“We no longer need to travel by sea and face strong waves, especially during inclement weather, to attend worship services at the Babatngon Congregation because we now have a group worship service (GWS) here in our village. We are truly thankful to God and to the Church Administration,” said Kent Gultian, a head deacon of the aforementioned local congregation.

Following the approval of the Church Administration for the establishment of the Igang-Igang GWS in the Ecclesiastical District of Tacloban City, Leyte, its inaugural worship service was held on June 24, 2026. The sacred gathering took place at its place of worship, constructed together by the brethren, in Igang-Igang, Sta. Rita, Samar. Before the said development, brethren there had to travel by sea to attend worship services at the closest congregation to them in distance—Babatngon Congregation, in the neighboring island of Leyte.

Brother Raul V. Ramirez Sr., district supervising minister, led the holy gathering. Through the Bible, he taught the importance of living in holiness and remaining faithful in obeying God’s commands to attain salvation on Judgment Day. He also exhorted the brethren to take good care of their house of worship.

“I am so happy that the Lord God has answered our prayers. Traveling by sea to attend worship services at the Babatngon Congregation could take us almost an hour and is dangerous, especially during stormy weather,” expressed Jennelyn Taguin.

“On behalf of all the brethren here, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Lord God. Through the Church Administration He has placed, we have been blessed with a house of worship here in our community. We promise to strive even harder to share the truth of salvation with the residents of Barangay Igang-Igang,” enthused Brother Felipe Tabiolo Jr., a resident ministerial worker of the Babatngon Congregation. — With reports from Joren de la Piña