INC Celebrates 5 Years of Blessings in Taiwan South
Naomi De La Cruz: Welcome back to INC News. One of the latest architectural landmarks hosting significant events in Taiwan is the ICC Tainan and just recently became the venue for a momentous occasion as members of the Church Of Christ in the ecclesiastical district of Taiwan South celebrated a milestone anniversary. Let’s witness how they commemorated this remarkable event. Here’s Lawren Santos with the report.
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Lawren Santos: Taiwan– a country in East Asia with a population of around 23 million and a highly developed economy known for its technology and exports. As a result, many people come here to seek job opportunities. Based on the recent reports from Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor, there are about 150,000 Overseas Filipino workers, or OFWs currently in Taiwan. Among them is Melanie, a factory worker who came here a year ago. According to her, the journey has not been easy, especially since she is far from her family.
Melanie Fernandez (Overseas Filipino Worker, Taiwan): (In Filipino) For us OFWs, it’s extremely difficult, very difficult to be alone. The challenges we experience here are different from one another. Actually, right now, I am going through a lot in life.
Lawren: And it’s people who are far from their loved ones, like Melanie, who seek comfort and sources of hope. But through an unexpected invitation from a friend and member of the Church Of Christ, Melanie found a much-needed source of comfort and hope.
The occasion she attended was a special gathering of members of the Church Of Christ in the ecclesiastical district of Taiwan South.
This holy occasion was held at ICC Tainan, one of the newest buildings hosting major activities in Taiwan and was the first time the Church Of Christ held a special gathering there to mark the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the ecclesiastical district of Taiwan South.
The study of God’s words was led by Brother Gerry Purificacion, one of the primary helpers of the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. And they were inspired by the message they heard today.
Elsa Tabangcay (Choir Member, Local Congregation of Kaoshiung): As a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo and being far from my family, my only weapon is my prayer, to draw near to our Lord God.
Graham Holdaway (Local Congregation of Tainan): Allows you to guide your life and your daily activities. A reminder of how to be a good person and live your life.
Alan Villanueva (Choir Member, Local Congregation of Taoyuan City): It is helping us who are working here as OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers). It strengthens the faith and hope of each one of us.
Lawren: Through this activity, not only did it strengthen the faith of the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, but it also allowed the true faith to be shared with the attending guests.
Melanie Fernandez (Guest): (In Filipino) Actually, it’s my first time to be invited to an event like this. The speaker’s words had a tremendous impact on me, not just on me, but also on those around me earlier. It had a profound effect on them. It’s like our hearts became one. It’s tear-jerking, actually. Although it may be embarrassing to cry, at this moment, tears were flowing so much from my eyes.
Emilyn Tuliao (Guest): We are happy because we were able to express our feelings, let out everything we feel, and cry when we needed to cry. It’s exciting because it’s our first time attending [a worship service of the Church Of Christ], and it’s a memorable experience for us.
Bryan Tablan (Guest): I have learned that the [Church Of Christ] is the true religion, and if given the chance and time, I would like to continue studying this religion.
Lawren: For guests like Melaine, they hope that this won’t be the last time for such an experience.
Melanie Fernandez (Guest): (In Filipino) I will never forget this overwhelming experience. Then all my [Iglesia Ni Cristo] friends, they all seemed so happy. The brotherhood is truly joyful. I hope there will be more events like this in the future. Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to participate.
Lawren: In celebrating the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the ecclesiastical district of Taiwan South, the members of the Church Of Christ are not only grateful for the spiritual blessings they have received but also for the opportunity to share the true faith with others. I’m Lawren Santos for the Iglesia Ni Cristo News Network.
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Naomi: Well, that does it for us on INC News World. Tune in every Saturday for new episodes of INC News World 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!
