Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) membership in the Ecclesiastical District of Australia West has increased in number, even the district welcomed the establishment of two local congregations in the first quarter of this year.

On February 28 and March 7, 2021, the Local Congregations of Armadale and Coogee, respectively, held their inaugural worship services both officiated by the assistant district supervising minister, Brother Jonas Medrano.

Former extensions of the Fremantle Local Congregation, Armadale and Coogee local congregations used to hold worship services at Evelyn Gribble Community Centre and Coogee Community Hall, respectively. These they resumed conducting at the Fremantle house of worship while observing health and safety protocols during the current pandemic crisis.

The respective Church officers and brethren from both congregations were filled with joy for being part of these historic events. Brother Manny Martinez, head deacon of the Armadale Congregation, said, “We are very grateful having our congregation established in the midst of the pandemic. This has strengthened our faith. We were even able to add more Church officers who were very excited to perform their new duties. We will do our very best to spread God’s words in the City of Armadale. Praises be unto God.”

Also grateful, Sister Agnes Cosico, Coogee head secretary, said, “We will never waver from the faith, despite the worsening situation that the world is going through. Our trust and hope remain in God. We will all the more be active in our services to Him. We will always be one with Brother Eduardo V. Manalo for as long as we live.”

Brother Aldee Masanque, the resident minister of both congregations, said, “I wholeheartedly thank God for these successes are solid proofs that He continues to fulfill His promise to help, strengthen and uphold the Church Of Christ. The establishment of these new congregations will greatly help in the intensified work of propagation, giving opportunities for people to know more about the Church and eventually leading them towards attaining salvation.” — With reports from INC News Section