Special gatherings of Church officers were respectively held in the Ecclesiastical Districts of Naga City, Camarines Sur, in Bicol, and Iloilo South, in Panay island, on June 30, 2024. During both occasions, new officers were also sworn in: 436 in Naga, 316 in Iloilo.

In Naga City, Brother Arnel Canicosa, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) School For Ministers president, officiated the special gathering. His preaching was beamed live to 12 houses of worship; that of the Local Congregation of Pili as the host site.

Brother Canicosa taught from the Bible that Church officers must prioritize fulfilling their divine duties. They are to perform wholeheartedly to please, not only their fellowmen, but most especially, the Almighty God. Before concluding his preaching, he instructed the attendees to further dedicate themselves in praying to God. After the preaching, new officers in the Church took oath.

“I’ll always be thankful to the Lord God for this calling. I’ve been edified in the faith,” said Nilo Baynosa, head deacon of Pili Congregation. “I was reminded that no matter what I face in life, I must be strong in the faith. Such strength the Lord God can always grant His true servants who truly trust in Him.”

Meanwhile, the special gathering in Iloilo South was led by Brother Mario Mabuti, district supervising minister. The house of worship of the Local Congregation of Iloilo City served as the venue.

“Words aren’t enough to express my joy. I’m now a choir member in our local congregation,” enthused Bernard Jaye Nikkolai Quanico from the Local Congregation of Jaro. “I truly believe that this is a true treasure in life. I will dedicate my whole being in fulfilling my God-given duty,” he added.

After the preaching of Brother Mabuti, newly appointed Church officers took oath. When asked about the importance of such an event, he said, “We thank the Lord God for adding more officers in our district that would help in the various works of the Church.” — With reports from Ace Juliene Capizonda and Cherry Abad of INC News Section