A group worship service (GWS) of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) was recently established in Barrie, a city about 90 kilometers north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

On August 20, 2023, the Barrie GWS held its inaugural worship service at the Allandale Recreation Centre along Bayview Drive, Barrie, Ontario.

Brother Raul Adalla, district supervising minister, officiated at the sacred gathering during which he delivered a sermon about placing one’s complete trust in the Lord God especially amidst hardships in life. Citing Bible verses, he reassured the congregants that as God’s servants, they could expect to receive from the strength and help they need especially during their worship services.

In an interview after the gathering, Brother Sherwin de Jesus, resident minister, said, “The establishment of Barrie GWS is a manifestation of the love of our Lord God to the brethren here in Canada. We thank, praise, and glorify our Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ for this wonderful blessing.”

The members of the new GWS, named after the city of its location, were formerly registered with the Local Congregation of Toronto in the Ecclesiastical District of Greater Toronto.

“It’s hard to travel during winter time. We used to travel almost an hour to reach the place of worship of the New Market GWS,” Julius Reyes, overseer of Barrie GWS, said. “So, we’re very happy for the unwavering support of the Church Administration for bringing closer the place of worship to us.”

Brother de Jesus, resident minister, added that during worship services Church Of Christ members “receive spiritual blessings for the strengthening of our faith. That’s why no matter what happens, the brethren in Barrie will continue to perform their duties to praise and glorify God in heaven.”

Meanwhile, Myrna Miguel, a deaconess, promised, “We’ll continue serving God. And now that we are closer to the house of worship, we’ll also continue persuading more people to invite in evangelical missions and worship services.” — With reports from Steven Rolei Advincula of INC News Section