Malta to Japan: New Beginning and Celebrations in the Church Of Christ
BROTHER TYLER WORTHEN: From Europe to Asia, we witness the latest inspiring events and activities happening in the Church Of Christ around the world. Let’s take a look.
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BROTHER TYLER WORTHEN: Our first stop takes us to the Ecclesiastical District of Mediterranean. With its serene coastlines just lying within the bounds of the Republic of Malta is the island of Gozo. And it is here where an inaugural worship service was held for the newly established group worship service of Gozo. And for members like Van, the sacred event marked a milestone for members in the newly established group worship service.
VAN CALINAO (GROUP WORSHIP SERVICE OVERSEER, GOZO, REPUBLIC OF MALTA): From the moment we heard the news of the Church Administration’s approval for the group worship service of Gozo, we held devotional prayers and we were filled with joy, upon the establishment in this area of Gozo.
BROTHER TYLER WORTHEN: The sacred event was led by Supervising Minister, Brother Ramil Regino, reminding the importance of fulfilling one’s duty and remaining humble and obedient to the teachings of the Almighty God.
BROTHER RAMIL REGINO (SUPERVISING MINISTER, ECCLESIASTICAL DISTRICT OF MEDITERRANEAN): The significance of the newly established group worship service gives the brethren an opportunity to all the more fulfill their inherent obligation, which is to serve and glorify our Father in Heaven. And here in this part of the world, particularly in Malta.
BROTHER EDMUNDO TAPANG (ASSISTANT SUPERVISING MINISTER, ECCLESIASTICAL DISTRICT OF MEDITERRANEAN): We give our sincerest thanks to our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, for approving the establishment of Gozo Group Worship Service. Hence, we promise to continue to be devoted in our worship service and further encourage one another in propagating the Gospel.
BROTHER TYLER WORTHEN: Special gatherings continue to leave inspiring remarks amongst members as we head west to the Ecclesiastical District of Western Europe, as Church officers participated in a special gathering connecting through videolink. Led by Supervising Minister, Brother Marvin Adriano, they were reminded of the importance of upholding their sacred duties and obligations as a sincere purpose in their life.
RODEL MERCADO (HEAD DEACON, VAL D OISE, FRANCE): Despite the many obstacles and trials that I have experienced in my life, with the help and mercy of our Lord God, I am still able to continue in my duty.
JEFFERSON JIMENEZ (DEACON, MONACO, WESTERN EUROPE): I am very happy that I was able to attend it, because this serves as an inspiration to strengthen my faith and love for our Lord God.
BROTHER TYLER WORTHEN: Attendees were also reminded of the important duties of being a Church officer – to nurture and to help aid in caring for the spiritual welfare of their fellow brethren.
BROTHER LINDYLL KIM FLORES (MINISTERIAL WORKER, MARSEILLE, FRANCE): Due to the increase of the number of people joining, the brethren need to be taken care of by Church officers. This is the reason why the Church Administration is calling on the brethren to accept the divine duty to take care of the brethren and to maintain the peace in our services to our Lord God.
MARGAUX ODULIO (KADIWA OFFICER, VAL D OISE, FRANCE): To me, it serves as an inspiration in my life. I know there are many problems and even though we have many preoccupations in life, As a person and a member of the Church Of Christ, I’ll always have a purpose, which is to serve God and also help the brothers and sisters – especially the youth inside the Church, To be strong in their faith and to never abandon their services to our Lord God.
BROTHER TYLER WORTHEN: Milestones continue to be set in the Church Of Christ as we take our next visit across the Pacific to the Ecclesiastical District of Tokyo, Japan. Reflecting on the Almighty God’s marvelous deeds into their lives, members from across the district gathered to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the district of Tokyo. The event celebration comprised of members from different regions of Japan including Chubu, Tohoku, and Kanto. Members gathered along with their families and invited guests for a dinner and celebration at the Industrial Plaza Pio Ota City in Tokyo. This event gave the opportunity for attendees to participate and showcase their musical talents as members performed a set number of Church Of Christ originally composed music.
BROTHER AMANTE RODRIGUEZ (SUPERVISING MINISTER, ECCLESIASTICAL DISTRICT OF TOKYO, JAPAN): We can see the efforts of the brethren, as being led by the officers. We give back all praise and thanks to our Lord God for we were able to conduct activities like this through His help and mercy.
KRIS ARTIENDA (HEAD DEACON, SHINAGAWA): It is very important to participate in this kind of activity as we commemorate the 13th Anniversary of the Church in Tokyo and it gives us the inspiration, motivation to fulfill our duty.
BROTHER TYLER WORTHEN: Members took the time to embrace the growth and progress of the district since its establishment. Among those in attendance was Sasahara, who was among those blessed to witness the growth of the district in recent years.
HISATSUGU SASAHARA (DEACON, KAWASAKI, TOKYO, JAPAN): I joined the Church about 20 years ago, but at that time there were ministers only in the Local Congregation of Tokyo and there were not as many local congregations as there now. I was happy when the district was established for the first time as we celebrate our 13th anniversary now, and we have more ministers and members.
RAFAEL OLA (HEAD DEACON, TOKYO, JAPAN): What we can promise is that as long as we have our life and strength we will continue serving (God) and our life has been offered to Him.
BROTHER TYLER WORTHEN: From Tokyo, Japan we head south to the Ecclesiastical District of Thailand, where members from the congregations of Bangkok and Rangsit gathered together to attend an evangelical mission, giving the opportunity for the invited guests to be introduced to and learn more about the Church Of Christ. Members, along with their invited guests in attendance, were led in a preaching by Brother Jun Yting, a minister of the gospel, emphasizing the importance of one finding the right path that will lead to salvation.
BROTHER TYLER WORTHEN: Activities like this continue to further enhance the faith and strengthen the camaraderie amongst members in sharing with others – the teachings upheld in the Church Of Christ, in hopes that many more will come to know the true faith. To keep up with the latest activities happening inside the Church Of Christ, visit INCMedia.org/INC-NEWS-WORLD or subscribe to our YouTube channel at INCMedia.official.
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BROTHER TYLER WORTHEN: 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 Brother Tyler Worthen. Thank you for joining us. Stay safe and we’ll see you next time. God bless.
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