Montalban, Rizal, June 7, 2024 – Against the verdant backdrop of Paradeisos Farm, formerly known as URBAN, the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) gathered to honor Apostle Arsenio Tan Ferriol’s half-century of apostolic ministry with a heartfelt memorial tree planting ceremony. This significant event drew together church leaders, members, and community representatives from across the globe, celebrating a legacy of faith, growth, and service.
Celebrating a Remarkable Legacy
Apostle Arsenio Tan Ferriol, the esteemed founder of PMCC (4th Watch), has spent the past 50 years cultivating the End-time Church. His ministry has profoundly impacted countless lives through his dedication to spreading the gospel. The tree planting ceremony served as a living tribute to his enduring influence, mirroring the growth and strength of the church he established.
In a deeply symbolic act, trees were planted to represent the spiritual seeds Apostle Arsenio Tan Ferriol sowed during his ministry. Much like the parable of the mustard seed from Mark 4:31-32, the smallest beginnings can grow into mighty symbols of faith and community. Chief Executive Minister Bishop Jonathan Ferriol, son of the honored Apostle, eloquently linked this biblical metaphor to his father’s work, emphasizing that just as the trees will grow and flourish, so too will the church’s mission and outreach.
A Gathering of Faith and Unity
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished assembly of church leaders, including Evangelist Let Ferriol, Archbishop Arturo Ferriol, Bishop Osinando Quillao, Bishop Sam Ferriol, Bishop Adrin Palanca, Bishop Reynald Sulayao and Evangelist Violy Concepcion. Their presence, along with that of numerous presbyters and ministers from around the world, highlighted the global unity and shared purpose within the PMCC (4th Watch) community.
Bishop Jonathan S. Ferriol led the proceedings with a powerful exhortation, reflecting on his father’s contributions and urging the congregation to continue nurturing the seeds of faith and community planted by Apostle Arsenio. His words resonated deeply, inspiring those gathered to uphold the church’s values and commitment to spiritual growth.
Community and Civic Engagement
In addition to church leaders, the event also saw the participation of local government officials from Montalban, Rizal. Mayor General Ronnie Evangelista, Vice Mayor Edgardo Sison, and Municipal Councilors were among those present, underscoring the significant relationship between the church and the local community. Barangay Captain of Brgy. San Jose also attended, reflecting the broad support and recognition for the church’s contributions to both spiritual and civic life.
Mayor Evangelista praised the initiative, noting that “such acts not only contribute to the environment but also strengthen the bonds within our community.” This sentiment was echoed by Bishop Jonathan F. Ferriol, who emphasized that, “We are not helping only the environment but we are also helping ourselves.”
Symbolizing Growth and Continuity
Paradeisos Farm, with its lush landscapes and tranquil setting, was the perfect venue for this symbolic event. The act of planting trees served as a poignant metaphor for the growth and continuity of the church’s mission under Apostle Arsenio’s guidance. Each tree planted represented the flourishing of the church’s teachings and the enduring impact of its people worldwide.
Spiritual and Environmental Stewardship
The ceremony was a testament to the intertwined values of spiritual and environmental stewardship. As the church planted trees in Apostle Arsenio’s memory, they not only honored his legacy but also committed to nurturing the earth, reflecting God’s creation’s abundance and vitality. This theme emphasizes the importance of caring for both the spiritual and physical worlds. It also underscored the belief that the health of the earth and the strength of the church are deeply connected, each supporting the other in flourishing.
Looking Forward
As the trees take root and grow, they will stand as enduring symbols of Apostle Arsenio Tan Ferriol’s 50 years of dedicated service. The event at Paradeisos Farm celebrated not just a remarkable past but also set a hopeful tone for the future, one where the seeds of faith and community continue to grow and bear fruit for generations to come.
The PMCC (4th Watch), united in purpose and vision, moves forward with the legacy of Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol as their guiding light. The memorial trees are a living testament to his unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel and fostering a global family rooted in faith and service.
In commemorating Apostle Arsenio’s ministry through this tree planting, the church reaffirms its dedication to his mission and looks ahead to a future of continued growth and spiritual enrichment, grounded in the teachings and values he so passionately championed.