RICHIE FERRERA: Ministers and ministerial workers in the Church Of Christ continue to diligently serve as strong helpers to the Church Administration in spreading the Gospel and overseeing the welfare of the members. With unwavering commitment and dedication to fulfill their sacred duty, wherever in the world they may be assigned. As a result, the Administration of the Church Of Christ consistently conveys love and appreciation.
In Northern California, pioneering ministers in the United States and their families receive something special for their dedication and diligence in fulfilling their duties. Let’s take a look.
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When the Church Of Christ reached the Far West in 1968, the Church Administration in the Philippines sent dedicated ministers of the Gospel to the United States to spread the word of God and strengthen the faith of the growing number of brethren.
BROTHER RIZALINO SANTOS (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): I am brother Rizalino Santos and I have been a minister for 64 years now.
BROTHER RUBEN GARCIA (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Brother Ruben A. Garcia. I entered the ministry in 1965.
BROTHER MANUEL ANDAYA (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): I started as a regular worker, that was June 10, 1966.
BROTHER MANUEL SANTOS (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) Brother Manuel B. Santos. In January 1972, I entered the ministry.
BROTHER EFREN TACMO (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Brother Efren Aquino Tacmo. I started the ministry in 1973. I have been in the ministry for 50 years.
BROTHER DOMINADOR SANTOS (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) Brother Dominador Santos. When the School For MInisters (SFM) started [in 1974], which was then called EVCO, I was encouraged by Brother Eraño Manalo to study in our school.
BROTHER EDGARDO MANANGKIL (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Brother Edgardo Manangkil. 49 years in the ministry, with the help of God.
BROTHER ULYSSES JUCUTAN (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Brother Ulysses M. Jucutan. I’ve been in the ministry for 48 years.
BROTHER ANTONIO DEL MUNDO (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): [In Tagalog] I am Anton Del Mondo. I entered the ministry 1975.
BROTHER JESSE DEL ROSARIO (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Brother Jesse Del Rosario. I have been in the ministry for 45 years now.
BROTHER NOEL DE LEON (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): I’m Brother Noel De Leon. I’ve been in the ministry for 43 years. I was ordained in 1980.
BROTHER MARIANO NUCUP (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Brother Mariano Nucup. I’ve been an ordained minister since 1981, that should be 42 years.
PIONEERING MINISTERS IN THE FAR WEST
BROTHER RIZALINO SANTOS (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): The first time I learned I would be assigned to the United States, there was, of course, the fear of the unknown. Because in those years, in 1970, are still pioneering years of the Church outside the Philippines.
BROTHER MANUEL ANDAYA (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) I had a mix of excitement knowing I’d be going abroad, a natural feeling for a minister when told they’ll be sent across the seas. At the same time, there was concern about how I would adjust, especially considering our limitations as ministers being sent far away.
BROTHER RUBEN GARCIA (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): I was assigned [to] America, 1978. That was in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I was supposed to be with the first batch. They found out that I’m not yet ordained. That’s why when I was ordained and then included, I was very happy.
BROTHER MANUEL SANTOS (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): In 1986, Brother [Eraño Manalo] said that we needed an auditor who would take care of [the Church’s finance in America]. Then Brother [Eraño Manalo] said, “”Jun [Santos], I know who we will send.” Who?” “Your brother.”
BROTHER EFREN TACMO (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): When I arrived in Reno, it seemed that Reno was not even a new place for me because I came from Benguet mountain provinces.
BROTHER EDGARDO MANANGKIL (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Portland, Oregon was my first local congregation and then Daly City. That was 1996.
BROTHER ULYSSES JUCUTAN (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): They taught us in the school that we had to learn the culture, the history of where we will be assigned and it helped us as well to prepare ourselves. My first assignment is Long Beach, California.
BROTHER JESSE DEL ROSARIO (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): I left the Philippines in 1993. I would be assigned to Philadelphia, on the East Coast.
BROTHER RIZALINO SANTOS (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): In my local assignment of Los Angeles, we bought the first house of worship of the Church outside the Philippines. After that, the house of worship in San Francisco was purchased by the Church.
BROTHER MANUEL ANDAYA (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): This picture here is when the first baptism was conducted in Kailua, Kona, [Hawaii] which is now a local congregation.
BROTHER RIZALINO SANTOS (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): One of the challenges I can say is, gathering the brethren. It was still pioneering work. We had to post our address, phone number, even on laundry establishments, even the plates of our cars. We put there 1914 C.O.C.. So just in case the brethren see that they honk! We found the brethren in so many different ways.
BROTHER JESSE DEL ROSARIO (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): My fear was about the culture, the language, because our work is to preach the Gospel. And I was praying of course that they would understand me.
BROTHER MARIANO NUCUP (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): My first assignment was in Houston, Texas, and it’s a culture shock indeed. They look down at that time, 1985, when it comes to people that are of different colors. The culture is totally different. We have these apprehensions and have second thoughts. But the message of Brother Eraño [Manalo] he said, I will not be able to see you anymore and you will be away from your families but one thing that you will not be far away from, and that is our Father. We are just a prayer away from him.
BROTHER ULYSSES JUCUTAN (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): My fear and my worries is how can I convince the non Filipinos to the teachings of God? It dawned on me that the messenger, when he preached the gospel, he preached it in the way God wants it to.
BROTHER DOMINADOR SANTOS (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) As a resident minister in Jacksonville, Florida, a pastor of a Protestant denomination challenged me to a debate about the religion I preach. When we met, he seemed to look down on me, viewing me as inferior. According to him, he only engages with skilled and professional debaters. It was as if he was belittling the minister he would be facing. We had a debate there, and he was embarrassed during that encounter. I told him, ‘Do you want me to help you find the verses you’re reading?’ He struggled to answer my questions, and he started to respect me after that moment.
BROTHER RUBEN GARCIA (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): That loneliness of being away from my family is a big challenge. As I look back on my ministry, what motivates me to overcome these challenges is that it has always been proven, what is written in Romans 8:28 To those who love God, everything worketh for good. And in my 54 years in my ministry, it has been proven many times.
BROTHER DOMINADOR SANTOS (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) Here in America, ministers experience extreme weather conditions. Traveling during a snowstorm is indeed dangerous. Even while driving, you can hardly see the road because of the snow, everything looks uniformly white. You wouldn’t know if what you’re passing through is a ditch.
BROTHER MANUEL ANDAYA (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) So when encountering these types of situations, first and foremost we conducted devotional prayers and would prepare everything we needed.
BROTHER EFREN TACMO (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): We prayed to our Almighty God to give us that courage in order for us to fulfill our divine obligation.
BROTHER DOMINADOR SANTOS (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): A minister believes and truly trusts that God will be with him even in the most dangerous journeys.
BROTHER MANUEL SANTOS (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog)
We can bear all trials and with humility, we accept them.
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All their sacrifices were never forgotten by God and the Administration He has placed in the Church.
A special event was held to honor retired and pioneering ministers, and widows of ministers.
TRIBUTE EVENT FOR RETIRED AND PIONEER MINISTERS
BROTHER BOB PELLIEN (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Tonight was a special recognition for the ministers. This event was so inspiring, especially for those retired ministers and the widows of ministers who have already passed away. And even pioneering trailblazers from the very early times.
SISTER GIRLIE WORTHEN (WIFE OF LATE BROTHER GREG WORTHEN): I feel so grateful and thankful to Eduardo, to the Church Administration.
SISTER ANGELINA BALINO (WIFE OF LATE BROTHER RODOLPHO BALINO): (In Tagalog) It’s a delightful feeling because [being in the ministry] is a great blessing. That’s what matters to me.
SISTER GIGI KROLL (WIFE OF LATE BROTHER STEVEN KROLL): Being inside the ministry, even though we have the test and the trials, the blessings come back to you insurmountable. You know, you cannot imagine.
BROTHER EFREN TACMO (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Until now, the Church Administration continuously exhorts, encourages, admonishes, and strengthens us through the teachings of God written in the Holy Scriptures.
BROTHER NOEL DE LEON (SECRETARY, SCHOOL FOR MINISTERS SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA EXTENSION): It is my prayer that, up until that day, when my health is not like this anymore, I could still be of help to the Church Administration.
BROTHER PEDRO DELA CRUZ JR. (SUPERVISING MINISTER, ECCLESIASTICAL DISTRICT OF NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA): (In Tagalog) Our elder ministers are admirable. Their sacrifices for the church are immeasurable. And as a son [of a minister] back then, when I was still young, until now that I am a minister. What I witnessed, felt, is the love and care of the Administration for the ministers and their family, to strengthen, uplift, and provide even the material needs for fulfilling duties. The Church Administration is always there.
BROTHER RUBEN GARCIA (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): I will not forget the moment wherein Brother Eraño Manalo went out from his office and went to my office and he said that and my concern my big concern now are the youth of the Church. So much temptation. So when trials, difficulties come, they might turn cold. That’s why we should give attention to the youth.
BROTHER ANTONIO DEL MUNDO (REGISTRAR, SCHOOL FOR MINISTERS, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA): (In Tagalog) In 1984, the high school BEM (Bachelor of Evangelical Ministry) was established. I was the first principal and then from then on, High School BEM has continued on to this day. (In English) And then in America, 2015, as faculty member and as a registrar in the School For Ministers (SFM), here in Sacramento extension. (In Tagalog) With the mercy of God, I’m still continuing to teach.
BROTHER RIZALINO SANTOS (COORDINATOR, SCHOOL FOR MINISTERS SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA EXTENSION): I believe that God is giving me health, strength, sound mind, the drive to fulfill my duty because He still wants to use me for something very important and that is n the words of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, he said I’d like SFM Sacramento to produce good ministers of the Church. That is the driving force or inspiration to me now.
BROTHER MANUEL ANDAYA (FACULTY MEMBER, SCHOOL FOR MINISTERS, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA): (In Tagalog) It brings us joy that when we teach those studying in the ministry to become ministerial workers, it is a big help to Brother Eduardo Manalo in preaching and in taking care of the whole Church.
BROTHER RIZALINO SANTOS (COORDINATOR, SCHOOL FOR MINISTERS SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA EXTENSION: There is no job on earth where God is the one that is hiring except minister in the Church Of Christ. Even the president of the most powerful country in the world is selected by the people. But God is the one choosing, calling, electing you.
BROTHER GREG ACUÑA (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, U.S. WEST OFFICE): (In Tagalog) It’s important to be hardworking, honest to the Church Administration, and all of the work entrusted should be done with the help of God so that we can be successful and remain in the ministry.
BROTHER MARIANO NUCUP (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA): We have God with us. That’s what we hold on to steadfastly. The Church Administration always tells us, your salvation hinges on not only just you being an Iglesia Ni Cristo member. Our salvation hinges on our being ministers until the end.
BROTHER RIZALINO SANTOS (COORDINATOR, SCHOOL FOR MINISTERS SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA EXTENSION): God is our benefit in the ministry because God said, I am your inheritance.
SISTER GIRLIE WORTHEN (WIFE OF LATE BROTHER GREG WORTHEN): You need to keep going, to hold on to the duties that God has given to us, until we finish our race.
SISTER JEANETTE KAMIMURA (WIFE OF LATE BROTHER SAMMY KAMIMURA): I’m waiting for my salvation, making it to heaven. That’s what motivates me to keep holding on.
BROTHER ARTHUR GAMO (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): For one thing, my life is something where God proved to me how He cares for me.
BROTHER JESSE DEL ROSARIO (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, SAN JOSE, NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA): It is a normal for every human being, that as you age, your body somehow grows weaker, your health is affected. But I’m so grateful to God up to now because somehow I’m still able to help our Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. And I always say to myself that I will do it until my last breath.
BROTHER ANTONIO DEL MUNDO (REGISTRAR, SCHOOL FOR MINISTERS, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA): (In Tagalog) We continue to be united with the Administration in all things. In the local community, in school, from every perspective, we cannot separate ourselves from their spirit, from their purpose. We are their helpers, they guide us in leadership, for the brethren, even those currently studying to become ministers.
BROTHER ULYSSES JUCUTAN (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, U.S. WEST OFFICE AUDITOR): What that Administration wants, is that all members will be saved. Of course, we want to be saved, we don’t want the labors of the Administration, our labors and sacrifices will end up in vain or nothing. May it be that with God’s help, me and my family, together with the Administration, will receive salvation come the day of judgment.
BROTHER MANUEL ANDAYA (FACULTY MEMBER, SCHOOL FOR MINISTERS, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA): (In Tagalog) This appreciation or recognition for the retired, pioneering ministers, is very significant. It’s so evident how much our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo cares for the ministers and workers.
BROTHER BOB PELLIEN (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Their work that they have done has not been forgotten. It was a further solidifying of that compassionate intent of the Church Administration and that intent was received that they are loved and cared for by Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Church Administrator today.
BROTHER RUBEN GARCIA (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): As I look back, problems don’t discourage me, the most challenging experiences, God turned it out to be the biggest blessing.
BROTHER MANUEL SANTOS (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) We have it ingrained in our minds that whatever task is assigned to us, we finish it. We finish with integrity, with a purpose for the glory of God, for the glory of the Church. That’s our mindset.
My devotional prayer every night when I am anointed with oil is that God will heal me from illness, to continue helping the Church Administration in leading the Church.
BROTHER DOMINADOR SANTOS (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA): I also thank the Lord God that my two children have become ministers. My two sons were blessed to become District Supervising Ministers, which is truly a great gift from the Lord God.
I can say that I am now in the final stage of my ministry. Despite my illness, I still strive to help, in preaching in worship services, I can still help the Church, the Executive Minister, so that the chosen ones, the brethren, may be fervent in their service and worship of the Lord God. In the remaining time I have, that is my only goal, until the day I am laid to rest.
BROTHER MARIANO NUCUP (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): You are an example to us Sir.
BROTHER JESSE DEL ROSARIO (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): We will continue to help in this part of the world.
BROTHER EDGARDO MANANGKIL (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) We will never forget the love you bestowed upon us, and continuously embracing the entire Church, especially us, the retired ministers.
BROTHER RUBEN GARCIA (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) You still remember us.
BROTHER ULYSSES JUCUTAN (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Our life has meaning now because we are in the ministry.
BROTHER ARTHUR GAMO (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Thank you po.
BROTHER MARIANO NUCUP (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Thank you so much.
BROTHER JESSE DEL ROSARIO (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Thank you so much po.
BROTHER EDGARDO MANANGKIL (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) Thank you very, very much po.
BROTHER GREG ACUÑA (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) Thank you very much po.
BROTHER EFREN TACMO (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): We love you so much.
BROTHER ANTONIO DEL MUNDO (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) Thank you very much po Sir.
BROTHER ULYSSES JUCUTAN (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Thank you so much po Ka Eduardo.
BROTHER RUBEN GARCIA (RETIRED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) Thank you very much po.
BROTHER RIZALINO SANTOS (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): We are in the School For Ministers because of your trust.
BROTHER MANUEL ANDAYA (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): (In Tagalog) Thank you very, very much.
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RICHIE FERRERA: 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 Richie Ferrera. Thank you for joining us. Stay safe and we’ll see you next time. God bless.
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