“I’m truly happy and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. I’ve faced many trials, but in the end, I chose to follow my heart and glorify God inside the Church,” said Franklin Onukogu Jr., a Nigerian national and former Born Again member.

Onukogu, from the Talon Congregation, was among the 80 newly baptized members who received holy baptism held by the Ecclesiastical District of Metro Manila South in the Philippines at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Madrigal, Las Piñas City, on March 29, 2026. Brother Teodorico Lapada Jr., assistant district supervising minister, led the baptismal service.

During the study of God’s words, Brother Lapada emphasized the importance of receiving true baptism and the value of having divine election. He further stressed that to attain salvation, members must remain obedient to the Lord’s teachings and show deep respect for His commandments.

Johnro Esic, one of the newly baptized members from the Almanza Congregation, shared what inspired him to enlist as a doctrinal instructee: “It was in the Iglesia Ni Cristo where my questions were finally answered. I had been to several religions before, but none truly satisfied my search for the true way to serve God.” 

Now a full-fledged member of the Church Of Christ, Esic vowed to “serve God with all my heart. I will keep my faith strong, and, if He permits, I will accept a duty in the Church.”

Immediately following the baptism, the “Welcome, Kapatid Ko” (Welcome, My Brethren) activity was held at the chapel’s function hall to formally welcome the newly baptized members into the Church.