Various ecclesiastical districts of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) throughout the Philippines recently held special gatherings as their way to thank God for His guidance and help to the Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN) and the Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS), organizations within the Church that reached 35th and 5th anniversaries, respectively.

The Church Administration established SCAN, to advocate the responsible use of amateur radio communication for beneficial purposes such as assisting in emergency response operations and thus, help save people’s lives. The CMDPS, on the other hand, was formed to create a network of Church members from the allied health professions for organizing free health missions in every ecclesiastical district.

Luzon

The ecclesiastical districts of Manila, Makati, Caloocan North, held the said gatherings on February 2, 5, and 6, 2024, respectively, while Quezon North, and Quezon West districts on February 10.

In Quezon West, Brother Gerry Purificacion, minister of the gospel from the Church’s Central Office, officiated the holy occasion at the house of worship of Candelaria Congregation. In the other ecclesiastical districts, their respective supervising ministers officiated the gathering: in Manila, Brother Wilson Cayago (officiated at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Quiapo); in Makati, Brother Diosdado Dades (Pasay); in Caloocan North, Brother Ariel Barzaga (Brixtonville); and in Quezon North, Brother Alex Alimon (Infanta).

“I did not hesitate to join the CMDPS,” shared Shayne Salangsang, physician and Manila CMDPS vice-president, “because I really wanted to be of help to my fellowmen by means of providing them free health services.”

Also, a CMDPS vice president, but in Caloocan North, Lorraine Fajardo remarked, “Providing medical assistance to my fellow brothers and sisters in the faith, our fellowmen included, is so fulfilling.”

Aser Paloma, SCAN president of Quezon North District, said on behalf of fellow officers, “I thank God and the Church Administration for always inspiring and edifying us as we fulfill our duties. We vow to love our duties and to always extend our hands to our fellowmen.”

Visayas

The ecclesiastical districts of Negros Oriental and Carcar City, Cebu, conducted their special gatherings on February 6 and 11. That of the former, led by Brother Renato Callejo, district supervising minister, was held at the Dumaguete City Congregation; the latter, led by Brother Sergio Vista, district supervising minister, at that of Mainggit Congregation.

Rogelio Lauronilla, district SCAN president from Carcar City Congregation, enthused, “My heart is filled with happiness having felt once more God’s love through the Church Administration.”

Micheal Cariño, SCAN member from Negros Oriental, said, “I am glad that I witnessed the milestone of our organization. Our duty is not an easy task but I promise to fulfill it wholeheartedly and remain in it until the very end.”

Mindanao

On February 6, Brother Gavino Mabido, district supervising minister of Zamboanga City District, led the special gathering at the house of worship of Pasonanca Congregation, the host site, to which linked via videoconferencing the houses of worship of Bongao, Isabela, and Lamitan congregations.

Jerry Galangi, SCAN president of the Local Congregation of Suterville, iterated, “I am grateful to God for he called me in this duty. Helping our fellowmen especially in times of calamities or disasters truly made my heart and faith enlivened.”

Rowena Alvarez, a CMDPS officer in Canelar Congregation, uttered, “I firmly believe that by reaching out to my fellowmen, I all the more give glory and honor to God.”

During the study of God‘s words, the officiating ministers reminded the Church officers to continue actively fulfilling their God-given duties. Doing so not only glorifies Him but also demonstrates concern to fellowmen. – With reports from Allaine Nepomuceno of INC News Section