ICOC Philippines celebrates 36 years of God’s graceーNortheast Geo Region
On the 27th of July 2025, more than 1,200 hearts have been filled by His love at The Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman as the ICOC Manila Northeast Geo Region celebrated God’s faithfulness for ICOC PH for the past 36 years.
What began as a seed planted by a group of young and humble disciples has grown into a greater fruit of God’s faithfulness and grace. Established in 1989 by 28 young brothers and sisters from the US, the International Churches of Christ PH has since become a vessel of God’s love throughout the country.
Rejoicing As One Spiritual Family
For the past 26 years, God has been moving with His power and love and this is seen from the hearts of the people who were used to make the celebration happen. IN HYMN and D4G led everyone to worshipーsetting each and everyone’s hearts to rejoice and praise Him. Edwin and Madz Virtudez welcomed everyone and encouraged them not just to remember the past 36 wonderful years, but also to rejoice as one spiritual family. Edwin emphasized:
“We’re not just looking back, but also looking forward with vision, passion, and faith.”
Joseph Silapan brought everyone back to the sacrifice Jesus made at the cross and left a reminder that Christians are called to live accountable to Him and to do what pleases Him. Joseph recalls 2 Corinthians 5:5-15 which declares:
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” [2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV]
Christian Gonzales then reminds us of the benchmark that God has given us in James 1:27 about looking after people in distress. He calls everyone to care for brothers and sisters with the intention and heart to love and care for each other. Christian emphasized the importance of extending God’s love to others and encouraged everyone to visit them, especially, in distress.
All of this is a reminder of how much more God can use everyone to reachーall by His grace.
Grace and Thanksgiving For His Glory
Building onto God’s grace and faithfulness through the years, Rolan Monje shared two things which calls for celebration in glorifying God: grace and thanksgiving.
Rolan highlights that while reality says that grace is undeserved kindness, God’s grace extends and goes beyond regardless of who everyone is and what everyone can do for Him. Marelle Santos then gives her testimony of God’s grace at work. She tells the church that it is not just about one’s ability and skills, but also one’s struggles and weaknesses, that can be used for His glory. This is more grace reaching; when one reaches out not just when it is convenient but especially, when it is not.
Rolan then emphasizes the importance of thanksgiving and invites Oliver Manalili with him who thanked God for transforming his life not just for himself, but also to reach the people around him as well. With humility and gratitude, Rolan made a point of more thanks overflowing; to be excited in thanksgiving and to accept help. Rolan stated:
“When we help one another, that’s favor from God. And it results to thanksgiving.”
Rejoicing As One: Behind-the-Scenes
All 36 years of God’s faithfulness was seen through the people that allowed Him to use them. Mike, who has been a disciple for 19 years already, saw how the church has grown and how God has been faithful in the past, working in the present, and laying the path for the future. Encouraged and joyful, Allaiza, a day-old disciple by the time of the anniversary service, shared how having the chance to listen to the testimonies and to witness the service made her appreciate more the hearts of the people who has made the celebration possible.
God’s grace is seen even in the efforts hidden to the eyes of many. Joriz from IN HYMN, Jethro from D4G, and Princess from CREATE shared how the preparations done prior to the anniversary service was tiring but fulfilling. Merwyn, who was serving in the Children’s Ministry, shared the same and the challenges they encountered during the service. But what has kept these people going has always been God’s grace. Mike shared how honored he is to be used by God:
“I am just a very small part of God’s wonderful plan.”
Jethro, who has been serving in D4G for more than 2 years already, shared how God’s grace has been moving his heart for serving:
“...and I have never been perfect, but he always reminds me that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weaknesses.”
While many cannot see all the labor poured into this anniversary service and the challenges they have encountered, what we can see is this: it is not about what we can and cannot do, but about His grace.
Reaching Beyond Our Limits
God’s grace extends beyond what anyone can reach. What led ICOC PH to its 36th year is not because of mere human works but of His love and grace. The past years of faith and humility call us not just to remember His grace but also to look forward to what He can still do for the years to come.
ICOC Philippines’ 36th year is a testimony of how God’s grace extendsーand how it reaches out even when we least expect it to.