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Iglesia Ni Cristo opens another GWS in Mexico
Iglesia Ni Cristo opens another GWS in Mexico
By PIERRE ANTHONY M. RACSAG
Date Posted: September 29, 2023
The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), through its district in Central America, has inaugurated another group worship service in Mexico, this time in the city of Huauchinango in the state of Puebla.
Following the Church Administration’s approval of the establishment of the Huauchinango GWS, its members conducted the inaugural worship service on September 9, 2023 at the Casa Real Hotel Event Hall in the said city.
The Central America Ecclesiastical District’s supervising minister, Brother Jonathan Jamias, officiated at the inaugural worship service, which was also attended by brethren from the Mexico City Local Congregation and Naucalpan GWS.
For their regular worship services, the new GWS’ members now gather at their own place of worship along Calle Corregidora 47, Departamento 3 Centro, Huauchinango, Puebla 73160, Mexico.
Brother Paul Martinez Jr. was appointed as the new GWS’ first resident minister. — With reports from Lyn Martinez of INC News Section
Knockout attendance for EVMedia movie premiere of ‘Guerrero Tres’
Knockout attendance for EVMedia movie premiere of ‘Guerrero Tres’
Date Posted: September 28, 2023
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — People from all over Metro Manila and nearby provinces filled the 1,659-seater EGM Hall of the EVM Convention Center (EVMCC) along Central Avenue on Friday, September 8, 2023, for the red carpet premiere of the EVMedia movie “Guerrero Tres - Lalaban Hanggang Dulo,” written and directed by the multi-awarded director Carlo Ortega Cuevas.
Hours before the screening, the guests, impeccably dressed, walked the red carpet. They checked out various “Guerrero Tres” themes and items, snapping a pic or two, and enjoyed Embrace Café delectables all the way to the second floor.
The film captivated the audience during the screening. Key moments of “Guerrero Tres” moved them to tears, while the light-hearted scenes made them laugh, as the movie imparted valuable lessons for the audience to ponder on.
This third installment of the Guerrero franchise will soon hit movie theaters here and abroad.—Courtesy of INC Public Information Office
Iglesia Ni Cristo: 50 years in Europe
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Don’t Lose Hope | Verse of the Week
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New GWS established in Barrie, Ontario
New GWS established in Barrie, Ontario
By RONNIE H. MUTYA
Date Posted: September 15, 2023
A group worship service (GWS) of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) was recently established in Barrie, a city about 90 kilometers north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
On August 20, 2023, the Barrie GWS held its inaugural worship service at the Allandale Recreation Centre along Bayview Drive, Barrie, Ontario.
Brother Raul Adalla, district supervising minister, officiated at the sacred gathering during which he delivered a sermon about placing one’s complete trust in the Lord God especially amidst hardships in life. Citing Bible verses, he reassured the congregants that as God’s servants, they could expect to receive from the strength and help they need especially during their worship services.
In an interview after the gathering, Brother Sherwin de Jesus, resident minister, said, “The establishment of Barrie GWS is a manifestation of the love of our Lord God to the brethren here in Canada. We thank, praise, and glorify our Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ for this wonderful blessing.”
The members of the new GWS, named after the city of its location, were formerly registered with the Local Congregation of Toronto in the Ecclesiastical District of Greater Toronto.
“It’s hard to travel during winter time. We used to travel almost an hour to reach the place of worship of the New Market GWS,” Julius Reyes, overseer of Barrie GWS, said. “So, we’re very happy for the unwavering support of the Church Administration for bringing closer the place of worship to us.”
Brother de Jesus, resident minister, added that during worship services Church Of Christ members “receive spiritual blessings for the strengthening of our faith. That’s why no matter what happens, the brethren in Barrie will continue to perform their duties to praise and glorify God in heaven.”
Meanwhile, Myrna Miguel, a deaconess, promised, “We’ll continue serving God. And now that we are closer to the house of worship, we’ll also continue persuading more people to invite in evangelical missions and worship services.” — With reports from Steven Rolei Advincula of INC News Section
New house of worship dedicated in Tiaong, Bulacan
New house of worship dedicated in Tiaong, Bulacan
By MARCK ANGELO R. DELOS REYES
Date Posted: September 14, 2023
“I am overwhelmed with happiness because of our new and beautiful house of worship. Thanks be to God, as well as to the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo.”
Thus expressed Florita Rollo, a deaconess, reflecting the joy of her fellow members in the Local Congregation of Tiaong in the Ecclesiastical District of Bulacan West, over the dedication of their new house of worship on August 25, 2023.
The newly dedicated 377-seater concrete house of worship is located at Sitio Bacood, Brgy. Tiaong, Guiguinto, Bulacan, Philippines.
The Church Administration sent the General Secretary Brother Rene J. Panoncillo to officiate at the special worship service. In his homily, he cited the Holy Scriptures to give emphasis to the truth that the house of worship is for the glory of the Lord God. He exhorted the congregants to dedicate themselves to worshiping God, as well as other works that bring Him glory.
“The Church officers and members in our local congregation promise that we will love and value our house of worship, and always be devoted to our Church membership,” said the congregation’s resident minister, Brother Neil Marion Borongan.
He added, “We will also never tire in sharing the true faith.” Three days after the dedication worship service, he led the Tiaong Congregation in an evangelical mission they held at their new house of worship. — With reports from Bryan Banlaolay and Jewelyn Sulit of INC News Section
Acknowledging Tireless Dedication
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Humanitarian works of INC in Canada recognized by Red Deer City Council
Humanitarian works of INC in Canada recognized by Red Deer City Council
By RONNIE H. MUTYA
Date Posted: September 8, 2023
“The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) has worked tirelessly to become a beacon of hope in helping its members grow closer and more steadfast in their faith and championing the generosity that our city in Red Deer strives for.”
This was part of the message delivered by the Red Deer City Mayor Ken Johnston as he recognized the humanitarian efforts carried out by the Church Of Christ led by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, through its socio-civic arm, the Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, Inc.
Mayor Johnston also encouraged his fellow Red Deerians to “recognize and celebrate the contributions and many acts of service of Iglesia Ni Cristo that build community life for all. I have set my seal and hand on this particular day. Thank you very much.”
The special recognition given by the City Council of Red Deer in Alberta, Canada was held on August 18, 2023 at the Red Deer City Hall. It was received, on behalf of the Church Of Christ, by the FYM Foundation representatives as well as ministers of the gospel assigned in the Ecclesiastical District of Calgary, Canada.
In an interview, Mayor Johnston, explained, “The recognition is based on longevity, in other words, a proven track record and a commitment to the place. And that’s what the [FYM] Foundation has done in Red Deer. And we’re happy and privileged to be able to recognize it that way.”
“[The city of] Red Deer is a recipient of the many Care for Humanity [events] being done by the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation. Because, as we all know, there are those people here in this part of Canada who are also in need. So, the Administration of the Church, through the FYM Foundation, extended the help,” stated Brother Eduardo G. Javier, the FYM Foundation’s Parliamentarian and district supervising minister of Northwest California District.
In his speech, he extended his thanks to Red Deer City and vowed to “continue fostering kindness, reaching out to others, and providing hope to those who are in need. Kindness has the power to unite and heal a community.”
After receiving the special recognition, the FYM Foundation provided monetary donations to five organizations as part of the Church’s ongoing commitment in helping the community.
Destiny Mand, representative of Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta, one of the beneficiaries, said, “Thank you to the Church Of Christ for supporting us … supporting families who are traveling to access medical care.”
“I was amazed at how widespread your organization reaches. It was really good to see how much you care about the community and not just care about certain people, certain religions. You’re helping everybody and that’s really great to see,” expressed Jeremy Warkentin of Red Deer Firefighters Children’s Charity Association.
Asha Goda of the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association, another beneficiary, said, “Usually churches go to underprivileged, underserved community … You recognized us and that’s a very humbling thing for us. We are very grateful to see the donation and contribution of goods.”
Brother Voltaire A. Tamisin, FYM Foundation’s member of the Board of Directors and Calgary District supervising minister, enthused, “Today is a blessed day to members of the Church Of Christ and the FYM Foundation. It proves the words of the Lord God and the Lord Jesus Christ within the Holy Scriptures about the Church Of Christ and the work of salvation in these last days. The mayor himself recognized the Church and the FYM Foundation, which exemplify and uphold compassion, generosity, and respect.” — With reports from Johnny Adalla of INC News Section
The Church Administration: Helping Christians believe in, trust in, and rely on God
The Church Administration: Helping Christians believe in, trust in, and rely on God
Like the apostles whom God appointed to administer the first-century Church Of Christ, the Church Administration in these last days desires to help the members of the Church believe in, trust in, and rely on God, and receive salvation.
By GLADY C. GADDI
THE ULTIMATE GOAL of the present Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, is the same as that of the ones who administered the Church Of Christ before him—to help its members believe in, trust in, and rely on God (Jer. 17:7 Amplified Bible) and, thus, receive salvation.
The Church Administration in these last days has this desire similar to that of Apostle Paul who was appointed by God to administer the first-century Church in the Gentile lands. The apostle pronounced:
“Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (II Tim. 2:10 New King James Version)
Administering the Church in the Gentile lands
When the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, He entrusted His flock to His apostles. Apostle Paul, moved by love and concern for the Church, taught the helpers in administering the Church to carefully tend the flock of Christ:
“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.
“And from Miletus he sent and called the elders of the church of Ephesus.” (Acts 20:28, 17 Lamsa Translation)
Apostle Paul met with the elders and made sure that those present would also love, care for, and feed the flock or the Church Of Christ. While performing his duties, he encountered severe persecutions and hardships. Nevertheless, in fulfilling his ministry, he was willing to give even his life so he could finish the race and complete the task given to him by Christ (I Thess. 2:18; Acts 20:35, 24 New International Version).
The Church Administration in these last days
The present Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, is making every effort possible to ensure that God’s elect in these last days will attain salvation. Everything is being put in order so that the labors and sacrifices of the members of the Church will not be in vain—they are assured of the promised reward of the Savior on His Second Advent. Why does the Church Administration deeply want to put in order everything in the Church? Apostle Paul enlightens us, thus:
“For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.” (I Thess. 3:5 NIV)
Apostle Paul wanted to make sure that those who already had the true faith would not be tempted and deceived by the tempter or the devil, but be saved on Judgment Day.
This is also the deep concern of the Church Administration in our time. They do not want those who already know the truth be misled by the devil. That is why he is also taking great measures for God’s chosen people to remain firmly grounded in their faith.
The Church Administration exhorts the true Christians today, thus:
“Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises. For, as the scripture says, ‘Just a little while longer, and he who is coming will come; he will not delay. My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with them.’ We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.” (Heb. 10:35–39 Good News Bible)
Members of the Church who obey this commandment wholeheartedly do not turn their backs on God and are assured of the promised salvation.
Obedience is a must
Members of the Church Of Christ understand that they are not on the losing end if they fully obey the teachings of God taught to them by the Church Administration and follow all the rules which are being implemented in the Church (Acts 16:4–5 GNB). That is why it is only right to obey and submit to the Administration placed by God in the Church (Heb.13:17). When the Executive Minister makes a decision for the sake of the Church, its members listen and follow him, because salvation awaits those who are obedient.
What about those who are stubborn and hardheaded—those who refuse to listen and do not obey the Church Administration? What awaits them? Our Lord Jesus Christ says:
“And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” (Matt. 10:14–15 NKJV)
Those who reject the one entrusted to administer the Church will end up in perdition. Members of the Church remain united with the Church Administration even if this entails making sacrifices or self-denial. What reward awaits those who have sacrificed and persevered for the sake of the faith and kingdom of God? The Lord Jesus Christ answers:
“Then Peter said, ‘See we have left all and followed You.’ So He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.’” (Luke 18:28–30 NKJV)
Great blessings await those who obey even if it means leaving everything and everyone. Not only will they be blessed here on earth, but most especially, they will be counted worthy to live in the kingdom of God or the Holy City just as He promised:
“Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.” (II Thess. 1:4–5 NIV)
This is the Church Administration’s role—to help every member of the Church Of Christ believe in, trust in, and rely on God to attain salvation.
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