
“I am blessed to receive this duty,” Agnes Bravo enthused regarding her swearing in as a choir member in the Ramos Local Congregation, Ecclesiastical District of Isabela South in the Philippines. She was among hundreds of new Church officers who took their oath during a special gathering led by the district leadership on September 10, 2021.
From the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Santiago City, which served as the host site, Brother Dominador Tapang Jr., district supervising minister, reminded the congregants through a biblical lesson that the Lord God appoints Church officers to strengthen the Church, encouraging them to be fully dedicated to performing their sacred duties.
Brethren in other local congregations in the district gathered at their respective house of worship for the occasion.
“This special gathering is a great help for the Church officers, despite the pandemic, they feel the love and concern of the Church Administration,” Brother Abraham Paelnar, resident minister of San Mateo Local Congregation, said. “The Church officers firmly believe that their duties are gifts from the Lord God that should be given importance and through these they will be blessed by God,” he added.
Newly sworn-in Church officers, as well as those who have counted years, expressed thankfulness for the gathering.
“We are joyful because even if there are many problems and trials that we are facing, we continue to hold gatherings to praise our Father in heaven, here we are reminded of what we should do for us not to lose hope,” Arvin Ortonio, a choir member from San Mateo Congregation, said.
“This gathering gave us courage and strength especially in these times when many feel fear because of the pandemic and poverty. Our Lord God truly strengthens us so we can continue fulfilling our duties until the end,” said Brother Bryan Don Pobre, resident ministerial worker of the Diadi Local Congregation. — With reports from INC News Section