On September 7, 2025, the Ecclesiastical District of New Zealand South held “Songs of Salvation” in commemoration of three significant events: the 111th anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), the 16th year of the Executive Minister’s dynamic leadership, and the first anniversary of the district’s establishment.

Brethren from as far as Invercargill, south of the island, and Blenheim in the north, traveled to participate and witness the event held at the Aldersgate Centre in Christchurch.  

The program featured INC original songs performed by brethren from Cromwell, Dunedin, Halswell, Invercagill, Riccarton, and Christchurch Region, including Hanggang sa Bayang Banal, Shine, You Lift Me Up, and I’m Iglesia Ni Cristo. Adding to the liveliness of the celebration was the dance rendition of KADIWA members to the song A New Me.

The event included the district’s first Iglesia Ni Cristo Music Video (INCMV) Awards, during which Cromwell Congregation was awarded Best CMV 2025, and Riccarton as 2nd Place. Meanwhile, Fitzgerald received Best Video Editing award, and Queenstown was named 2nd Place. An international food fair was also part of the activity.

“In this activity, I was inspired to perform before the brethren and express my faith to our Lord God,” said Helena Ilan from Halswell Congregation. “Participating in this activity strengthened my faith, because as the brethren were cheering, I felt connected towards the audience, and I really felt loved and supported at the moment,” added choir member Lottie Quiatchon from the same congregation.

“I am very glad that I became part of this special occasion wherein I was able to express our Lord God’s words in the form of a song,” said Kirsten Nuñez, a CWS choir member from Halswell.

A SCAN member Joshua Paguio from the same congregation noted, “This kind of activity strengthens my faith. We make sure that all brethren who came together will return home united and joyful.” Meanwhile, Nanette Manansala from Cromwell Congregation added, “My heart and mind are full of joy for having been a part of this celebration. I thank God for all these.”

“Starting with a small group of Church officers, now the growth and unity are enough to carry out all activities successfully,” said district Church Officers overseer Brother Noel Ilan.

Commencing the program was the prayer led by district multimedia adviser Brother Glenn Mergas. District supervising minister Brother Uziel Bongares and district edification overseer Brother Marco Mangune delivered the opening and closing remarks, respectively. This was followed by a prayer led by Dunedin resident minister Brother Eraño Roxas.

The celebration was a vibrant display of faith, creativity, and unity. Brother Bongares described the event as “a living testimony of God’s faithfulness.” He concluded, “We are firm in our faith, strong in the divine election, and fully united with the Church Administration.” — With assistance from James Tadeo Villanueva