De Castro Local Congregation, Metro Manila East Ecclesiastical District

 

"God has truly fulfilled His promises to us. I experienced this personally when He gave me a new lease on life after going through surgery six years ago," recounted Brother Pablo Bengco, one of the head deacons of De Castro Local Congregation, Metro Manila East Ecclesiastical District. Brother Pablo's wife, Sister Lita, added, "We placed our absolute trust in God. We never lost faith in what He can do. It was a miracle that Pablo survived the heart attack.”

The couple requested a minister to pray for them in the intensive care unit they were in before and after the surgery. Brother Pablołwas also anointed with oil in obedience to God's command for the benefit of the sick. They continued their devotional prayer while in the hospital. Brother Pablo said, “My speedy recovery was God's gift. I was advised to rest for three to six months to recuperate. But just after the first month, I already had the strength to attend the officers' weekly meeting at the house of worship. I was so happy that I was able to fulfill my Church duties again. God gave me more than what I asked for." He expressed his firm conviction that hardships are but tests that God's servants should overcome to grow in the faith. He said, “I truly believe that I am not at the losing end when I experience hardships in life.”

Like Brother Pablo and his wife, the other members of their congregation were made even more spiritually resilient after the worship service. As the brethren celebrate the 104th anniversary of their local congregation? n's establishment, they continue to wholeheartedly believe that God will invigorate and strengthen them to endure everything with patience as they wait for the Second Advent of the Savior.

DE CASTRO, PASIG CITY

Written by Kristina Celine Castro