There will always be hardships and sorrows in this world for the Bible forewarns that trials and tribulations will be unavoidable. Many among these will be intensely difficult and painful even for members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). Inevitable as these are, still, the brethren should not be disheartened nor lose hope. Thus, for them to continue on this journey called life, they must remain focused and vigilant, always striving to attain the greatest goal, that is, the attainment of everlasting life in the Holy City when Judgment Day comes.

The Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, officiated a worship service marking the dedication to God of the newly built house of worship of the Local Congregation of Sampaga, Ecclesiastical District of Pampanga East.

Brother Francis Elson A. Ramirez III led the congregation in a prayer after the hymn-singing. Then, Brother Bienvenido C. Santiago read the history of the Local Congregation of Sampaga, followed by the dedication prayer led by Brother Rene J. Panoncillo along with selected ministers from the district.

In his Bible-based homily, Brother Eduardo Manalo reminded the brethren that, despite the world’s rising immorality and wickedness, every Church Of Christ household must strive to live as true Christians—remaining obedient to God’s commands so as to ensure that the next generation of worshipers will remain strong in the faith.

Formerly a part of Apalit Congregation, Sampaga Congregation held its first worship service on November 1, 1973 at the residence of Brother Felino and Sister Saturnina Domingo. Time went by and the members grew in number, thus, needing a bigger place of worship.

In 1980, with the approval of the Church Administration, the Church acquired a 3,563-square-meter lot for Sampaga house of worship. The brethren in the congregation united in their efforts to construct a 100-seater house of worship using wood and metal sheets. Eventually, the Church Administration approved the construction of a new 152-seater concrete house of worship dedicated to God on March 29, 1985.

Fast forward to June 1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted and among the areas severely affected was Pampanga. Even Church members then were devastated as their homes were covered with ashes and their livelihood destroyed. Despite such adversity, their faith in the Almighty God manifested. Even though their own homes sustained considerable damage from the volcanic eruption, the brethren in Sampaga devoted themselves to repairing their house of worship, showcasing their resilience and steadfast faith. With God’s help, their livelihood eventually recovered and they continued with their services of God, including the propagation of God’s words.

The congregation’s membership continued to flourish, leading to the establishment of then Danga Extension, now Local Congregation of Danga. Although there were additional schedules of worship services, the need to have a bigger place of worship arose. As such, brethren in Sampaga requested for the construction of a larger house of worship, which, later on, was approved by the Church Administration.

During the construction of their house of worship, the brethren in Sampaga again united to build a 150-seater temporary place of worship on a lot generously lent by Sister Selma De Leon, a relative of Sister Royalie, located near the house of worship construction site.

The construction and dedication of the 400-seater magnificent house of worship is a blessing for the brethren in Sampaga.