LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Jan. 13 (PNA) — “Strengthening faith through prayers is not only for us but also for our family and the community where we belong.”
This was stressed by Pangasinan Board Member Amado I. Espino, III when he spoke on behalf of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. during the “March for Jesus Pangasinan’ held at the Urdaneta Cultural Center over the weekend.
The religious activity organized by the Ministers Assembly of Urdaneta Inc. (MAUI) gathered together about 2,000 Pangasinenses, mostly youth (from districts four, five and six) to worship God and share His word.
“Sa dami ng problema ngayon, kailangan po natin ng prayers… ng faith,” (Because of the many problems today, we need prayers… for faith'” said the young Espino, Provincial Federation president of Liga ng mga Barangay.
He added that the provincial government led by Governor Espino extends its full-support to all activities of hundreds of Christian groups in the province.
Rev. Arthur Paloay, coordinator of the March for Jesus Pangasinan, together with the Christian bishops present during the activity, prayed over Board Member Espino and the provincial government before Bishop Rufino Malitao IV delivered his keynote message.
Noting that the Governor has integrated various positive developments in the province, Paloay said that the spreading of the Gospel of Christ in various places of the province became accessible with the support of the present provincial administration.
“We see the progress of the province. The beautiful provincial Capitol and the warm hospitality of its employees, are positive proofs to the advancement of public service in the province,” he said.
Meanwhile, Carl dela Cruz, a youth leader from Urdaneta City Worship Center, said the religious activity is relevant to Pangasinenses, particularly the youth. “The primary purpose of this activity is to create awareness among the youth in spreading the salvation of God,” he said.
Dela Cruz said that the annually conducted activity will also contribute in molding the spiritual and social aspects of the youth.
After the opening program, church leaders led the prayers for the eight pillars of the government. These included: Family (Bishop John Sagaoinit, World Changer Church); Church (Rev. Jonathan Aranton, Lighthouse Fellowship); Health and Social Services (Rev. Pipo Zalsos, Church of the Open Door); Education (Pastor Cecil Torrado, Christ Tabernacle of Praise); Government (Hon. Myrna Belle Uy, Former Binalonan Vice Mayor); Defense (Rev. Alex de Venecia) Victory Christian Fellowship; Business (Hon. Harry Bernabe, Rosales Vice Mayor); and Prayer for Pangasinan (Bishop Constantino Ramos, World Missionary Evangelism). (PNA)