
Brother Marvin S. Garlitos, supervising minister of the Ecclesiastical District of Leyte West, on September 8, 2022 officiated at the inaugural worship service of the Higatangan Island Group Worship Service (GWS), marking its official establishment.
Higatangan Island is hour-and-a-half of motor boat ride westward from the town of Naval in the island province of Biliran, Philippines.
Through a Bible-based lesson, Brother Garlitos reminded the attendees that Judgment Day is so near; that being also the day of salvation for God’s true servants, he called on to them to stay zealous in serving God now more than ever.
The momentous occasion was held at the Higatangan Island GWS’ 60-seater place of worship situated at Brgy. Mabini, a property the Church has rented and converted for the sacred purpose.
In attendance were many islanders who were doctrinal instructees and candidates for baptism, thanks to the efforts of the brethren from the Local Congregation of Naval which began its propagation work in the island in February 2022.
“I thought I knew everything about biblical doctrines. But after attending evangelical missions by the Church Of Christ, I was proven wrong. For one, I was enlightened about the true nature of Christ. Thus, my family and I decided to join the Church,” said Paterno Regala, a candidate for baptism.
Another candidate for baptism, Henry Salazar, said, “During the Bible studies, I learned that making the ‘sign of the cross’ is against the teachings of the Bible, as well as the eating of blood. All my hesitations, brought about by my former religion’s teachings, faded. That is why I decided to join the Church Of Christ.”
Both Regala and Salazar were former lay ministers of the Roman Catholic Church for eight and 13 years, respectively.
Salazar said, “Now that our house of worship has become more accessible, I hope that God will let me reach my baptism as I further devote myself in serving Him.”
“I thank Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister, for providing us our own house of worship here in Higatangan. I will not falter in worshiping the true God,” Regala added. — With reports from INC News Section