Naomi De La Cruz: Since reaching Europe 50 years ago. The Church Of Christ continues to reach many new places and more people with the help of God, to celebrate decades of victories. A special occasion was held in the United Kingdom, bringing people from around the world to witness the spectacular and grand series of events. Rachelle Mattera has that report.
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Rachelle Mattera: A grand celebration commemorating 50 years of God’s blessings In Europe, gathering from all over the world for this spectacular and unforgettable event. With humble beginnings, it was 50 years ago when the church was first established in Europe, the first local congregation in London, England, the local congregation of Battersea. Throughout the decades, the Church spread across Europe, reaching countries like Germany, Austria, Greece, Italy, France and Spain.
Brother Bob Pellien (Former Supervising Minister of Northern Europe): What I saw in the very early days of Europe when I was assigned here was really our brothers and sisters in the faith so uncertain of their future, just trying to have a better life for their families. So many of them came alone. Back then, it was not a normal life for them. They sacrificed so much to leave the Philippines and go abroad. You look where we are now. How from those diligent members of the Church, in spite of their conditions, in spite of their personal lives and their own personal loneliness, they went out. They invited others. Nothing was slowing them down. Their personal circumstances, their own personal hardships. They were not afraid of sacrifice and because of that, here we are 50 years later, and we remember them. And I think all of us should have a remembrance of thanks to those early OFWs
Rachelle Mattera: And today, with its presence in over 40 countries with different ethnicities and nine ecclesiastical districts with houses of worship standing tall all throughout the continent. Leading up to this milestone anniversary, a series of special events were held throughout Europe, filled with evangelical missions, special worship services and activities. And today, members from all of Europe and other countries around the world gathered at the Ovo Arena Wembley in London, England, for a most magnificent and extraordinary event. Beginning with a special worship service officiated by the Executive Minister of the Church Of Christ, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, following the ordination of 32 ministers, while others were connected via livestream to the Central Temple in Quezon City, Philippines as the 39th commencement exercises of the school for ministers took place. Among those who were included in the ordination were sons of ministers whose parents left legacies of inspiration for them to follow. Ready to take on these new responsibilities.
Brother Cameron Waterman (Newly Ordained Minister): My father is truly a big part in my life and inspiration, and he really plays a very big role in my life, especially when it comes to the Holy ministry.It’s truly inspiring and really it’s God’s grace and God’s mercy to all the more help the Church to be of benefit to the Church and to fulfill my duty as a newly ordained minister. So it’s really a great blessing in my life.
Brother Dontae Thompson (Newly Ordained Minister): A blessing that, you know, we as regular workers have been waiting for [and to] truly look back in the future and say we were a part of history. The promise that I will make before our Almighty God is that it won’t stop here. I will continue to work harder. I will continue to submit to the Church Administration and most importantly, overall, our presiding elder Brother, Eduardo Manalo, and I will continue to fulfill my duty to the best of my ability until my very last day.
Rachelle Mattera: Along with other ordinance, they look forward towards the future with hope beginning this new chapter.
Brother Nimrod Pantaleon (Newly Ordained Minister): The blessing of becoming a minister really inspires me to really give my best for the Church because the ones who really expect us to do our very best is the Lord God, the Church Administration, and our Lord Jesus Christ. And now that I’m a full fledged minister, there’s nothing that will hold me back to really fulfill this duty and it inspires me to hopefully give my whole life and hopefully inspire others to also join, to also take up another duty in the Church to help them level up in their faith.
Brother Glenn Gomez (Supervising Minister, Ecclesiastical District of Great Britain): It means so much to the brethren here in our district and in the other districts in the continent of Europe that a pastoral visitation of our Executive Minister was conducted. That is why we are thankful to our Lord God, because despite many hindrances, nothing was able to hinder our Executive Minister from visiting us. That is why, on our part we would like to also express our love for our Executive Minister by remaining completely united with him in obeying all of God’s teachings and commandments.
Rachelle Mattera: And with this sacred occasion, it was an opportunity for neighbors, friends and guests to learn more about the Church Of Christ with others in attendance, like dignitaries from around London.
Councillor Nagus Narenthira (Mayor of The London Borough of Barnet): I’m really, really pleased I came here today. I listened to the service and it was a very powerful service and some very powerful messages about God.
Councillor Dominic Mbang (Mayor of The Royal Borough of Greenwich): I was so pleased and happy to see the crowds, especially people coming from all directions. And more importantly, I was so happy with the message that was given by your Executive Minister who just ordained new ministers who are going to be ready to go out there and propagate the word of God to other people. So I am not surprised that your Church is growing and you are getting more ministers and morel branches all over the world just because of the fact that you are following the teachings of Christ
Rachelle Mattera: After an oratorio was held. Bringing together musicians in performing two oratorio pieces titled “The Church Of Christ in These Last Days” and “Felix Y. Manalo, The Messenger of God In These Last Days”.
Lawren Santos (Percussion, Oratorio Performer): Five years ago, we were able to celebrate 50 years in the West, and now this year we are commemorating 50 years in the continent of Europe. For us members of the orchestra singing brethren from all over the world and even if someone not from the UK, it is such a blessing to be part of this momentous occasion.
Rachelle Mattera: And following uplifting musical performances and video presentations, reflecting on the 50 years of God’s blessings to members in Europe.
Melody Jay (Song Lead, Choreographer, Performer): The messages across. All of the numbers are really a celebration of just our membership of life in the Church. The celebration was dedicated around different generations and seeing those generations of members that have been here through the pioneering and all the way to the 50 years in Europe, it really inspires me.
Kaytlyn Mesina (Concert Stage Manager): One song from the concert that really stuck with me was “See You in a While”. There have been many people that have come and gone before us and we were able to celebrate all of their hard work, all of the sacrifices.
Rose Echauz (Performer): So in one song in particular I was in “You Are Always There”, regardless of what age we are, despite what troubles and trials come our way, that we promise to God that we will continue to carry on and endure all those harsh hardships.
To share that song and the message was truly a great experience.
Luzbelle De Castro (Camera Operator): It was really important that I participated in this because knowing that this kind of thing can inspire the brethren and it inspires myself to be a part of this once in a lifetime event.
Mika Ong (Performer): I Feel very grateful and inspired me to keep performing my duties. Whatever happens, even though it can get hard sometimes, just keep performing your duties because God will bless you.
Brother Philip Velasquez (Program Director, Europe CEBSI Coordinating Minister): We really cannot explain all the intricacies of the logistics, how it all came together. And I think the biggest challenge was that it really pushed us to the limit and what really made us leave everything else to God and put our entire trust and hope in Him was the scale of what we were entrusted to do. It all boils down to one thing, and in the end it’s really the miracle of God.
Thirdy Magsino (Coordinator, Video Director): Never in my life have I ever been a part of three major events, which is the pastoral visit, the oratorio, the 50 concert, the theme of trusting, fully trusting God really came into this event. This event has inspired me to dedicate my life even more to the service of God . I’m deeply humbled just to even witness this occasion let alone in my own small way, to be a part of the logistics and organization of it. It just makes me realize and see all over again that the purpose of these activities launched by the Church Administration is not just for propagation, but also for edification. For us to be stronger in the faith, to be closer together, but most of all, closer to God.
Michelle Pineda (Technical Director): I currently live in Orange County, California. Prior to moving over there, I have lived here in Great Britain pretty much. I was pretty much born and raised. Europe has experienced so many blessings throughout the years to be able to have seen it from his humble beginnings. I remember when I was a child and I saw the elders doing their part in fulfilling their duties here we are today. We have to do our part as well. The way this world seems to be so confusing and so much going on. But God gives you this focus, gives you a purpose. And it’s so clear now, and I’m excited for what’s to come. Despite the trials, the challenges. And it doesn’t matter because that’s God’s plan for us. I remember how we overcame them together and how despite how hard things were, we still have a smile on our face. We still encouraged and supported one another. For me, that is the beauty of the celebration. Happy 50th!
Brother Bob Pellien (Former Supervising Minister of Northern Europe): God is really good. The growth of the Church in numbers, the growth of the Church and capacity to administer all of the congregations, the growth of the Church in age. Today, this event 50 is celebrating 50 years of God’s blessing of the Church in Europe, what a spectacular emotional, spiritual experience that I’m very thankful to God to have been part of. And if there are those in other places that are just now beginning with small groups, see you in 50 years, because God’s work will do the same in your place too.
Brother Philip Velasquez (Program Director, Europe CEBSI Coordinating Minister): Although it’s good to reminisce on the past, meditate on what God has done, the miracles He has performed to bring the church to where it is today. Through his guidance to the pioneers of the Church, God’s guidance upon the Church Administration in leading the Church through those very early and difficult times. Just as important was to also look forward and focus also on those who will be bringing the Church into the next 50 years. And they are the next generation. I’ve been here because the legacy of faith has been passed down to them. And with God’s help with God’s miracles, we were able to conclude a most memorable celebration that no one in attendance will forget.
Brother Glenn Gomez (Supervising Minister, Ecclesiastical District of Great Britain): We will all the more love and cherish our divine election, and we will remain steadfast in our faith so that we can be assured of receiving the everlasting life that our Lord God has promised His chosen people in these last days.
Rachelle Mattera: With occasions like these that have happened here in London celebrating 50 years of growth, members in Europe unite with the entire Church in reflecting on God’s wondrous blessings while looking towards the future with renewed hope for Rachelle Mattera, for the Iglesia Ni Cristo News Network, London, United Kingdom.
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Naomi De La Cruz: Well, that does it for us on INC News World. Tune in every Sunday for new episodes on INCTV and every Saturday on incmedia.org, our YouTube channel and on streaming platforms. I’m Naomi De La Cruz. Thank you for joining us. Stay safe and we’ll see you next time. God bless.
