In commemoration of the 12th anniversary of dynamic leadership of the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members from the Ecclesiastical District of Northern Midwest conducted an Aid to Humanity in Rapid City, South Dakota on September 7, 2021.

The event, led by the district supervising minister, Brother Erman Bendicio, began with a trip to the fire and police departments. They went there to express the Church Of Christ’s members appreciation for their service to the community.

“It just encourages them [firefighters] when they get recognition like this and it’s such a great thing. And the gift is very generous to give out to these members so yeah. It’s been a good day so far,” said Calen Maningas, captain of the Rapid City Fire Department.

Having felt the impact of the pandemic “and some of the things that have happened in law enforcement on a nationwide scale over the last two years, have made the job a lot a lot more demanding, a lot more challenging,” Brendyn Medina of the Rapid City Police Department, said. Grateful for the event, he added, “It goes a long way to help keep our officers stay grounded and remind them that there are good people out there in the world that appreciate what we do.”

After the frontliner appreciation, the brethren then gathered at the Dahl Arts Center to provide free bags of groceries and free meals to those who are in need. One of the beneficiaries, James Hunter, said, “A lot of food I could use. I have nowhere else to go. The food is good.”

Ferdinand De Dios, minister of the gospel, said, “As the world continues to adapt to the challenges that are brought upon the pandemic, with activities like this, we are able to find ways to do good for those who are in need. Through the leadership of our Executive Minister and the guidance of our Almighty God, we are able to reach this part of the world to provide aid.” — With reports from INC News Section