The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), through its various ecclesiastical districts around the world, held Lingap sa Mamamayan (Care for Humanity) events in October 2024. The said socio-civic activity proved to be timely especially in the Philippines where tropical cyclone Kristine (international name: Trami) devastated parts of Southern Luzon and Bicol region.

Australia-Oceania
On October 14, brethren from the Local Congregation of Tonga, Ecclesiastical District of New Zealand North held the Care for Humanity at the function hall of their place of worship. Brother Biemer Arceo, resident minister, led the activity.

“I would like to thank the Church Of Christ for inviting us in this activity,” Lavinia Tongia, a guest, expressed. “This is a good program for Tongans.”

Meanwhile, in Australia, the Queensland Ecclesiastical District on October 27 held the socio-civic activity at Marsden State School Hall intended for helping international students.

Brother Orlando Macayan, district supervising minister, led the giving of care packages to the beneficiaries.

“I thank the Church Of Christ and its members for this program giving us care packages,” said Jilah Gremmar, an international student.

Asia
The Ecclesiastical District of Hong Kong conducted the humanitarian event in the local congregations’ place of worship on October 20. Brother Noer Misa, district supervising minister, led the giving of care packages containing food and other daily necessities to beneficiaries, mostly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

“This Worldwide Care for Humanity is being held every year in fulfillment of the Lord God’s will that we help those in need, members and nonmembers alike, which is pleasing before God,” Brother Misa said.

Canada
On the same day, the Ecclesiastical District of Manitoba organized the outreach event at the Cultural Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Brother Roland Andrade, the district supervising minister, led fellow ministers, Church officers and other volunteer brethren in distributing 1,000 care packages to over 300 refugees. Each care package contained food essentials, such as rice, pasta, canned goods, and other grocery items.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, the said packages were received by the L’Accueil Francophone, which is a non-profit organization funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Francis Viera, its deputy director, expressed, “I thank Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Church’s Executive Minister, and Brother Angelo Eraño Manalo, the Christian Family Organizations (CFO) Coordinator, for enabling us to serve the community and bring hope and joy. This event has strengthened ties with the refugees, reminding them that they are not alone as we are united in our efforts to improve their lives.”

Europe
Meanwhile, more than 70 individuals, majority of them nurses, received care packages, during a Care For Humanity event that was held at the place of worship compound of the Local Congregation of Hamburg, Germany, Ecclesiastical District of Central Europe on October 26, 2024.

Nonmember recipient Ildefonso Vista said, “I really felt the warm welcome from the Church members. I’m so grateful for being part of this event.”

Philippines
The Ecclesiastical District of Batangas North led by supervising minister Brother Ramir Pabalate held a Care for Humanity event on October 27, 2024 at the Buhay na Sapa Covered Court, San Juan, Batangas. Not long after, it was followed by another like event, on November 3, 2024, at the house of worship compound of the Local Congregation of Talisay.

“It’s a great relief for us victims of this calamity (Typhoon Kristine) to have someone offering help when we need it most. I’m grateful to the Church Of Christ for providing essential supplies that truly help ease our burdens,” said nonmember Teresita Medrano.

In the province of Cavite, likewise greatly affected by the calamity, the Ecclesiastical District of Cavite urgently responded upon the directive of the Church Administration. Led by district supervising minister Brother Manuel Santos, brethren promptly extended help to fellow Caviteños particularly those in Bacoor, Cavite, on October 29, 2024. The outreach event took place at the covered court of Barangay Talaba IV, Bacoor.

“The calamity has taken away our means of livelihood, making it difficult to make ends meet. The relief packages we receive help us cover our needs in the days ahead. I thank Brother Eduardo Manalo, our beloved Executive Minister, for his unwavering support and for strengthening our faith,” said Mark Pilapil, a deacon from Bacoor Bay Congregation.

“Our livelihood mostly relies on fishing, but after the typhoon hit, we’ve been unable to catch any fish, making our situation now more challenging. I’m grateful to the INC for the prompt response in providing for our needs,” said Filo Lovena, a beneficiary.

Also on October 29, the Ecclesiastical District of Sta. Cruz, Laguna held the said humanitarian event at the covered court of Brgy. Sto Angel Central, Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Brother Israeli Gatchalian, district supervising minister, spearheaded the giving of care packages to the residents.

Provinces in the Bicol region, including Albay, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Sorsogon, were heavily affected by Tropical Storm Kristine, which caused extensive damage throughout the area (pna.gov.ph). As in other aforementioned areas, the Church Administration directed the leadership of the ecclesiastical districts in the region to promptly provide aid to the victims.

“Our belongings were destroyed, and our means of livelihood were swept away by the storm. It’s truly difficult to rebuild after the calamity. But I’m grateful to the INC for their unwavering support and assistance,” said Kathleen Mae Marco from Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Alyssa Quintana from Masbate City, stated, “Thanks to the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the care packages we received greatly helped us.” — With reports from Jose Primo Rivera Jr. and Earvin Montierro of INC News Section