As the world is approaching its end, troubles and hardships continue to plague the earth. Evil roams the lands and disasters continuously occur without pause, inflicting suffering and pain on humankind. Against these seemingly insurmountable odds, there have been many stories of brethren in the Church Of Christ who, despite undergoing these trials, continue to serve our Lord God and thus keep themselves strengthened in the faith. Similar to how the Messenger manifested zeal and faith during the Church’s nascent years, they, too, held firm in their zeal and put their utmost faith in God, proving that even long after the Messenger had been laid to rest, the fruits of his labors live on to our modern day.

On the 138th birth anniversary of the Messenger of God in these last days, the Local Congregation of Tayuman in the Ecclesiastical District of Manila was visited by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. One of the oldest local congregations that the Messenger himself established, it has been the center of much of the Church’s rich history, from the first ministerial class (Ang Klase) to the first Children’s Worship Service or Pagsamba ng Kabataan. On that day, the brethren witnessed history being made once again as 26 new ministers were ordained and the district’s 82nd anniversary was celebrated.

In his Bible-based sermon, the Executive Minister reiterated God’s teachings taught by the Messenger, a testament to how the Church has remained true and faithful to the words of God written in the Bible. He stated that this work shall never weaken, for God’s promises to the Messenger extend to the modern day—from one man to millions of brethren around the world. We are a testament to how his efforts were not wasted, with hopes that on the Day of Judgment, we will be with him. Decades have passed, but his Bible-based teachings still hold true to this day, guiding us to the path that we should walk on. This is why the Church Administration never fails to remind us to cherish our divine election. In doing so, God promises us that He will never abandon us, that He will always protect us, and that He will always be prepared to save us when troubles come.

The Messenger is remembered fondly by many of those who witnessed his journey and is a source of inspiration to continue doing God’s works and never falter in doing their service. One such example is Sister Eliza Baniqued, 83, a deaconess and finance officer who was dedicated to God in prayer by Brother Felix Manalo himself. Years have passed and she has aged, but her faith has never weakened.

“No matter what hardship we may face in this life, we must always remain firm,” she emphasized when asked what she remembered the most in the Executive Minister’s homily. She added, “We must always attend the worship service and fulfill our duties.” From her childhood to the present, she has never strayed from the path taught to her and continues to fulfill her Church duties to the best of her abilities.

To us, who have not witnessed personally Brother Felix Manalo’s devotion when he was still alive, the fruits of his works serve as our proof and guidance. Brother Dennis Distor, 50 years old and a leadership aid assisting in the pulpit and the local congregation’s Light Of Salvation (LOS) overseer, vividly remembers the stories that his parents and pioneer members in the Church would tell him, about how the Messenger endured the trials he faced and how the whole Church wept when he was laid to rest.

In the face of adversities, Brother Dennis would conduct his personal devotional prayers inside the house of worship, trusting in God’s limitless power just as what was taught to him by his parents. He said, “We must always remain strong and trust in the Lord. Other people may also help us but the aid they can give is limited. But with God, nothing is impossible and He is the One Who can truly help us.”

Whatever we may have suffered in our journey, surely, the Messenger endured much worse, yet survived because the Lord never abandons His true servants. This undeniable truth has been an inspiration to the brethren of the Tayuman Congregation, even in the darkest of times. Guided by God and His words taught by the Messenger and the Church Administration, we continue on in our journey, despite the road being so steep and full of challenges, for we believe that what is waiting for us at the end is our salvation.

By Miaka Byonne Cha