In celebration of their congregation’s 50th anniversary, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members from the Local Congregation of Kowloon, Ecclesiastical District of Hong Kong  attended a special gathering, and a week later, a program for the said milestone.

The special gathering was held on January 7, 2024 at the congregation’s house of worship. They praised and thanked God for His blessings to their congregation. Brother Noer Misa, district supervising minister, reminded them through a Bible-based homily to not only remember God’s immense blessings, guidance, and never-ending love, but also imitate the pioneering Church members’ zeal in upholding their divine election.

Shirley Lomat, deaconess, said, “Being members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, we are taught to be steadfast even if we face trials in life. Our prayer to the Father is our weapon and through this, we can ask Him to grant us courage, strong faith, and unwavering hope. We will remain fulfilling our duties whatever situation we are in.”

A week after, on January 14, they gathered for a program at ClubONE The Grand Stage, in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Donning their fine suits and elegant dresses, they enjoyed live musical performances featuring Iglesia Ni Cristo Original Music, and a set of games.

During the activity, 88-year-old pioneering member Trovador Ramos Sr. shared his experiences as a Church member. He inspired the younger members to be steadfast in the faith and to continue sharing the true faith with their fellowmen.

“My heart is happy to see the success of our local congregation. I thank the Father for His grace and help to us all. I have seen that our efforts before, which led to the establishment of this local congregation, were never in vain,” said Ramos.

The day’s event concluded with a prayer after Brother Misa encouraged the brethren to remain devoted as they fulfill their respective duties.

“Being part of the 50th anniversary of the Local Congregation of Kowloon truly brought joy in our hearts. We thank our Almighty Father for He allowed our congregation to reach this milestone,” stated Lomat.

“We thank our Almighty God for until now the spiritual fervor of the brethren, especially of the pioneering members in this local congregation, remains. They never cease in taking part in all of the activities and works launched by the Church Administration,” expressed Brother Misa.

The said congregation traces its roots to the migration to Hong Kong in 1973 of couple Trovador Sr. and Eufemia Ramos from Zambales province of the Philippines. Upon realizing there is not yet a local congregation in the territory, they sought for brethren who were also in Hong Kong. Not long after holding their first committee prayer on January 1, 1974, Brother Eraño G. Manalo, then Executive Minister of the Church, approved their request to be organized as a local congregation; Brother Pastor Palacios being their first resident minister. – With reports from Arlynn Bartolome and Visitacion Marzan of INC News Section