Zabarte Congregation commemorates 24th anniversary

By KYLE RONUALD M. ARELLANO and ERANNIEL ANGELO B. DOSDOS

Date Posted: April 30, 2025

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On days leading to the Local Congregation of Zabarte’s reaching 24th anniversary on March 23, 2025, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members there participated in a series of activities, which continued until March 30. These were organized by the local leadership, with resident minister Brother Rene Ven Blorio leading them.

Propagational activities

The brethren conducted two propagational activities on March 21. First, they distributed a total of 875 copies of the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine at Constellation Homes, Zabarte Rd, Quezon City. “It amazes me that Iglesia Ni Cristo members are very eager to distribute Pasugo magazines, as they believe that doing so will help people, like me, to know the truth and be saved,” observed recipient Alma Cruz Gamalo, 61 years old, Catholic.

Later that night, an evangelical mission was held at the aforementioned place’s covered court. Quezon City District supervising minister Brother Virgilio A. Del Rosario Sr. led the study of God’s words. Almost a thousand guests attended.

Brother Del Rosario taught from the Holy Scriptures that the Church Of Christ is the true Church. Aside from being saved on Judgment Day, he also reiterated other blessings its members avail even in this life for being united in their services to God.

“I’m happy having been able to listen to the words of God. I became interested in the topic for it is about salvation. I also learned that we should not put our attention only in this world,” said 49-year-old Jose Maloles, Catholic.

Among the brethren instrumental in inviting and bringing along guests, choir member Marcel Angelo Pulido, said that “sharing our faith to others is the best way we can help people to know more about salvation, which truly pleases God.” After the evangelical mission, many guests expressed their desire to continue listening to the Church’s biblical teachings.

Socio-civic endeavors

On March 22, volunteer brethren participated in a blood donation activity that was held at Kaligayahan Activity Center. In facilitating from health screenings to the actual donation, the congregation’s Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS) and Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN) officers collaborated with the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), whose patients were the beneficiaries of such humanitarian event.

“Compassion for others,” said deacon Jaylord Casauay when asked why he often volunteers in blood donations. “Also, it is our way of uniting with the activities launched by the Church Administration to fulfil God’s will to help those in need.”

The next day, March 23, groups of brethren in Zabarte Congregation handed free snacks and bottled water to tricycle drivers and passers-by at the terminals of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) in Zabarte, Quezon City.

Five days later, on March 28, the brethren conducted another activity that was under the INC Giving program of the Church. This time, they conducted a clean-up drive along Zabarte Road. “I’m very happy for being able to participate in this activity supported by the Church Administration. This has all the more strengthened my zeal as a member of the Church Of Christ,” said deaconess Marlinda Canada.

Edification activity

An INConcert that was held on the 30th at Rotary Covered Court capped the anniversary celebration. The program began with Brother Blorio welcoming the attendees and leading them in a prayer. Afterwards, selected brethren from the congregation’s various departments, even including doctrinal instructees and prospective members, showcased their talents in singing and dancing.

Some of the Iglesia Ni Cristo original songs rendered were titled Matagumpay na Bagong Panahon (Victorious new era), God’s Promise, Salamat Po Sa Iyong Pagyakap (Thank you, God, for your embrace), Bless and Guide my Parents, Paigtingin Ang Gawaing Pagpapalaganap (Intensify the work of propagation), Complete The Race, and Nananalig (Believing), and Ama, Kami Ay Sa Iyo Pa Rin (Father, we are still yours).

“I felt immense joy as our congregation reached its 24th anniversary,” enthused choir member Earl Herrera. Deaconess Lydia Anilao, who is also among the pioneer members, said on behalf of the congregation, “We firmly believe that all the victories our congregation reap are because of God’s help and mercy.” — With reports from Ferdinand Sanchez and Jomilla Roque