In the first week of December 2024, the Ecclesiastical District of Southern Leyte, in the Philippines, held a series of special gatherings, during which Church officers received added inspiration and spiritual strength.

District supervising minister Brother Edgardo Gonzales officiated three of the said occasions at the houses of worship of the local congregations of Maasin, Burgos, and Hilongos on December 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The fourth and last one, which was held on December 6, was led by Brother Antonio Doydoy, assistant district supervising minister, at the house of worship of the Inopacan Local Congregation.

Church officers from various local congregations attended the special gathering held at the venue nearest them.

The officiating ministers detailed from the Bible the qualities that Church officers must strive to possess, such as being persevering, prayerful, and wholeheartedly fulfilling their duties, for them to make sure that what they do are just what are pleasing before God’s sight.

“The world’s situation continues worsening, making many people weak in the faith, but the Church Administration have that sense of urgency, equipping us with the necessary qualities so that, no matter what we face, we remain steadfast in our duties,” said Floro Gabion, a head deacon in the Burgos Congregation, who was thankful for the special gathering he attended, deeming it “so important, as it strengthens us to uphold obedience to God.”

“Church officers not only have been called to be part of the Church, they were also entrusted with holy duties,” Brother Gonzales said. On behalf of the Church officers, he added, “We will encourage more brethren to accept duties in the Church, to be of help especially in the work of propagating the true faith, while strengthening their fellow brethren to remain in active services to the Lord God.” — With reports from Roland Romero