Brethren share God’s message across continents through Musical Evangelical Missions

The Americas

The Ecclesiastical District of Hawaii-Pacific convened almost 1,200 attendees at McKinley High School in Honolulu, led by district supervising minister Brother Gem Baitan. “Through music, we invite others and share God’s teachings,” said Janna Marquez, a choir member from Maili Congregation. “We use music to spark interest and lead people to salvation,” added Cesar Pedere, Buklod president of the Lihue Congregation. The evening ended with remarks from assistant district supervising minister Brother Adorado Apostol and a prayer by Hilo Congregation resident minister Brother Jeffrey Domingo.

The Ecclesiastical District of British Columbia filled the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby on August 17. The evening concluded with a prayer led by district supervising minister Brother Romy Maglaya. “The performances and prayers were beautiful and heartfelt. I want to keep learning more,” shared guest Xachary Cutts.

The Ecclesiastical District of Micronesia gathered 400 attendees at Mangilao Hall in Guam on August 31 and 300 at Grandvrio Resort in Saipan on August 29. District Christian Brotherhood International adviser Brother Ronick Lizardo described the music as “soul food.” Guests shared how the activity inspired them: “Every song and performer moved me,” said Zaiyra Ganacias. “One song reminded me that God is always with us,” added Ann Hix. “The event was wonderful, and the brethren’s unity truly stood out,” noted Kate Chettri.

Europe

The Ecclesiastical District of Central Europe assembled 120 attendees at PLAZA Premium Timmendorfer Strand, An der Waldkapelle 26, 23669 Timmendorfer Strand, Lübeck, Germany, where attendees were warmly welcomed by district supervising minister Brother Joel Catalan. “I didn’t expect such harmony and discipline. It made me curious about the Church’s teachings,” shared Lukas Meier, a guest.

A total of 600 attendees got together at Teatro Ghione, Ecclesiastical District of Italy South, transforming a summer evening into a spiritual celebration. “Singing in Italian made the message more personal for our guests,” said district multimedia director Jeric Vizco. “Every lyric served as a bridge toward understanding the true gospel,” shared district supervising minister Brother Dyland Ramos. “I was genuinely moved by the way you live your faith—especially seeing so many passionate young people, all driven by love. Hosting this performance was beautiful, and I truly felt embraced by your community,” said guest Roberta Blasi, Theatre Director from Rome, Italy.

The Ecclesiastical District of Spain rallied at Hotel Catalonia Plaza Catalunya in Barcelona. District Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer Brother Ezekiel Silva, led the attendees with an opening prayer, followed by a welcoming message from district supervising minister Brother Froilan Enriquez Jr. “The performances were beautiful and inspiring,” said guest Sara Batlle. “I felt something special through the music—it touched my heart,” added guest Sakiko Tashiro.

Australia and Oceania

The Ecclesiastical District of Victoria, Australia gathered 350 attendees at Shedley Theatre in Elizabeth, South Australia, led by the Local Congregations of Adelaide, South Australia and Port Adelaide, Australia West. “I loved seeing everyone shine and share their faith,” said guest Samara Brown. “It deepened my faith and inspired me to study the Bible,” added fellow attendee Anderson Suarez, a guest.

In the Ecclesiastical District of New Zealand North, almost 600 converged across six venues—from Westlake Girls High School in Auckland to the place of worship in Tonga. District supervising minister Brother Dennis Dahunan opened the program with a message of encouragement, while assistant district supervising minister Brother Jonas Medrano led the gathering in Wellington. “I loved the heartfelt singing,” shared Chilean Ambassador Manahi Pakarati. “It was beautiful to see different generations express their faith through music and dance,” added Hutt City Deputy Mayor Tui Lewis.

About 500 attendees in the Ecclesiastical District of New Zealand South convened across Christchurch Region at Mairehau High School Hall; Otago Region at Coronation Hall, 37 Hall Road, Bannockburn 9384; and Invercargill Region at Mabel Bush Hall.  District supervising minister Brother Uziel Bongares delivered the welcome speech. “I’m amazed by how organized the event was. It inspired me to learn more about God and the Church,” said guest Jonathan Lizondra. “The songs touched me deeply. Everyone was kind—I’d love to attend again,” shared fellow attendee Joydie Beltran.

Asia

The Ecclesiastical District of Thailand got together at the NT Auditorium in Bangkok, blending elements of Thai culture with original INC hymns. Led by district supervising minister Brother Willen Regalado and organizer Arlene Bautista, the gathering welcomed attendees of various nationalities. “I’m honored to be here and excited for future gatherings,” shared Thai-Chinese guest Samitanan Nui. “The music and prayers were inspiring,” added Zimbabwean attendee Barbara Sedulo.

The Ecclesiastical District of South Korea, led by Brother Roderick Yome, gathered at Ansan Congregation’s function hall. District CFO overseer Brother Jeffrey Clavite led the opening prayer while district edification overseer Brother Timothy Reyes for the closing prayer. “I was filled with joy. I hope our guests enjoyed it,” shared Anagil Santos from Uijeongbu Congregation. “I really enjoyed watching. The performances were so uplifting and inspiring,” said Fernando Manalang, a guest from Pyeongtaek Congregation.

In the Philippines

National Capital Region—The Ecclesiastical District of Quezon City filled the University Hall and Multi Purpose Hall of New Era University’s main campus in Quezon City with attendees. District supervising minister Brother Virgilio Del Rosario Sr. delivered the opening remarks. Guest Mark Villanueva shared, “It was my first time, and the music powerfully shared faith.” Angela Cruz, another attendee, said, “The songs moved me and sparked my interest in the Church.”

The Ecclesiastical District of Central brought guests at the Tabernacle, inside the INC Central Office Complex in Quezon City. Assistant district supervising minister Brother Reynaldo Arizala Jr. addressed the audience with opening remarks. “This is one way we glorify God and invite people to hear the true gospel,” said KADIWA member Ronnie Boy Caguioa, who served as the director and head organizer.

Central Luzon—The Ecclesiastical District of Paniqui, Tarlac convened guests at the Camiling Sports Complex. In the beginning and ending of the event, prayers were led by district edification overseer Brother Silver Rosetes and district Light Of Salvation (LOS) overseer Brother Eugenio Sembrano, respectively. Lovely Corpuz, one of the attendees, shared, “I’m thankful to be invited. The performances inspired me to learn more about the Church.” Another guest, Chastine Cueva, added, “We felt so welcomed. I want to keep learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo.”

Southern Luzon—The Ecclesiastical District of Cavite filled the General Trias Convention Center with over 2,000 attendees. Assistant district supervising minister Brother Larry Failano presented the opening remarks. Erich Andico, a guest from Tramo Congregation, shared, “I’m amazed by the setup and excited for the performances. Thank you for bringing us together.” A couple from the Santiago Congregation expressed their joy—“We’re happy to be here with our kids,” said Leslie. “It’s our first time joining an event like this,” added Raymart.

Southeastern Luzon—Nearly 1,500 attendees gathered at Catanduanes State University Gymnasium in Virac, Ecclesiastical District of Catanduanes on August 29. District supervising minister Brother Vedasto Acog delivered the concluding message, followed by a closing prayer from assistant district supervising minister Brother Nestor Fernandez. “My husband and I admired God’s teachings conveyed through music,” said guest Anabel Espinosa from Viga. “I liked listening to the music resonated with God’s words,” added Andrea Firmanes, a guest from Mayngaway Congregation.

Visayas— Over 3,000 attendees gathered at the Kabankalan City Cultural and Sports Center.  Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental District supervising minister Brother Amando Bariring Jr. welcomed attendees with an opening speech. “The program was well-organized and solemn. I truly enjoyed the performances,” said guest Mayflor Devellina. “I invited her because she’s part of my daily prayer—to worship and serve God together,” shared Angel Lynn Devellina from Tabugon Congregation.

Despite the inclement weather, in the Ecclesiastical District of Iloilo North,  850 guests attended at the activity held at the ILECO Gym in Brgy. Preciosa, Sara, Iloilo. “Even through spiritual songs, we can show the importance of the Church Of Christ,” said district LOS overseer Brother Joderick Matalog. Guests like Lina Labrador shared her appreciation—“I’m happy I got to hear the Church’s teachings through music. I understood it clearly.”

Mindanao—Brethren in the Ecclesiastical District of Agusan del Norte came together along with over 600 guests at the Butuan City Provincial Capitol Covered Gymnasium. “It’s my first time at an INC event, and I’m truly grateful to witness such inspiring performances,” said guest Michael Lopez. “Everything was impeccable. I’m honored to be part of this experience,” shared fellow attendee Avelino Asoy.

The Ecclesiastical District of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur held the activity at Casa Emsa in Brgy. Tiguma, led by district supervising minister Brother Rogelio Laplana Jr. “It was inspiring and insightful,” shared guest Jasper Micong, reflecting on the impact of the message conveyed through music.

Over 300 guests, together with brethren in the Ecclesiastical District of Buug, Zamboanga del Sur gathered at the Bayog Municipal Gymnasium on August 29. “The songs deepened my understanding of the Church’s faith,” shared guest Corazon Luntayao. — With reports from districts’ CFO overseers, multimedia advisers, and correspondents