The last five years has seen the Ecclesiastical District of Taiwan South grow and flourish, which its members firmly believed as a testimony of the unfailing love and guidance of the Lord God.

To celebrate this milestone, the brethren gathered themselves on July 2, 2023, for worship to thank God for His great blessings and return all praise and glory to Him.

The Church Administration sent Brother Gerry Purificacion, minister of the gospel, to officiate at the special worship service held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) Tainan along Guiren 12th Road, Guiren District, Taiwan.

In his preaching of God’s words, Brother Purificacion emphasized the profound significance of prayer which one can use as a powerful weapon against threats to the faith and thus remain steadfast in it and in the hope for salvation.

“I thank God for the spiritual blessings we received,” said Elsa Tabangcay, choir member with the Kaohsiung City Congregation, who found the lesson timely for her being away from loved ones as an overseas worker. “Prayers to Him truly serve as our way of approaching to God Who can give us strength in life,” she added.

Jennielyn Madellar, finance officer with the Nantou Group Worship Service (GWS), agreed saying, “Whatever trials we encounter, although being away from our family, we should always pray to God.”

Meanwhile, Richard Reloza, a deacon with the Gangshan Congregation, pledged that “Even when we are faced with severe difficulties, we’ll continue to uphold our sacred duties to God. We promise to continue serving God Who gives us life and strength.”

The Taiwan South brethren took the opportunity to invite their friends, colleagues, and relatives to the sacred gathering thereby introducing to them the biblical teachings upheld in the Church. One of the guests, Melanie Fernandez, a migrant worker, disclosed that it was her first time to attend such event and “I must say it’s overwhelming. Actually, I’m undergoing many challenges in life now but the preaching made a great impact on me. I’m so happy, this experience is unforgettable.”

Another guest, Brian Tablada, said, “I learned that Church Of Christ is the true religion. Given another chance, I will continue examining this religion.”

The worship service was followed by a Care for Humanity event during which care packages were handed out. Among the beneficiaries, Emilyn Tuliao, a guest, said, “I’m so happy that I was able to attend in such activity. As [one working overseas], it was a huge help for us.”

On behalf of the brethren from Taiwan South, Brother Roel Castillo, district supervising minister, expressed gratefulness to God and to the Administration He placed in the Church for the grace-filled gathering. “To Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, we, ministers, ministerial workers, and all the brethren, promise to remain active in our services. We’ll always rely on what the Lord can do for us. Praise be to God for all the victories in our district,” he said. — With reports from Montreville Boy of INC News Section