Care for Humanity series held in 3 Latin American countries
By RONNIE H. MUTYA
Date Posted: May 24, 2023
Through the Ecclesiastical District of Latin America, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) conducted Care for Humanity events in three countries in the region last April 2023.
By means of this altruistic endeavor held under the Church’s charitable arm, Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, Inc., the district brought aid to residents of several communities in three South American countries, namely, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.
The humanitarian missions carried out in different dates were led by Brother Jonathan Jamias, district supervising minister. He also taught a Bible-based lesson explaining why the Church Of Christ continues showing care for people by providing them material aid and, most of all, sharing with them the Good News of salvation.
In an interview, Brother Jamias said, “Because of the events that are happening in the world today especially the decline of the economy, and even the calamities, there are so many people who are suffering from poverty. So, the Church Administration teaches us to help our neighbor, countrymen, and even our brethren who need help as commanded by God.”
Mexico
On April 9, 2023, the delegation of ministers and Church officers went to two Mexican communities to extend help there. They went first to Naucalpan, a municipality 13 kilometers northwest of Mexico City, the country’s capital city.
Afterwards, they traveled almost 30 kilometers north to reach Lomas del Rosario, a small neighborhood in Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de Mexico during which care packages containing basic grocery and food items were distributed to the residents.
Three days later, April 12, accompanied by the brethren from the Local Congregation of Tijuana and Mexicali Group Worship Service (GWS), the said delegation went to El Indiviso, a remote town in Mexicali, Baja California, which is a five-hour drive from Tijuana. All of brethren’s efforts were not in vain as the residents expressed their appreciation to the Church’s kind gesture.
“What the Church does is very good; donating something for us, which we really needed,” said Marissa Vijil Silva, one of the beneficiaries from El Indiviso. “I’m truly grateful for the care packages that were given to us by the Church members who came here.”
Another resident from the same community, Victor Valencia Zamora, expressed, “The things that were distributed to us such as clothing and shoes are very important for us. These would really support us.” But more than the material things, he was thankful for the words of God that has been taught to them. He pointed out why the Bible study impacted him the most, “It would really benefit everyone, and even our children, so that we could walk on the right path.”
Colombia
On April 22, ten days after, the district’s humanitarian endeavor continues in South America’s fifth largest country, Colombia, which is located in the northwest of the continent.
With the assistance of the brethren from the South Bogota and North Bogota GWS, a hundred residents benefited from the Care for Humanity event held at a multipurpose hall in Barrio Bilbao, Suba, a neighborhood in Bogota, the country’s capital city.
After Brother Jamias taught a Bible-based lesson during the evangelistic part of the activity, 40 Colombians decided to undergo Bible studies on doctrines to continue knowing more about the Church and its teachings.
Peru
On April 26, the series of Care for Humanity events made a stop in the Peruvian Municipality of Independencia, located in Lima City. The delegation, with the help of the Lima, Peru GWS brethren, distributed care packages to the residents of a community there.
Jose Leoncio Diaz, one of the beneficiaries from Independencia, was thankful for the aid. He said, “The packages given to us were a big help. The truth is, it has come to fill the void that we need so much daily.”
The next day, April 27, another humanitarian activity was held in Callao, a neighboring province of the country’s capital city, Lima. — With reports from Mark Angelo Delingon and INC News Section