Membership in the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) continues to increase, even in the Ecclesiastical District of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, as two consecutive baptisms were held there on June 27, 2026. Both sacred gatherings were officiated by Brother Ricardo Umpad, assistant district supervising minister.      

On the morning of the said date, 35 prospective members, together with the brethren who were instrumental in their conversion, gathered at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Dipolog City to receive the long-awaited blessing of baptism.

Meanwhile, 11 prospective members were baptized into the Iglesia Ni Cristo at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Labason, 160 kilometers away, on the afternoon of the same day.

During the study of God’s words, Brother Umpad encouraged the prospective Church members in both venues to cherish their divine calling. He emphasized that, by virtue of their membership in the Church, they have the firm hope of attaining eternal life in the Holy City.

Janelle Geeros from the Local Congregation of Dapitan City, one of the newly baptized brethren, expressed her gratitude for being counted among God’s people: “I sincerely thank the Lord God for helping me learn the truth. Now that I am baptized, I will not let anyone take away my faith.”   

Her fellow newly baptized brother, Christopher Jumaguin Jr. from the Local Congregation of Punta, shared, “Now that I am a member of the Church, I see a bright future for myself not only in this world but also in the life to come.” — With reports from Rey Mark Eguia