NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE with God. This is the firm faith of Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members, including the brethren in the Local Congregation of Pandacan, Ecclesiastical District of Manila, in the Philippines, since its establishment in 1924. With this unwavering faith, the congregation proudly celebrated its centennial. Through the decades, the brethren have faced severe persecutions and numerous trials. Yet, like gold refined by fire, they have emerged victorious from every challenge.

In commemoration of this milestone anniversary, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister of the Church Of Christ, led a worship service at the congregation’s house of worship. In his Bible-based homily, he reminded the brethren that, especially in these last days, people will face various afflictions.

Worship services are of utmost importance for Church Of Christ members. Sister Julieta Victorio, an 86-year-old finance officer, has witnessed the progress of the Pandacan Congregation since the time of Brother Felix Y. Manalo, God’s Messenger in these last days. Raised in a family of devoted “Aglipay” (Philippine Independent Church) members, she was once asked by a minister in the Church Of Christ, “If you get baptized, your mother might be upset. What if she rejects you?” With conviction, her reply was: “I will continue no matter what because salvation is in the Iglesia Ni Cristo. There is no salvation in any other religion.”

Despite being rejected by her mother, Sister Julieta held on firmly to her conviction, as “even the Lord Jesus Christ was persecuted, so we, His servants, will surely face persecution as well.” During one of her encounters with the Sugo, Brother Felix Manalo, she was advised to conduct devotional prayers to God and that she should also pray for her mother.

Young members like Sister Jessa Mae Gillamac, a secretariat officer, face similar trials. Even in her youth, she views these challenges as a test of her faith and a source of inspiration as she continues to serve the Almighty God. She believes, “I remain active in my faith even though I experience persecutions. These trials have made me stronger in God’s teachings that I firmly believe in.”

From the Holy Scriptures, Brother Eduardo Manalo taught that when life gets tough, members of the Church must place their complete trust in God. This means having no room for doubt; true Christians should eliminate doubt from their vocabulary. Absolute trust in God is the key to overcoming whatever challenges life presents.

Persecutions did not hinder Sister Jessa from worshiping God. She promised, “I will never walk away from my membership in the Church, even in the face of persecution.” Keeping that promise, she became actively involved in various activities in the Church. “I’m proud to be a member of the Church. I share how God answers my prayers with my friends who are not yet Church members, and several of them become interested in the Church.”

Before the homily, Brother Reynaldo L. Flores led the opening prayer. Brother Romer D. Galang led the congregation in prayer after the preaching of the gospel. Brother Ernesto V. Suratos led the prayer for the voluntary offerings and Brother Angelo Eraño V. Manalo said the benediction.

By Carmina Arce