INC holds ‘Appreciation Day’ for local firefighters in Makakilo, Hawaii

Posted on August 24, 2022August 24, 2022 by pasugoeditor

INC holds ‘Appreciation Day’ for local firefighters in Makakilo, Hawaii

Date Posted: August 24, 2022

HONOLULU, Hawaii – Local firefighters in Makakilo, Hawaii were lauded and recognized by members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ).

Through the INC’s Care for Humanity Program, and the INC Giving Project, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo from Oahu Island held an Appreciation Day for firefighters at Fire Station 35 in Makakilo, Hawaii.

INC members from the Kapolei Local Congregation recognized and appreciated Fire Station 35’s firefighter crew. Appreciation baskets were prepared with snacks, supplies, and thank you cards.

Additionally, the Kapolei local congregation read a letter to recognize the firefighters’ efforts for community: “We are privileged to be here and acknowledge the Makakilo Fire Station 35 crew for their sacrifices and unselfish devotion to duty to save lives, to make our community safe, peaceful and enjoyable.”

Brother James Tafaoa, a head deacon from Kapolei and one of the coordinators for this activity expressed the gratitude of the INC members for the firefighters’ efforts to serve the community.

The firemen, through their Captain, Edward Lee, also thanked the Church for holding the Appreciation Day, saying this meant a lot for them.

“I know from the bottom of my heart (that) it gives our guys … more incentive to do what we do. You know, we’re [going to] do our job no matter what, but when we feel like we have the support and love from the community, it makes that even much more rewarding,” he said.

Captain Edward Lee also extended his appreciation: “On behalf of myself and the rest of the crew, I just wanted to say thank you to Church of Christ - Iglesia Ni Cristo, for coming out and showing your love and support for us here at Makakilo fire station. And we don't get this very often so we want to say thank you and mahalo for showing your love and support for all of us in what we do and sharing God’s love and support. In that way, it’s very much appreciated. We thank you, folks, very much.”

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) continues to grow worldwide and has reached 162 countries and territories, with its members coming from 149 races and nationalities. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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Refugees and members of vulnerable populations in Toronto benefit from 3,000 care packages in INC Care for Humanity

Posted on August 22, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Refugees and members of vulnerable populations in Toronto benefit from 3,000 care packages in INC Care for Humanity

Date Posted: August 22, 2022

The second stop of the ongoing Care For Humanity tour, organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), aims to uplift and help people in need

TORONTO, Ontario — As inflation soars and food insecurity persists across Canada, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) through the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation recently prepared some 3,000 care packages for a Care For Humanity event held at 40 Carl Hall Road.

Guests included newcomers to Canada, including refugees, clients of various local food pantries, and non-profit organizations that provide services to those in need. They were treated to live music and performances, and food and refreshments before being given care packages which included food staples such as canned beans, tomatoes, soup, and soy protein.

To assist their efforts in caring for their clients, cheque donations of CA$2,000 were presented to five charitable organizations: Afghan Women’s Organization, ANSS Foundation, Flemingdon Food Bank, Homes First Society, and Project Share.

“On top of all the incredible care packages and food kits, we also were generously donated $2,000 by the (FYM) Foundation, which we’re so grateful for. That is going to go back into all of our programming and support for our residents,” said Samara Rakhraj, the representative of Homes First Society. She continued, “I’m leaving with an even more sense of community … It’s just so nice to see that you’re supporting us as well as all these other amazing organizations.”

One of the recipients, Tabitha Chege, who recently arrived in Canada from Kenya, said: “This event is unique ... coming together, servicing the community, gifting the community, loving them is a great deal … so I commend you guys.”

Chege also shared her appreciation for the care she received: “We are going home with a lot of food. Living in a town which is quite expensive, especially for us newcomers … I don’t need to go to the stores to get any more food for the next week or two. So you have saved a life today. You have given someone food today, and how I pray you are going to continue the same heart, and the same giving hand.”

After watching videos about the humanitarian works of the INC and FYM Foundation, Tony Mozera, a newcomer from Uganda, said: “People here get to know what the foundation is doing … I didn’t know about this organization, but I’m happy that it’s global, it’s impacting (the) lives of people across the world.”

Toronto, Ontario is the second stop of the Care For Humanity tour, which began in Ottawa, Ontario, and will continue to serve thousands more this month in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and then Vancouver, British Columbia, followed by Edmonton, Alberta.

“We chose Southern Ontario and Greater Toronto as the second stop for the Care For Humanity to extend the love and care of the Administration of the Church,” said Supervising Minister of the Ecclesiastical District of Northwest California, Brother Eduardo Javier.

“You can see how happy they are because there is an organization ... to help ... to show their love. We are bringing back the glory to our Almighty God for the success of this Care For Humanity being conducted by the Church Of Christ through the mandate of our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, because of the situation of the world nowadays.”

The INC maintains multiple socio-civic platforms, such as “INC Giving“ and “Care For Humanity.” The Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, the charitable arm of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) holds “Care For Humanity” events worldwide.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo was registered in the Philippines on July 27, 1914, by its first Executive Minister, Brother Felix Y. Manalo. In 108 years, the INC has spread to 162 countries and territories with its members belonging to 149 nationalities and races through the dynamic leadership of the Church’s Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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Canadian officials laud FYM Foundation and greet Iglesia Ni Cristo on its anniversary

Posted on August 7, 2022August 7, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Canadian officials laud FYM Foundation and greet Iglesia Ni Cristo on its anniversary

Date Posted: August 7, 2022

OTTAWA, ON, CANADA — As the INC celebrates its 108th anniversary and 50th year in the country, Canadian officials extend their greetings and well-wishes.

On July 20, 2022 at the Ottawa City Hall grounds, Ottawa Vice Mayor Laura Ducas read and presented to the INC a Proclamation from Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declaring July 27 as Felix Y Manalo Foundation Day.

Part of the certificate states, “The City of Ottawa congratulates the Executive Minister Brother Eduardo Manalo, Iglesia Ni Cristo members, and supporters of the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation worldwide on their 108th anniversary. It recognizes its great years of community support through ministry, service, and assistance.”

A few hours later, Greg Fergus (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and President of the Treasury Board) read a formal declaration in front of the Canada Parliament Building in downtown Ottawa, acknowledging the efforts of the INC members through the activities of the FYM Foundation.

“The Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, Inc., embodying unity and civic duty, is in the service of volunteerism and philanthropic causes. It leads the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s humanitarian advocacies and projects, relieving and alleviating poverty by providing basic needs to those in need.”

Indeed the Church Of Christ members are resolute in their effort to extend help to the less fortunate at this very challenging time.

The INC strives to be a community partner that helps not only in Canada but in more than 162 countries and territories where it has active members and congregations. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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INC donates 250 food boxes to New Jersey food pantries

Posted on August 4, 2022August 7, 2022 by pasugoeditor

INC donates 250 food boxes to New Jersey food pantries

Date Posted: August 4, 2022

NEW JERSEY, USA — Because of the pandemic and recent inflation in food prices, more people experiencing food insecurity have needed basic supplies from pantries.

To help people in need and commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), members in New Jersey donated boxes of rice, canned goods, and other items to New Milford Food Pantry and Bergenfield Food Pantry on July 27, 2022.

Hilary Ocho, a summer priest in Milford, expressed his gladness for the donations. He said, “Those whom you have touched their lives today will be blessed. And I am sure their prayers for you will also be a source of grace to you and to the entire community. Thank you so much.“

City officials like Thea Sirocchi-Hurley, a Council Person from New Milford, also expressed their gratitude for the food boxes.

“We’re in a difficult time right now. ... [With the INC] donating food that the community needs—filling up our food banks. It’s wonderful!”

Bergenfield Councilman Marc Pascual also shared his thoughts on the INC humanitarian effort.

“It just goes to show how well organized your organization is—to help bring members together and come together for a good common cause. ... [Y]ou put others first than yourself.”

And on behalf of the Mayor of Bergenfield, Pascual presented the INC, a Proclamation of Honor for its donations.

Council President Buddy Deauna gave the INC a citation of commendation and praise to Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo for the INC’s assistance to the community.

With congregations in 162 countries and territories, the Iglesia Ni Cristo continues to strive to be a community partner that helps. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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INC heeds call for assistance as Abra declares state of calamity

Posted on August 2, 2022August 2, 2022 by pasugoeditor

INC heeds call for assistance as Abra declares state of calamity

Date Posted: August 2, 2022

ABRA, Philippines – Just hours after the Abra provincial government declared a state of calamity and requested relief and other assistance, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) responded to help residents of the quake-stricken province.

On July 29, 2022, trucks bearing 10,000 bags containing rice, canned goods, medicine, and drinking water arrived after an almost 10-hour travel from a repacking area of the INC in Quezon City.

The relief packages were transferred to smaller vehicles for transport to different areas the next day.

On July 30, INC volunteers handed out the relief items to the calamity victims in the municipalities of Bangued, Peñarrubia, and Danglas.

The INC stressed that the outreach activity continues to the remote barangays (villages) where many of the 7.0 magnitude-quake victims reside.

The July 27 earthquake struck the mountainous province of Abra, triggering landslides and the collapse of structures affecting thousands.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo extends assistance to communities affected by calamities.

INC members in more than 160 countries and territories strive to help their fellowmen, adhering to God’s command to do “good to those who need it” (Prov. 3:27 Good News Translation). — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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Iglesia Ni Cristo Chapel in Winnipeg Opens as Government Officials Send Greetings for the Church’s 50th Year in Canada and 108th Anniversary of Establishment

Posted on July 30, 2022July 31, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Iglesia Ni Cristo chapel in Winnipeg opens as government officials send greetings for the Church’s 50th year in Canada and 108th anniversary of establishment

Date Posted: July 30, 2022

CANADA — From city landmarks illuminating its flag’s colors to humanitarian events, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), or Church Of Christ in English, has an outstanding lineup of activities for commemorating its 50th year in Canada.

The first was their Anniversary Thanksgiving Worship Service with the re-dedication of their newly renovated chapel in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo was registered with the Philippine government on July 27, 1914.

One hundred and eight years later, it has congregations in 162 countries and territories worldwide.

Canada was reached by the INC’s mission 50 years ago, starting with a congregation in Winnipeg.

“Over the years, we have witnessed firsthand the many contributions that Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) has made to communities across Winnipeg and beyond,” said MP Kevin Lamoureux & MLA Cindy Lamoureux in their joint message to the INC.

The renovation project began in August 2020 and was completed on July 15, 2022, for which the Church spent CA$1,501,791.78.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the INC saw the completion of the project, with everyone involved adhering to all health and safety regulations from start to finish.

Renovation works included the repainting of the chapel’s interior and exterior and the remodeling of its podium.

The chandeliers and lights were all replaced, the main sanctuary flooring given a new carpet, all the pews were replaced with new upholstery, and the choir loft was installed with a Johannus organ.

The facáde of the worship building was refurbished and adorned with three spires, and the baptismal pool was remodeled.

“Iglesia Ni Cristo has been bringing people in Canada together for 50 years. And as a Church, it has been administering the word of God consistently throughout those years.” Kevin and Cindy also stated.

On Friday, July 22, 2022, as part of the celebration, INC members witnessed, through live streaming, the re-dedication to the Lord God of their beautiful house of worship.

The INC Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, officiated the worship service.

Just days later, significant landmarks all over Canada were illuminated with the Church's colors of green, white, and red in time for the Church’s anniversaries.

These included the CN Tower in Toronto, ON; City Hall of New Westminster, BC; High Level Bridge of Edmonton, AB; TELUS Spark Building in Calgary, AB; the Old Port Ferris Wheel in Montreal, QC; the ByWard Market Ottawa sign in Ottawa, ON; and of course Canada’s iconic Niagara Falls.

Hon. Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta, also wrote to the INC, saying, “On behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my pleasure to send greetings to members of Iglesia Ni Cristo as you celebrate the 108th anniversary of the Church and the 50th anniversary of the Church in Canada.”

As for the property at 485 Ingersoll Street in Winnipeg, the INC purchased it from the Bethany Baptist Church in 1981 for CA$60,990.00.

The property is a 20,460-square-foot lot with a 300-seater chapel.

Since 2009, the number of houses of worship that the INC has built and renovated is 3,212—with 259 during the pandemic. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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Iglesia Ni Cristo receives an honorary certificate from the governor of Hawaii

Posted on July 18, 2022July 18, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Iglesia Ni Cristo receives an honorary certificate from the governor of Hawaii

Date Posted: July 18, 2022

HONOLULU, Hawaii — As the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) celebrates its 108th anniversary, Hawaii’s Governor David Ige recognized the INC at the Hawaii state capitol building.

Governor Ige congratulated the INC Church officials and members and presented the Church with an honorary certificate, particularly for reaching the 108th anniversary of the Church and 54th anniversary in Hawaii.

Brothers Eduardo Javier and Voltaire Tamisin, INC ministers, received the honorary certificate on behalf of the Church and the Church Administration.

Brother Javier noted that, despite the Governor’s busy schedule, “this day is important to us, memorable to each one of us because the people here, especially the people of the government, recognize the importance and the impact of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in Hawaii, particularly here in Honolulu.”

The honorary certificate indicates that “through the current leadership of Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo, the Iglesia Ni Cristo remains a strong and active community partner, participating in city and statewide events as well as offering encouragement, care, and support for the people of Hawaii.”

The INC established its first mission outside the Philippines in Hawaii in 1968.

Hawaii Senator Bennette Misalucha expressed that the INC is “so dedicated [and] very integral to the growth of [the] community.”

She emphasized to the INC, “I want to commend you for your efforts for your humanitarian outreach, and of course, it reflects on the leadership [of the Church].”

Following this occasion, members pursued acts of kindness around the Islands. INC congregants in Oahu conducted a beach cleanup at White Plains Beach, corresponding with the government’s observance that the INC remains a strong and active community partner in Hawaii.

Senator Misalucha greeted the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, “But I also want to give my special aloha to Brother Manalo for all his love and support of the people of Hawaii.”

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) continues to grow worldwide and has reached 161 countries and territories, with its members from 149 races and nationalities. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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INC outreach delivers aid to thousands in the Visayas

Posted on June 2, 2022June 2, 2022 by pasugoeditor

INC outreach delivers aid to thousands in the Visayas

Date Posted: June 2, 2022

VISAYAS PROVINCES, Philippines — “It was very well-organized, from the start to the end of the activity. It was peaceful and full of spirituality.” This is what Barangay [village] Captain Delma Quilitano said, as she described her experience in the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) outreach in Barangay Salvacion on Jinamoc Island in Samar.

The INC handed out relief packs to 10,000 people in more than 12 venues in islands in the Visayas Provinces on May 23, 24, and 27, 2022.

The INC distributed more than 10,000 bags of rice, canned goods, and instant noodles on Batbatan Island in Antique; Bogo, Gibitngil and Olango islands in Cebu; Capul Island in Northern Samar; Guise in Capiz; Jimanoc Island in Samar; Maripipi in Biliran; Cabul-an and Nasingin islands in Bohol; Pinamuk-an Island in Aklan; Sicogon Island in Iloilo; Sierra Islands in Samar; and Tikling Island in Eastern Samar.

Since most of the outreach venues were in islands, the relief items had to be transported by outrigger boats at long distances.

“The remoteness of our island is not a hindrance for INC to bring us aid!” Carlo Carvajal, a resident of Tikling Island, enthused.

The INC humanitarian effort was in response to the needs of communities affected by economic difficulties brought about by calamities, especially the current COVID pandemic.

Barangay captains Lauriano Lomuardo (in Rama) and Romeo Candaso (in Batbatan) were thankful and considered the outreach “a big help!”

Apart from the relief items, the INC provided moral upliftment through teachings from the Bible.

The INC strives to play an active role in communities by doing “good to those who need it” (Prov. 3:27 Good News Translation).

Currently, it has active members and congregations in more than 160 countries and territories. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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INC Executive Minister enjoins INC members to take part in Earth Hour 2022

Posted on March 26, 2022March 28, 2022 by pasugoeditor

INC Executive Minister enjoins INC members to take part in Earth Hour 2022

Date Posted: March 27, 2022

MANILA, Philippines — Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo urged INC members all over the world to join Earth Hour 2022, this Saturday, March 26, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

In a circular read during the INC’s midweek worship service, Brother Eduardo Manalo encouraged INC members to join “concerned citizens in 192 countries and territories actively [participating in the] event” by “switching off non-essential lights” for one hour.

The Church Of Christ is one with those who care for the environment.

The INC has been participating in the yearly commemoration of Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is a “yearly activity that began in 2007” and “is known as the world’s largest grassroots movement for environmental protection.”—Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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Iglesia Ni Cristo helps anew people in areas hard-hit by Odette

Posted on February 21, 2022February 22, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Iglesia Ni Cristo helps anew people in areas hard-hit by Odette

Date Posted: February 22, 2022

PHILIPPINES—From February 8 to 11, 2022, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) again distributed relief items to residents affected by Typhoon Odette (Rai).

Before the distribution, hundreds of volunteers in Butuan City, Cebu City, Puerto Princesa City, Tacloban City, and Valladolid repacked bags of rice and canned goods while strictly observing health and safety protocols against Covid-19.

The relief items then were transported to worship building compounds in severely affected areas, including Butuan City, Cebu City, Negros Occidental, Tacloban City, and Palawan.

The humanitarian activity is part of the ongoing efforts of INC Lingap sa Mamamayan (Aid to Humanity) which started in December 2021, just days after Typhoon Odette’s onslaught, for the benefit of residents in areas hardest hit by the super typhoon including Agusan del Norte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Surigao del Norte, and Palawan.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) is a community partner that helps. It has extended humanitarian assistance to thousands of people and hundreds of organizations in 159 countries and territories, where it has active members and congregations.—Courtesy of INC Public Information Office