Dearest Brother Eduardo V. Manalo,
My name is Steve Moran and I am the eldest of seven children. I have five brothers and one sister. I am from Wapakoneta, Ohio. I currently have the responsibilities of being one of the head deacons and the overseer of the Light of Salvation at the local congregation of Mountain View, District of Bataan.
I grew up belonging to the Catholic Church and attending Catholic grade and high school. In 2013, I visited the Philippines for vacation. It was there I discovered about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, which made me curious. That’s when I started to do my research and I understood that their beliefs and teachings were all Bible-based. At that time, I was becoming very discouraged with the direction the Catholic Church was heading. Things were constantly changing—not towards what God wants but instead, what the people wanted, which made me uncomfortable.
When I went back to the states, I searched for I.N.C. (Iglesia Ni Cristo) locals in Ohio. I first attended my first worship service in Piqua GWS (Group Worship Service) which was 45 minutes from me.I was very impressed, especially with the way God’s message was delivered, that it all came directly from the Bible and was not clouded by opinions, unlike other preachers I’ve heard. The congregation was very warm and welcomed me. I then decided to enter the fold and become a member of the I.N.C. I continued my Bible studies and was baptized in Chicago in 2014.
Since becoming a member, it became more obvious to me all the works of the I.N.C. For instance, whenever calamities strike various locations throughout the years, you are quick to send aid to the people in need. At those kinds of moments, I even wished I was also there to help and hand out bags of food. It also became prevalent that the Church conducts various large-scale activities abroad for the sake of not only its members, but even also to non-members, most especially for the people’s spiritual needs.
In 2017, my wife and I attended a chapel dedication in Chicago. That was the first time that I saw you in person. Your messages to the congregation were enlightening to me. After the service, all of the brothers and sisters rushed up to you to shake your hand and to greet you. I stayed back to just observe and noticed how much respect and admiration they had for you. And also, how you took the time and effort to meet and talk to everyone that was there. It proved to me that you truly care for each member of the Church.
Then, in 2018, we attended a chapel dedication in Detroit. It was a former chapel of another religion that eventually sold their property to the Iglesia Ni Cristo. It was then I realized that while all those global churches were gradually declining, this Church from the Philippines (which was considered relatively new, as I have heard from my people in the United States), continues to grow exponentially—more than others in the history of religion. I thought to myself that this truly is God’s work, and that thought strengthened my faith even more. That’s where I also finally got to meet you and shook your hand. That was truly a special moment for me. From then on, I carried with me the message you taught, which inspired me to become more active in the Church. And so, shortly after, I accepted the duty as a deacon when the Group Worship Service was established in Columbus, Ohio. It is not only to pay homage to the care you’ve shown to the brethren, but most importantly, to fulfill God’s message to treasure our duties–-to serve Him–-just as you taught us.
Moving forward, in 2019, we retired and moved permanently to the Philippines, worshiping in the local congregation of Mountain View here in Marivales, Bataan. Needless to say, I was the only foreigner in the local. Not having a good understanding of Tagalog, my wife would interpret everything to me after the worship service. Then, in 2020, the Church Administration agreed to let the local of Mountain View have English worship service. This action by the Church Administration really impressed me, how they would take such big undertakings for just one member. This truly made an impact on me and made my faith even stronger.
Then came a time a video streaming worship service was held, including in our local congregation. I remember how in that specific worship service, you encouraged the brethren to give great importance to duties and responsibilities inside the Church for the sake of God’s people. At this time, I became head deacon and overseer for the Light of Salvation at our local.
Thank you so much, Brother Eduardo, from the bottom of my heart. I pray to the Almighty Father that He continues to bless you and take care of you. Continue to do the good things for the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. We love you so very much. Happy 15th Anniversary on your dynamic and victorious administration in the Church Of Christ. Sincerely, Brother Steve Moran.
