A special gathering of Church officers from the Ecclesiastical District of Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Philippines, held on May 31, 2022, uplifted the spirits and further edified their faith, according to the attendees themselves.

Among them, Cielito Taleon, a deacon from Sta. Cruz Local Congregation, whose family was also present, enthused, “We were blessed in this special gathering, our family was edified.”

“In this special gathering, I received the strength and added faith I need to continue performing my Church duty. Whatever trials I may face, I will uphold it,” attested Agumar Tiongson, a deacon from the Local Congregation of Bagong Pook.

The Church’s general treasurer, Brother Ernesto V. Suratos, officiated the holy gathering held at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Sta. Cruz.

In his Bible-based homily, he reminded the brethren that it is God who places officers inside the Church for the benefit of those whom He has called. Accordingly, he exhorted the Church officers to remain steadfast in fulfilling their sacred duties even in the face of challenges in order to please Him, reassuring them that God Himself promised His help to His faithful servants.

“The words of our Lord God that we heard inspired us to keep our faith and continue with our duties,” Edwin Abary, deacon from Pagsanjan Local Congregation.

Brother Suratos was accompanied by Brother Melvin Cayabyab, the district supervising minister, who said, after the event, “Special gatherings, such as this, are important. This occasion gives strength to the Church officers and inspires them to remain united with the Administration in participating to the activities being launched in the Church.”

“We are thankful to God and the Church Administration for special gatherings that the Church officers need for them to be effective helpers in the Church,” Brother Cayabyab said in behalf of the Church officers in the district. — With reports from INC News Section