The Church Administration approved the establishment of the Toyokawa Group Worship Service (GWS), in the Ecclesiastical District of Nagoya, Japan. Brethren attended the inaugural worship service of the GWS on October 20, 2024 with Brother Manny Benedicto, district supervising minister, officiating.

The sacred gathering was held at the multipurpose hall of the Toyokawa Central Library. Succeeding worship services will be held at the Mito Cultural Hall (Heartful Hall), 146 Hiroishi Higurshi, Toyokawa City. The said GWS is under the supervision of the Local Congregation of Nishio.

 “I used to travel more than an hour to reach the worship service in Hamamatsu. When I found out that a place of worship is now near me, I was so glad. I thank God for hearing my prayers,” said Rose Edilyn Saguiguit.

In his Bible-based preaching, Brother Benedicto emphasized the pivotal role of the worship service to the lives of true Christians. He also encouraged the attendees to remain steadfast and true to their faith. They can do this, he said, by being devoted in their services to the Almighty God no matter what they face in life.

“Some of the brethren used to travel for more than two hours to attend the worship service. We truly believe that God willed this GWS’s establishment,” said Domingo Erebias III, a deacon in Toyokawa.

Brother Joji Hara, the minister assigned to oversee Toyokawa Congregation, said on its behalf, “We thank the Church Administration for always guiding us in serving the Father, so sincere to care for our welfare. We will uphold the growth of the Church’s works in this city.” — With reports from Stephanie Delos Reyes of INC News Section