Brethren in the San Quintin Congregation, in Rosales, Pangasinan Ecclesiastical District, took part in various anniversary-related activities. The congregation reached its 87th anniversary on April 27, 2025.
Heritage Tour
Around a hundred officers of the Christian Family Organizations (CFO) and brethren from the said congregation took part in a heritage tour on April 25, 2025.
The brethren gained more knowledge about the history of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) as they visited some of the Church’s significant sites namely, the house of worship of the Church’s first congregation, Punta, in Sta. Ana, Manila; the house of worship of F. Manalo, San Juan Congregation; and the INC Museum along Central Avenue, Quezon City.
One of the participants, Ernesto Fonacier Jr., expressed that the activity “further opened my mind and heart to the history and faith of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. This also inspired me to remain a steadfast and obedient member of the Church.”
Meanwhile, newly baptized member Sarah Andrea Castada shared that “the heritage tour helped me to further know the Church Of Christ, and it also showed how the Lord God blessed this Church from its humble beginnings and continues to do so until the present.”
Evangelical Mission
In the evening of April 25, other brethren flocked to the house of worship for an evangelical mission, bringing in more than 200 guests who would listen to God’s words.
District preparatory teacher Brother Albert Palit-ang officiated at the propagational event. Citing verses from the Bible, he emphasized that true Christians base their faith not in opinions or hearsay, but solely in God’s words written in the Bible. He added that for one to be assured that the teachings that he receives are the pristine words of God, he must also make sure that the ones to whom he listens to have been given authority by God to preach.
Guest Irene Joy Dela Cruz, now a doctrinal instructee, expressed that “how the minister cites from the Bible the answers to the questions being asked” caught her attention.
Choir member Jennifer Faustino, who invited Dela Cruz, stated, “I strive to bring guests whenever there are evangelical missions for I firmly believe that by doing this, the Lord God is pleased.”
Binhi Cooking Challenge
On April 29 members of the Binhi organization showcased their culinary talents in a Binhi Cooking Challenge.
The event was held in the compound of Roja family in Barangay Lagasit, San Quintin. The participants were grouped into two teams each composed of eight members. During the competition, they prepared various Filipino dishes which were then evaluated by a set of judges.
The team led by Binhi assistant area leader Braily Balatero emerged as champion with their carrot meatballs with pork and beans. In an interview, Balatero shared that she was “happy for being able to showcase my knowledge and passion in cooking various dishes.”
SCAN visitation and care for brethren
On May 4, officers and associate members of the Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN) visited and gave free supplies to brethren with illnesses. Among those distributed were vitamins, rice, and other food items.
Rustom Burgos, local SCAN chairperson, stated that “SCAN officers and members not only respond to emergencies but we also share what we have, especially with our brethren.”
Significance
In an interview, resident minister Brother Armando Aguilar shared that “the active participation of the brethren demonstrates how strong their faith is.” He further stated that “by doing activities like the ones held in commemoration of the congregation’s anniversary, brethren, especially the youth, become further motivated to unitedly do all things which are pleasing to God.” — With reports from Blaise Angeli Hidalgo of INC News Section