In  commemoration of its ninth anniversary, the Ecclesiastical District of Micronesia held nine activities throughout March 2025, all of which were led by district supervising minister Brother Joven Sepillo Jr. Though separated by distance, the brethren remain undeterred in participating with such activities which were conducted either via online or at their respective local congregations.

Kick-off

A general officers meeting happened at Guam Congregation’s house of worship two days prior to the district’s anniversary, March 5, 2025. The first of said nine activities, it was also termed the “kick-off meeting” as it aimed to encourage the brethren to fully unite with the other upcoming activities of the district. Church officers and heads of respective households from 13 local congregations connected to the main venue.

Chapel Cleaning

At their respective houses of worship, brethren in the local congregations of Apra Heights, Garapan, Guam, Koblerville, Machanao, Mangilao, Saipan, San Jose, Tinian, and Yigo held the districtwide chapel cleaning activity on March 8. Using brooms, brushes, trash bags, among others, the brethren cleaned inside and all around the chapel.

“This collective effort was a powerful reminder of the importance of teamwork and the value of maintaining the sanctity of God’s dwelling place, thereby fostering a sense of unity, responsibility, and pride within our district,” said ministerial worker Brother Timothy Camba who is assigned in Guam.

INC-SFM recruitment

On March 14, young male brethren from six local congregations, namely, Garapan, Koror Palau, Majuro, Mangilao, Pohnpei, and Tinian, gathered at their respective houses of worship. Together with their parents, they attended via videoconferencing a recruitment of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) School For Ministers (INC-SFM). From the audio-visual room of its main branch in Quezon City, Philippines, minister of the gospel and INC-SFM instructor Brother Leonardo Pidlaoan encouraged them to be among its students, and thus be of help in taking care of the Church.

“Joining the holy ministry is something that I’ve been contemplating about,” said Children’s Worship Service (CWS) teacher Marben Obando of the Koblerville Congregation. “Seeing that great need for more ministers in the Church piqued my interest,” he added.

Two-day evangelical missions

The two-day evangelical missions of the district were held on March 16 and 17, for which Brother Sepillo officiated mainly at Guam house of worship on the latter date; other congregations connected via videoconferencing. Meanwhile, assistant district supervising minister Brother Julius Malabanan led at Saipan house of worship on the first day. Other congregations connected to the host sites via videoconferencing on said dates.

Said guest Clearance Tamayo of Saipan Congregation, “I was amazed with how everything went. All the members were very welcoming. Membership in the Church Of Christ is necessary for salvation. I do plan to continue to listen and I look forward to attending another Bible study activity.”

Some of the guests have enlisted as doctrinal instructees.

Baptisms

At the same aforementioned venues in Guam and Saipan, Brother Sepillo and Brother Malabanan respectively officiated baptismal gatherings on March 22. Prior to their taking oath of membership and immersion into the water, would-be members were reminded the importance of receiving baptism in the true Church, and remaining its active members until the end for them to also receive salvation on Judgment Day.

Afterwards, a “Welcome My Brethren” program was held for the newly-baptized brethren. Church officers and brethren instrumental in their conversion personally welcomed them into the Church, and invited them to attend upcoming activities in the Church.

“The journey wasn’t easy; there were many times I was tested in the faith. But I remember what I was taught, that tests of faith do happen,” shared newly-baptized Julius Satumera of the Garapan Congregation. Having made it through, he added, “It’s a sense of relief, it feels great to finally receive baptism inside the true Church.”

Officers’ special gathering, new ones’ oath-taking

The district held a special gathering and oath-taking of new officers on March 24. Held in two venues, which were the houses of worship of Guam and Saipan congregations, the gatherings saw more than 500 officers in attendance; a total of 44 new ones took oath of office.

“It’s very important for brethren to become officers in the Church Of Christ. This is in compliance to God’s call, to provide for the need of the Church as it continues to grow,” said district Christian Family Organizations overseer Brother Roger Manzanilla Jr.

“This duty comes with responsibilities. It’s such a blessing and honor to be a CWS teacher. I will never forget how valuable it is,” said Jamie Loyola from Guam Congregation.

Saipan Region Socializing

Brethren constituting the Saipan region of the district held a socializing activity on March 28. They hail from the local congregations of Koblerville, Garapan, Saipan, and San Jose.

Held at Garapan Central Park, Chinatown, Saipan, the event started with a prayer led by Garapan Congregation’s resident minister Brother Jelson Guillermo. Then, San Jose Congregation’s resident minister Brother Ronick Lizardo gave the opening remarks. Brethren in attendance played games, received prizes, and had a delightful dinner. The socializing activity concluded with Saipan’s resident minister Brother Vilmar Espiritu leading the closing prayer.

Care For Humanity

The district also launched a Care For Humanity project. It was held at Pagachao Community Center, Pagachao Drive, Guam on March 29. Assisted by brethren in Apra Heights Congregation and other congregations in Guam, Brother Sepillo led this humanitarian activity.

Recipients were first treated to watching a video presentation featuring the Church’s philanthropic works around the world. The giving of care packages followed. Families benefited, especially students. Each student received a school backpack filled with school supplies. There was also a clothing drive, wherein they picked clothes of their choice, for free. Game booths were also set up; mostly kids enjoyed.

“It’s a nice gesture from the Church Of Christ to help us who are struggling,” said guest Austin Borja.

Anniversary celebration

The last of nine activities was an anniversary celebration that was held at Ocean Sirena ballroom of the Rihga Royal Laguna Guam Resort at 470 Fahrenholt Avenue, Apotgan, Guam on March 31. Brethren from the Local Congregations of Apra Heights, Guam, Machanao, Mangilao, and Yigo, which constitute the Guam region of the district, attended the event.

After district auditor Brother Ron Carlos led the opening prayer, Brother Sepillo said the opening remarks. Afterwards, selected brethren showcased their talents in singing and dancing. Some of the Iglesia Ni Cristo original songs rendered were titled God Is On Our Side,  Triumphant Joys, All Your Promises to Us, and May I Always Be True, among others. After some games, such as “District History Trivia,” and “Bring Me,” Brother Malabanan gave the closing remarks. Brother Manzanilla concluded the program with a prayer.

“The brethren gathered not only to witness the performances of the brethren from selected local congregations but also to celebrate God’s love to our district, which He continues proving to us ever since our district was established. Praises be to our Lord God,” said Brother Manzanilla.  — With assistance from Roger Villegas Jr.