Marikina Special District 53rd Anniversary: A Powerful Celebration
Marikina Special District Celebrates 53rd Anniversary of God’s Faithfulness
Marikina Special District 53rd Anniversary celebrations brought together church leaders, ministers, Bible students, longtime members, and new believers on October 4, 2026, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal. The Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) Marikina Special District marked 53 years of God’s faithfulness through worship, thanksgiving, inspiring testimonies, and biblical preaching.
The milestone celebration highlighted the district’s steadfast commitment to the apostolic faith, its continuing spiritual growth, and its mission to share the Gospel with more people. Brethren from across the district’s clusters in Marikina, San Mateo, and Rizal gathered to honor the generations of believers whose prayers, sacrifices, and dedication helped strengthen the church’s ministry.
The anniversary service was also livestreamed through the PMCC (4th Watch) LIVE channel, allowing members and supporters who could not attend in person to participate in the celebration.
Church Leaders and Members Gather in Thanksgiving
Chief Executive Minister and Global Evangelist Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol served as the main speaker of the anniversary celebration. District head pastors Bishop Samuel S. Ferriol and Pastor Kirsten Ferriol welcomed the ministers, Bible students, guests, and members who gathered to commemorate the district’s spiritual journey.
The program was hosted by Elder Sarah and Sister Fretchie Reyes, with Elder Rachel Pastor serving as master of ceremonies.
The celebration began at 4:00 p.m. with opening prayers and congregational singing led by the Marikina Special District Praise and Worship Team. Hymns and songs of praise filled the venue as the congregation expressed gratitude for God’s sustaining grace throughout the district’s decades of ministry.
In his opening remarks, Bishop Samuel S. Ferriol expressed appreciation for the pioneers, church workers, volunteers, and members whose dedication had contributed to the district’s growth. He also recognized more than 1,000 new believers who had joined the church during its recent season of expansion, which included the Home Free Global Crusade.
“You are a living testimony that the work of God continues,” Bishop Samuel Ferriol told the new believers, emphasizing the continuing impact of the Gospel in reaching people and bringing them into the church community.
Several new believers shared their testimonies through video presentations and onstage accounts. They recounted how personal invitations from fellow members and chapel programs conducted by church-run schools had introduced them to the Christian faith.
Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol Calls the Church to Greater Zeal for God
The highlight of the 53rd anniversary celebration was the message delivered by Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol, entitled “A Church Zealous for God.” Drawing from Exodus 20:1–5, he challenged the congregation to remain steadfast in faith, reject spiritual complacency, and maintain wholehearted devotion to the Lord.
Apostle Jonathan Ferriol explained that God’s description of Himself as a “jealous God” reflects His righteousness, justice, and covenant love. He emphasized that the Lord desires the wholehearted devotion of His people and that the church must remain faithful to its spiritual calling.
“Never let the wickedness of our generation dilute and weaken your zeal for the Lord,” Apostle Jonathan Ferriol urged the congregation.
He further challenged members, ministers, and pastors to examine the depth of their commitment to God.
“You cannot love God with only 20 percent, with only 50 percent, with only 60 percent of your life,” he said. “You ought to love God 100 percent.”
Citing Revelation 3:19 and Romans 12:11, Apostle Jonathan Ferriol called on the congregation to repent of lukewarm faith, renew their spiritual fervor, and return to their first love. His message reminded the church that celebrating its history must go hand in hand with pursuing a deeper relationship with God.
The preaching concluded with an altar call, during which many members came forward for prayer and spiritual renewal.
Before delivering his message, Apostle Jonathan Ferriol also recognized longtime members affectionately referred to as the “OGs,” who had served the church for more than 50 years. He shared updates from his recent ministry trip, including the Home Free Global Crusade in Cyprus and the dedication of three new houses of worship in Chicago, Vancouver, and Pomona, California.
Marikina Special District Honors Its Apostolic Heritage
The anniversary celebration featured a retrospective on the district’s history and its enduring role in the life of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch). Marikina is home to the church’s mother congregation and has played a significant role in the development and training of ministers and church workers.
The program traced the church’s beginnings to the ministry of the late Goodman of the House, Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol, and highlighted the continuing leadership and ministry of Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol.
Marikina Special District also serves as the headquarters of Maranatha Bible School International (MBSI), an institution dedicated to training ministers and preparing workers for service in the church. During the celebration, speakers described the district as a “house of ministers” and a training ground for future church leaders, with interns coming from different parts of the Philippines and abroad.
District leaders emphasized that the anniversary was not only an opportunity to reflect on past accomplishments but also a time to recognize the sacrifices, prayers, and service of generations of believers who helped establish and strengthen the church.
Pastor Rod Surilla, a district committee member and assistant administrator of the Bible school, reflected on his personal journey of faith, recalling that he came to know the Lord when the church was still in its early years.
“If this is already what God is doing after five decades, what more can God do in the decades to come?” he said, expressing confidence in the district’s continuing growth and ministry.
Procession, Worship, and Special Presentations
The formal program featured a procession of the Philippine flag and the church flag, followed by representatives from church departments, new believers, youth groups, and the district’s four clusters. Ministers, department advisers, head pastors, and other church leaders also joined the procession, symbolizing the unity of the district’s ministries and congregations.
Pastor Orly Ibarbia led the opening prayer, while Pastor Charisse Kaye Ong delivered the Scripture reading from Romans 12:1–11. A special musical presentation by the Marikina Special District department advisers and officers further enriched the celebration.
Bishop Samuel S. Ferriol also delivered a message on giving, encouraging the congregation to express gratitude to God through faithful service and generosity.
A special video presentation featuring new believers highlighted several testimonies from the Marikina Special District’s Season of Expansion. These accounts offered a glimpse into the continuing impact of the church’s evangelistic efforts and its commitment to reaching more people with the Gospel.
Together, the presentations underscored the district’s dedication to worship, discipleship, and the spiritual development of its members.
Thanksgiving, Communion, and a Vision for the Future
Following the main message, district leaders presented Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol with a token of appreciation in recognition of his ministry and spiritual guidance. The congregation then partook of the Lord’s Supper, marking a solemn moment of remembrance, reflection, and thanksgiving.
The celebration continued with a production number prepared by Sibol, the district’s creatives team. Through music and performance, the presentation revisited the church’s beginnings and portrayed the vision of a “bigger, better, and greater Marikina Special District.”
The anniversary celebration concluded with the joyful song “Glorious Day,” led by the Marikina Special District Praise and Worship Team.
As Marikina Special District marked 53 years of ministry, the gathering served as a reminder of the importance of preserving its apostolic heritage while remaining committed to evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual growth.
More than a commemoration of the past, the anniversary renewed the congregation’s call to serve God with unwavering faith and wholehearted devotion. With gratitude for the generations who came before them and hope for the years ahead, the members of Marikina Special District look forward to continuing the work of the Gospel and witnessing God’s faithfulness in the generations to come.
Praise the Lord!