The Ecclesiastical District of Paniqui, Tarlac, Philippines, recently held special gatherings. On October 4, a special gathering for Church officers was held at the spacious Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Gymnasium located at Barangay Poblacion Norte, Paniqui, Tarlac. Five days later, a special gathering for prospective members was likewise held at the house of worship of Tangcaran Congregation.

Special gathering of officers

A total of 6,982 Church officers attended their gathering that was officiated at by Brother Arnel A. Tumanan, the Church’s Edification Overseer. District supervising minister, Brother Carlo D. Francisco, led the prayer before the sermon.

In his homily, Brother Tumanan preached God’s will written in the Bible concerning the importance of Church duties. Encouraging the Church officers to remain zealous in fulfilling their sacred obligations, he reminded them that the Lord God is the One Who entrusted them these offices. Bearing that in mind, they must firmly believe that He will also take good care of the overseers He placed in the Church.

After the sermon, Brother Vicente SV. Benedicto Jr., the assistant district supervising minister, led the oath-taking ceremony of 303 newly appointed Church officers. Brother Silver Rosetes, the district edification overseer, led the prayer immediately following the oath.

Regine Del Rosario, a choir member from the Paniqui Congregation, remarked, “My duty is my absolute priority; everything else can wait. I look forward to gatherings like this to receive God’s teachings, especially now that  our world has become so chaotic.”

“I’m overjoyed because the Father has entrusted me with a new duty,” said Erika Ramilo, a newly sworn-in KADIWA officer from the Vargas Congregation.

“As a teacher, I carry many responsibilities, but I do my best to fulfill my Church office,” said Dominic Pilas, an organist from the Parsolingan Congregation. “It is a divine blessing, never an obstacle to daily life.”

Prospective members’ gathering

The special gathering of those in the process of joining the Church was officiated by Brother Carlo Francisco.

In the study of God’s words, he taught about the importance of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) for man’s salvation on Judgment Day. He thereby reminded the doctrinal instructees and would-be members to remain steadfast in the faith, by continuing their worship of God no matter what, to ensure the attainment of eternal blessing. Brother Mark Howell Mojica, the district assistant secretary, led the prayer following the sermon.

“I will continue helping those who are in the process joining the Church,” said Evangeline Fabros, a deaconess from the Calayaan Congregation. “I want to ensure they safely reach their baptism.”