Congregational virtual teens devo, another first for ICOC PH

Written by Marianne Abalayan //  Published

Exceeding organizers’ expectations, close to 180 joined the first International Churches of Christ (ICOC) Philippines congregational virtual teens devotional held Saturday, May 16, via Zoom amid quarantine restrictions due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

At least 160 participants with Zoom accounts participated but meeting host Mayo and Lucie Francisco noted that there were two or three attendees in some accounts.

Participants were from city churches in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and different sectors in Metro Manila.

TJ Rabena of ICOC Quezon City welcomed everybody, underscoring that they are gathered together to give praise to God (Psalm 117) and he also led the opening prayer.

A trivia game livened up the atmosphere as most of the Kingdom teens, some of whom are baptized disciples, already know the basic information about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mayo, in his message entitled, “Following Jesus”, used Luke 9:23-27 as the theme scripture with three points: 1. Anyone can follow Jesus, 2. Following Jesus is a commitment, and 3. Following Jesus is worth


Addressing the teens, he said in Filipino, “May pangarap ka, mas maganda sumusunod ka kay Jesus, at matutupad ang pangarap mo (You have a dream, but it’s best that you also follow Jesus and your dream will come true).”

He also said that following Jesus is allowing Him to lead “so that people shouldn’t have to guess who you are following”.

Lucie, for her part, said, “Commitment comes from the heart. You can’t say you follow Jesus but loose in your commitment. You can’t just say it and not do anything about it.”

ICOC Makati teens ministry coordinators Pancho Leoncio and Bia Montealegre also shared their thoughts on the lesson, which was greatly appreciated by the teens who thanked the Francisco couple through Zoom chat.

They look forward to another congregational virtual teens devotional as promised by the Franciscos.

It can be recalled that ICOC Philippines also conducted a congregational Easter Sunday Service on April 12 and celebrated Mother’s Day with Special Service on May 10 via Facebook and Youtube.