By Joab Cano
The Light of the World Church celebrated its festivity known as The Holy Supper on Aug. 9-15. The main event of the Holy Supper is celebrated on Aug.14 when members partake of the bread and the wine that represent the body and the blood of Christ in the New Covenant. The Holy Supper is the sacred memorial of the remembrance of the sacrifice, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Any given year, TLOTW would congregate in the City of Guadalajara, Mexico, and an estimated 600,000 people would make a pilgrimage to that city. This year however, the pandemic caused many things to change in the material aspects. This year there was no pilgrimage to Guadalajara. Instead, the majority of the members connected to different online platforms like Facebook and YouTube to watch from the comfort of their homes. Members have been watching daily prayers online since March. However, there was a small delegation that congregated in Phoenix, Arizona, as a representation of the worldwide membership.
To begin, on Aug. 9 there was a Welcoming Ceremony that gave a warm welcome to the 60 nations where members of TLOTW are located. During the ceremony, viewers could see small clips of their brethren sending greetings from countries such as Panama, Chile, England, Germany, Japan and many more. Their greetings could be heard in many different languages. Although the Welcoming Ceremony was not in a physical sense, it was very heartfelt for all the viewers. During the days leading up to the 14th, the members had a spiritual consecration and preparation to participate of the Holy Supper. Viewers rejoiced in biblical studies four times a day with topics that will help them in their lives as Christians. Topics imparted ranged from civic values, the Christian family, the hope and others.
During the topic concerning The Civil Values Taught and Practiced by TLOTW, there was a specific point that spoke about The Collaboration with the Authorities in every level of government to benefit society, which was very clear and precise. This teaching was easily seen in those who attended the services in Phoenix. The attendees were following guidelines placed by their local authorities in order to avoid a spread of COVID-19. For example, attendees kept social distance from each other, wore a face mask and a face shield and used gloves as well. Another focal point was that members are taught to respect all levels of government and to pray for all the elected officials. The practice of this was evident because at the end of every single service, the members are invited to pray for all levels of government so that God may direct their decisions, especially during these hard times. Praying for all authorities is still in place as we speak and anyone can verify by searching for the official Facebook page “The Light of the World,” and see the daily prayers that are broadcast.
Finally, the main event took place on Aug. 14, when members participated of the bread and the wine in this solemn remembrance of the lord Jesus Christ. There was a special worship service where members offered up hymns of praise and worship during a meditation. The worldwide membership connected through the official social media pages, radio, and television to join in this commemoration. The majestic house of prayer in Phoenix was adorned for the occasion and attendees wore all-white garments. Photos of the celebration were published online by azcentral.com in the article titled, “Holy Supper celebration held in Phoenix, online for first time in 82 years.” As a result of this broadcast, more than a million online connections were made worldwide in this historical event that brought a remembrance of Jesus Christ and in doing so, fulfilling what is written in 1 Corinthians 11:26.
I would like to end by extending a cordial invitation to join us at any of the online services:5 a.m., 9 a.m. and 6 p.m Links are available at TLOTW.org/Orthodoxy/. Feel free to email me at lldm.juneauak@gmail.com for more information. God bless you!
• Joab Cano is a missionary for the Light of the World Church. “Living Growing” is a weekly column written by different authors and submitted by local clergy and spiritual leaders.
