SAN MARCELINO, Zambales – In an effort to help those in need of blood, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in the Ecclesiastical District of Zambales South came together for a blood donation event at the Senior Citizens’ Hall in the town of San Marcelino on September 21, 2024.

Despite the bad weather that day, volunteers and members of the INC, even the elderly, participated in the event and went to the venue to show their care for their fellowmen.

One of the blood donors, Greece Dom Aris De Luna, encouraged others to help as well. “Dapat samantalahin ng mga kaanib sa INC ang mga ganitong pagkakataon sapagkat ito pong mga ganitong aktibidad na inilunsad ng Pamamahala ng INC ay hindi lamang nakatutulong sa ating kapwa maging sa ating mga kapatid sa Iglesia na nangangailangan po ng dugo … Ito po ay nakapagbibigay ng kasiyahan sa ating Panginoong Diyos [Members of the INC should take advantage of such opportunities because these activities launched by the Church Administration not only help our fellowmen but also our brethren in the Church who are in need of blood … This brings joy to our Lord God],” he explained.

Meanwhile, although Rodel Duque Evangelista, 58 years old, could not donate due to a low hemoglobin count, he still invited others to help through blood donation.

Donors have to undergo a medical screening and check-up to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of the recipients of their donated blood. To facilitate this, the Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS) and James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) collaborated on this activity.

“Sa Iglesia Ni Cristo po ay nagpapasalamat po ang James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital sa tiwala po na ibinibigay ninyo sa amin. Para sa amin po, napakalaking opportunity … kasi marami po tayong natutulungan [The James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital is grateful to the Iglesia Ni Cristo for the trust you have given us. For us, it is a big opportunity … because we are able to help many],” said Precilla Villamor, Medical Technologist at JLGMH.

Due to the increasing number of people who need blood because of various illnesses, the INC is conducting blood donation activities to help address this.

“Ang ganitong mga aktibidad ay totoong nakatutulong dahil sa maya’t maya po ay may nagre-request ng dugo para sa mga nangangailangan nating mga kapatid na may karamdaman [Such activities are truly helpful because there are constant requests for blood for our brethren who are ill],” said Brother Rodrigo Reyes, Supervising Minister of INC in Zambales South.

Brother Reyes also thanked the Church officers, especially those with the CMDPS, for helping in the event.

He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Church Administration for their love and concern.

“Nagpapasalamat din po kami sa ating Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan, sapagkat damang-dama namin ang kanilang pagmamalasakit maging sa lahat ng ating mga kapatid, kasama na rin ang mga nagkakaroon ng karamdaman [We are also thankful to our Executive Minister for showing his concern for all our brethren, including those who are sick],” he added.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) is a Christian religion in more than 165 countries and territories. It is composed of members from more than 150 different ethnicities and nationalities.

For more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) and its activities,

please visit www.iglesianicristo.net