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The Local Congregation of Wailuku, Ecclesiastical District of Hawaii-Pacific, has reached its 55th anniversary. Celebrating the milestone, brethren there gathered for a special program, which was held at Binhi At Ani Filipino Community Center, 780 Onehee Avenue, Kahului, Hawaii, USA, on March 9, 2025.
District supervising minister Brother Gem Baitan graced the event with his presence. In his remarks, he encouraged all brethren to remain actively fulfilling their Church duties.
Mounted photographs of brethren during activities through the years welcomed the brethren as they entered the venue. Led by the congregation’s Christian Family Organizations (CFO) officers, the Buklod, KADIWA, Binhi, and Children’s Worship Service (CWS) members showcased some Iglesia Ni Cristo original songs. The games that followed involved many attendees while others cheered on them. Everyone also enjoyed a variety of dishes served afterwards.
Then a video presentation was shown featuring interviews with pioneering members. They shared their experiences as they uphold their faith during the congregation’s nascent years. Buklod congregation vice president Rossel Critchlow said, “It’s amazing how we prosper. We can feel the love of God and the love of the Church Administration.”
“It is very satisfying for me to see that the young members are active in the Church. May they hold on to their calling and continue in our active service to the Lord God,” said finance officer Jimmy Barrientos, who is one of the pioneer members.
“I became a Church member back in 1973,” reminisced Marilyn Dominno. “Being a member of the Church for 52 years now, I thank God that I’m still active in the Church and still performing my duty as a finance officer.”
Also a pioneer, deaconess Emily Gamiao Juan is a Church member for 48 years. Asked what motivated her through the years, she said, “We should perform our duties in the Church with love and faith while we still can. Let us be humble and obedient to our Almighty God.”
Wailuku Congregation “started with only five households. The many tests of faith the pioneering brethren endured helped them to become stronger. With God’s help, the membership grew in numbers,” shared resident ministerial worker Brother Ryan Barnachea.
“The pioneering brethren inspire us, especially as they hold on firmly to do their Church duties. We see also [their] sacrifices and such gives us more desire to always serve our Almighty God. Whatever the situations in our life may be, we will remain faithful to Him,” head deacon Antonio Pagaduan said on behalf of the congregation. — With assistance from Erwin Sunga
