chapel , LDS in the world

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On Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., something profoundly sacred occurred in the small rural village of Sicud, located in Mindanao, Philippines. In an unfinished structure with exposed concrete walls and no complete roof, the first sacrament meeting in the area was held , marking a historic milestone in the expansion of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this southern region of the country.

The space was generously offered by the Delos Reyes family, who made a building under construction available for use as a place of worship. Although the setting was simple, the dedication and effort of the members and missionaries transformed the place into a sacred sanctuary . With brooms, plastic chairs, and a deep sense of purpose, every corner was prepared to receive the Spirit of the Lord.

Hours before the start of the meeting, Church members, full-time missionaries, and a senior missionary couple worked side by side to clean, tidy, and set up the items needed for the service.

There was no stage, no sound system, and no cushioned pews. What there was, however, was faith, shared effort, and a sincere willingness to worship God .

At the appointed time, the first families began to arrive. They traveled in a van and in the only vehicle available for the area. Despite the logistical limitations, fewer than ten interested families attended , who with open hearts accepted the invitation to participate and learn more about Jesus Christ.

For a first meeting in a new and still-under-construction location, the turnout was significant. Each person present represented a sacred opportunity to sow faith and hope.

During the gathering, a profound reverence was felt as the sacrament was administered . Hymns were sung, inspiring messages were shared, and a prayer of thanksgiving was offered for the opportunity to be there together as a community. Although there were no frills or comforts, the Lord's presence was evident .

Some visitors were moved to feel a Spirit they didn't recognize, yet which felt familiar. Others expressed interest in learning more and continuing to attend.

Extraordinary aid

The elderly missionary couple , who have dedicated their service to supporting the growth of small branches and emerging groups, expressed their excitement about the day's events. They, like many others present, recognized that this meeting was much more than a simple Sunday service : it was the beginning of a new chapter for this new ward .

This event is a reminder that the Lord's work is not hindered by a lack of resources or infrastructure. The history of the Church in many parts of the world has begun this way: with meetings in homes, under trees, in borrowed classrooms, or, as in this case, in an unfinished building. What transforms a place into a center of worship is not the finished walls, but the faith and commitment of those who gather there.

Sicud now joins that long tradition of simple beginnings that, over time, blossom into strong and faith-filled communities.

What happened on July 13 will be remembered not just as a date on the calendar, but as the moment the gospel of Jesus Christ took visible root in a new place . It is a promise of growth, a manifestation of divine love, and proof that the Lord's work is indeed moving forward—one soul, one family at a time.

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