Finance officers, deacons, deaconesses from New Zealand South and New Zealand (NZ) North Districts jointly held a special gathering, with the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Auckland as the host site. Those in other congregations gathered at respective remote sites connected via videoconferencing on July 13, 2025. There was also an oath-taking of new officers that day.

The district auditor of both districts, minister of the gospel Brother Demmie Garcia, officiated the holy gathering. In his homily, he delivered a Bible-based lesson encouraging Church officers to level up their spiritual maturity in able to surpass various trials in life and to remain steadfast in performing their Church duties.

NZ North District Church officers overseer Brother Jose Fuentes administered the oath-taking of newly appointed Church officers from both districts following the sermon.

“Having been sworn as finance auditor,” said Jerzeel Banadera from Papakura Congregation, NZ North District, “I need gatherings like this to be further strengthened in the faith and learn the qualities I must have to please God.”

From Christchurch East Congregation, NZ South District, finance officer Jordanne Bernaldez expressed, “I thank God for all the blessings. I’m grateful to remain an officer and continue performing my duty to glorify Him.” Finance and Buklod officer Renz Eran Santos from Timaru Group Worship Service (GWS) shared, “Since childhood, my parents taught me the value of Church duties. Performing them gives strength to me and my wife being a Church officer as well.”

Upon attending the gathering, “the enthusiasm me and my fellow officers have will surely redound to strengthening and uplifting our congregation,” affirmed head deacon Robert Torres from Fitzgerald Congregation of the same district.

The NZ North District comprises 17 congregations and 12 GWS, while the NZ South District includes 12 congregations and four GWS. These districts are under the leadership of supervising ministers Brother Dennis Dahunan and Brother Uziel Bongares, respectively. — With reports from James Thadeo Villanueva and Ann Coline Muros of INC News Section