“I and my family decided to join the Iglesia Ni Cristo because what is taught in the Church are written in the Bible and not man-made teachings,” said former Catholic member Michael Rodriguez, who is now a newly baptized member from the Local Congregation of Cheey, Ecclesiastical District of Calamian, Philippines.

After Bible studies on doctrines, among other biblical requirements, Rodriguez and his family—his wife and their three children—were among those who received baptism at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Coron on December 26, 2025.

Assistant district supervising minister Brother Enrico Chico officiated at the baptismal gathering. In his homily, he explained to the baptismal candidates that receiving baptism is not all there is to do to be full-fledged members of the Church Of Christ. Rather, being baptized is just the beginning; their being obedient to all of God’s commandments, especially their worship of God, is a lifelong commitment until they receive His promise of salvation on Judgment Day.

After the homily, the candidates for baptism took their oath of membership led by district edification overseer Brother Arnold Alviola Jr. Then, they were baptized.

“Joining the Iglesia Ni Cristo is not easy because of the persecutions we experience from our loved ones. However, we weren’t hindered. We upheld the true faith that we received. With the help and mercy of our Lord God, we’ve overcome all kinds of persecution. And now, we are very thankful that we have received the true baptism. We will never falter in attending the worship services,” Rodriguez added on behalf of his family.

“I witnessed how difficult they had to go through before they reached this day of their baptism,” attested Cheey Congregation resident ministerial worker Brother Cedric Garcia. “The Rodriguez family lives in the mountains. Although there are dangers and hardships, they continue on, for they understood and firmly believed that what they fulfill is the will of God.”  

On behalf of the brethren and officers in the district, district Light of Salvation overseer Brother Renjie Ramos said, “We will continue participating in the intensive work of propagating God’s words so that more people in our province will also know, learn, and obey the biblical teachings being upheld in the Church.” — With reports from Jed Ceder Dosdos