The Ecclesiastical District of Western Samar, in the Philippines, reached its 71st anniversary on May 8, 2026. On the same day, brethren there held a clean-up drive and an evangelical mission in commemoration of their anniversary.

Clean-up drive

Led by their resident ministers and ministerial workers, brethren from various local congregations conducted a community clean-up drive at their respective chosen venues, such as school grounds, parks, and street corners. Equipped with cleaning materials such as sanitary gloves, garbage bags, sacks, and brooms, they picked up rubbish and other types of waste and then disposed of these properly.

“This kind of activity is very important because, through it, the brethren are able to show that they care for the community and they want to help in maintaining its cleanliness,” said Brother Arfel Sagay-oc, a ministerial worker from Calbayog City Congregation.

Evangelical mission

Later that day, the brethren brought together with them their guests, such as their loved ones, friends, and acquaintances, to an evangelical mission held in their respective houses of worship. Hundreds of guests attended.

Ministers constituting the district leadership, resident ministers, and ministerial workers led the study of God’s words. Among the Bible-based lessons they preached were that faith alone is not enough for salvation on Judgment Day, the Bible is the sole basis of faith and service to God, and the reason the members of the Church Of Christ share their faith with others.

“Orderliness was evident during the evangelical mission. The teachings taught by the minister are not based on his opinions but solely on the Bible,” said a guest, Rose Ann Sarmiento.

“This evangelical mission is also part of the commemoration of our district’s anniversary, with the purpose of proclaiming the words of God to many more people,” said Brother Sagay-oc. — With reports from Mark Jherriel Inot