
Celebrating their 90th founding anniversary, Church members from the Local Congregation of La Paz, Ecclesiastical District of Capas, Tarlac in the Philippines engaged in a week-long series of activities from January 9 to 15, 2021.
The highlight of these activities was the worship service officiated by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo on January 9. Livestreamed from the house of worship of the Central Temple in Quezon City, the special worship service was virtually attended by the brethren in La Paz at their house of worship, together with their district supervising minister, Brother Mauro D. Balintag.
On January 11, the brethren united in jogging and physical fitness activities held at the Macabulos Park, La Paz, Tarlac from 5 to 7:30 A.M. Led by the Buklod congregation president, Brother Harold V. Mañebog, the Christian Family Organizations (CFO) officers ensured that safety and health protocols were observed.
More than 100 brethren donated blood on the next day at San Isidro Covered Court, Belmonte Subdivision. In collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross-Tarlac Chapter, the Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS) members of the congregation spearheaded this blood donation activity.
On January 13, the Church members conducted a clean-up drive. Resident minister, Brother James Christian G. Trinidad, led the cleaning of the Church’s compound and the town’s creek.
To conclude the week-long celebration, more activities were held on January 15. Brother Efren F. Manalo, district Light of Salvation overseer, led the orientation of the 68 guests who expressed willingness to become doctrinal instructees. A special gathering at their house of worship was then officiated by the assistant district supervising minister, Brother Joselito Canlas. Via livestreaming, it was also attended by the brethren from seven other sites and from other brethren’s respective homes.
Right after, a video presentation about the local congregation and video greetings of previous resident ministers and ministerial workers were shown. A picture gallery was also prepared to exhibit the photos depicting the history of the Church in the town.
Rufina Mañebog, one of the elderly deaconesses, ardently expressed, “We’ve been through severe trials and persecutions, but by God’s grace, we have lived to tell the stories. We promise to remain one with the Church Administration He placed to lovingly lead us in our journey towards the promised salvation.” — With reports from Naida M. Flora