PALANOG, Albay — A new and modern house of worship of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC or Church Of Christ) in Barangay Palanog, Camalig, Albay was inaugurated through a special gathering on July 26, 2024. 

The dedication of the worship building that can accommodate 230 people was officiated by Brother Eric Zaratan, District Minister of the INC in the province. 

“Napakahalaga po nitong gusaling sambahan sapagkat dito nagagawa ng mga kapatid ang kanilang mga pagsamba, pagpupuri, at pasasalamat sa ating Panginoong Diyos [This house of worship is very important because this is where the brethren can worship, praise and offer thanksgiving to our Lord God],” he said. “Sinasampalatayanan ng mga kapatid na kapag sila ay inaabot ng mga bagabag at mga suliranin, ang gusaling sambahan ang kanilang silungan upang dito ay magkaroon sila ng kapanatagan, kapayapaan sa tuwing sila’y nananalangin at lumalapit sa ating Panginoong Diyos [The brethren firmly believe that when they have worries and problems, the worship building is their shelter where they will find solace and peace whenever they pray and draw near to God Who will answer their prayers].”

The newly constructed building is equipped with modern implements such as plastic roofing, steel ceiling, LED lights, a fire protection system (including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire hose cabinets, and exit signs), and CCTV cameras. The spotlights and other lights also utilize solar energy. These new facilities have been installed to ensure the orderly conduct of gatherings of INC members and to guarantee the safety of visitors in case of any emergency.

Members of the INC in Palanog, Albay are grateful and very happy that they now have a modern, well-equipped and beautiful new worship building. “Masaya po ang mga kapatid sa lokal na ito sapagkat isa po sila sa mga nakapag-ambag ng tagumpay sa Iglesia kaya lubos ang kagalakan ng mga kapatid sa lokal. At ito po ay ipinagpapasalamat ng marami sa ating Panginoong Diyos ng mga kapatid dito sapagkat ito po ay gawa ng makapangyarihang kamay ng Diyos [The brethren in this local congregation are elated to have contributed to the triumphs of the Church, that is why, the brethren in the local are indeed very joyful. And they are very thankful to our Lord God for this is the work of His mighty hand],” explained Christopher John Barcellano, resident evangelical worker in the Local Congregation of Palanog.

Marilou Castro, an INC member from Palanog, also expressed her happiness that they now have a new and modern house of worship. “Wala pong pagsidlan ang aming kagalakan dahil tinugon po ng Panginoon ang aming ipinapanalangin [Our joy is overflowing because God has answered our prayers].”

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) is a Christian religion in more than 165 countries and territories. It is composed of members from more than 150 different ethnicities and nationalities.

For more about the Church and its activities, please visit www.iglesianicristo.net.