showed our unity with the Church Administration, especially love of God as we praise now as we celebrate the Church’s reaching 110 years,” shared stage director Jonathan Benzon from the Local Congregation of Kapolei. — With assistance from Erwin Sunga