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A few days after the Church Administration approved the establishment of the Tofino Group Worship Service (GWS), its members, together with those from neighboring congregations, conducted its first ever worship service on July 12, 2025.
British Columbia District supervising minister Brother Glendo H. Baitan officiated at the said inaugural worship service, which was held at the Tofino Community Hall and Emergency Reception Centre, 351 Arnet Road Tofino, British Columbia, Canada.
The Tofino GWS is named after the coastal town deemed “Canada’s Surfing Capital” that is located at the tip of the Esowista Peninsula in Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Brethren across the district, having anticipated this development, travelled to attend the inaugural worship service. Brother Baitan delivered a Bible-based lesson about being courageous and resilient amid hindrances, such as hardships in life, that they may continue obeying God’s commandments faithfully.
The brethren from Tofino used to attend worship services with the nearest local congregation, Nanaimo, which is named after the city and ferry port on Vancouver Island’s east coast. “It takes about 200 kilometers or more than two hours of travel on a normal day to get to Nanaimo Congregation,” shared deaconess and secretary Charen Lee Rances.
Such travel time often add up as roads get treacherous during winter season. They would even have to go through the Pacific Rim Highway, braving its sharp turns and elevation changes, as well as black ice in freezing weather that often catches drivers off guard and thus results in accidents. “I struggled much in traveling, but I always felt God’s help and protection. Now, I can attend worship service and perform my duty in no time,” Rances added.
“The brethren overcame all those obstacles through patience, determination, and faith as living witnesses of God to His promises,” said district secretary Brother Almer James Vargas.
District Church officers overseer Brother Emmanuel Allarey led the oath-taking of the GWS’s pioneering set of officers. “I promise that I will fulfill my duty with utmost integrity,” shared deacon Mikhail Rances in an interview afterwards.
“We experienced intense hardships, but I’m glad that these have paid off, such as our GWS’s establishment,” enthused Conrado Pangilinan, the GWS’s overseer. “I will always prioritize worship service and my Church duties no matter what happens,” added his wife, deaconess Joanna. — With reports from Rhonda Lee Salvani of INC News Section
