
November 30 is a red-letter day for Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members from the Local Congregation of Sta. Barbara, Ecclesiastical District of San Carlos City, Pangasinan. It was on the said date, 83 years ago, when the congregation was established. And in commemoration of their congregation’s anniversary, back-to-back activities were held.
On November 30, 2021, two consecutive baptisms and a “Welcome, My Brethren” activity were held. It was made possible with God’s guidance as the brethren joyfully responded to “the constant reminder of the Church Administration that now more than ever we must intensify our work of propagation,” said Brother Rolin Jezreel Flores, resident ministerial worker. “Even if there is a pandemic, the brethren’s unity with the Church Administration remained.”
Brother Alan King Mercado, the assistant district supervising minister, officiated at the first baptism that day, while the district supervising minister, Brother Eduardo Olipas, officiated at the second baptism.
“The lesson on the promised Holy City is one of the biblical teachings that prompted me to continue examining the teachings inside the Church Of Christ,” said Christian Fernandez, a newly baptized member, “and because whenever I attend the worship services I feel at peace, that also inspired me to continue on despite the hindrances brought by the pandemic.”
“I uphold my devotional prayers. With God’s help, yearly I am able to invite people, many of whom are now baptized inside the true Church,” said Narcisa Soriano, deaconess, who was instrumental to the conversion of four new members baptized that day.
Later that day, the newly baptized brethren were treated to the “Welcome, My Brethren” activity. There, they met fellow newly baptized members, together with the officers of the respective Christian Family Organizations (CFO) they belong to—Buklod, for married members; KADIWA, for single members who are 18 years old above; and Binhi, for those who have been baptized and are between the ages of 12 and 17. They were also entertained through the musical performances presented by the CFO officers.
Brother Olipas said, “We praise God for this success He bestowed to our district, especially to this congregation. We firmly believe it is God Himself Who calls people to be among His chosen people. We thank the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, for his able leadership guiding us toward our salvation.” — With reports from INC News Section