SAN DIEGO, Calif. — A joyful group of Filipino saints attended the organization of a Tagalog-speaking branch of the Church outside the Philippines July 14, in the Mira Mesa chapel in San Diego, Calif. Tagalog is the most widely known language of the Philippines. The group recently gained First Presidency approval to become the Mira Mesa 3rd Branch, Penasquitos California Stake.
Elder Craig Bullock, an Area Authority Seventy, presided at the meeting, during which President Dan Northcutt of the Penasquitos stake remarked: "The heavens are rejoicing at what we are doing today." He encouraged members to work toward developing the branch into a ward. President Bramwell from the California Carlsbad Mission commented on the richness of the Spirit present and the great love of the missionaries for the members of the new branch.
In Elder Bullock's remarks, he spoke of time spent in military service in the Philippine Islands. He expressed love and gratitude for the people of the Philippines, saying, "We have fought side by side, bled side by side, and now we are worshipping side by side."
The new congregation was launched last Easter with a sacrament meeting worship service, a baptism and a get-acquainted dinner following. Friends were reunited, connections were discovered and warm introductions were made.
