Intensified works result to fruitful baptisms in two Asian districts
By NAOKI IMOTO and REJINA JACKIE ABLAO
Date Posted: February 20, 2021
As a manifestation of their unity with the Church Administration in all the intensified works of Church Of Christ, including the works of propagation, brethren from two ecclesiastical districts in Asia—Nagoya, Japan and Thailand—reaped the fruit of their labors through the baptisms conducted before January 2021 ended.
On January 29, the candidates for baptism, together with some brethren, traveled long distance to the house of worship of Nagoya Local Congregation in the Ecclesiastical District of Nagoya, Japan for their much-awaited day of baptism.
Brother Amante Rodriguez, district supervising minister, officiated the holy gathering. In his homily, he reminded the prospective members the great benefits of receiving true baptism inside the Church Of Christ. Thus, they should remain faithful to God and continue to attend worship services no matter what.
Understanding the biblical lesson taught during the homily, Masanori Urakawa, newly baptized member, promised to God, “I will always attend the worship services as it is one of the commandments of God taught by the Church Administration.”
Brother Satoru Teramura, minister of the gospel, shared the reason every member should strive in sharing their faith amidst these challenging times: “Through the works of propagation, people will come to know God’s teachings and they will receive salvation and eternal life.”
In an interview, Brother Rodriguez said that this baptism was a manifestation of how the brethren have actively participated in the campaign of the Church Administration, led by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, to further intensify the works of propagation.
Meanwhile, on January 30, a baptism was held in the place of worship of Bangkapi Local Congregation, Ecclesiastical District of Thailand.
Brother Willen Regalado, district supervising minister, led the holy occasion by teaching the importance of being baptized inside the true Church to be saved on the nearing Judgment Day.
A newly baptized member, Louie Glenn Felipe, said, “I felt very happy after I finally received the holy baptism. I promise to fully obey the teachings of God being upheld in the Church.” — With reports from INC News Section