Iglesia Ni Cristo in Toronto gives 100 care packages, 2,500 lbs of food, monetary donations to local organizations

Posted on November 17, 2021November 17, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Iglesia Ni Cristo in Toronto gives 100 care packages, 2,500 lbs of food, monetary donations to local organizations

Date Posted: November 17, 2021

TORONTO – As part of its Worldwide “Lingap Sa Mamamayan” or Aid To Humanity event, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church Of Christ in Toronto donated 100 care packages to Homes First Society, and 2,500 pounds of food to the Flemingdon Food Bank. Each charitable organization also received a cheque donation of $2,000CDN.

The event took place at the INC’s worship building located at 71 Guestville Avenue in Toronto. Church members in the Ecclesiastical District of Greater Toronto were connected virtually via videoconferencing to witness the event.

According to Homes First Society, for every 10,000 people in Toronto, about 30 are homeless. Over 30% of the city’s homeless live with a mental health issue, and over 25% live with an addiction. During the pandemic, the situation has become worse.

Samara Rakhraj, Fundraising and Development Specialist for Homes First Society, said that the Church’s donation will greatly help the community.

“We’re in the winter months right now ... If the cold weather is here, the donations of hygiene kits, especially comforters, are definitely a need and will be in good use. We have individuals and families as well as individuals and housing that are in need of that whether it be in their own housing or even just in the shelters as well. Hygiene kits, basic necessities of just being able to cut your hair and keep yourself put together, it goes a long way not only physically but also mentally, too. So it’s definitely needed and it will go to good use,” Rakhraj said.

“Thank you so much for all of your support, the brothers and sisters, that really just kind of (blew) us away in terms of the donation of the items as well as a financial donation. It will go a long way,” she added.

Along with homelessness, food insecurity is another serious issue in Canada even before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Food Banks Canada, about four million Canadians are struggling to put food on the table.

Chadi Abedalrazek, the Operations Manager of Flemingdon Food Bank, said their food bank had been hit hard by the pandemic.

“There are a lot of challenges we are facing right now, the shortage of food and the high demand of people coming to the food bank,” he said as he thanked the INC for its various donations.

“I’m happy that I got to know the Church Of Christ and all the staff and volunteers … There’s not enough words to thank this kind of a big organization that always stands by anytime I need help or support. They’re ready for that. You guys are doing an amazing job,” he said.

Abedalrazek also acknowledged the birthday of INC Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo on October 31.

“It’s my honor to be here celebrating this special occasion for a good reason, which is helping a community, so your support and donation are going to make a difference,” he said.

Brother Glendo H. Baitan, district supervising minister of Greater Toronto, explained the importance of the INC’s Worldwide Aid To Humanity.

“And as we are being led by the Executive Minister of the Church, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo … we’re able to reach out and give back to the community,” he said.

“It strengthens the love of the brotherhood. The true God who guides this Church and the Church Administration is powerful, and to Him nothing is impossible ... we would like to bring back all the praises and glory to our Almighty God.”

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) was registered in the Philippines on July 27, 1914 by its first Executive Minister, Brother Felix Y. Manalo. After 107 years, it has spread to 159 countries and territories with its members belonging to 148 nationalities and races. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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Thousands of care packages and winter clothing donated to the community in Birmingham by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ)

Posted on November 15, 2021November 15, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Thousands of care packages and winter clothing donated to the community in Birmingham by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ)

Date Posted: November 15, 2021

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – Hundreds of residents and six charitable organisations in Oldbury, Sandwell received over 4,000 winter clothing and 3,000 care packages, donated by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church Of Christ.

The INC chapel grounds in Birmingham were filled with rows of winter coats, jackets, scarves and beanies as well as piles of care packages consisting of non-perishable goods and hygiene products during its Worldwide Aid To Humanity event. The donations were gathered from thousands of members of the INC across the United Kingdom. Entertainment through musical performances and spiritual uplifting were provided, as well as food and refreshments throughout the day.

Despite the adverse weather, volunteers of the INC were not hindered in showing their support and appreciation to the community.

“I just cannot believe that people have actually taken out their valuable time to come here today. This is something that I’m gonna take back into the community and let the people know what the Church Of Christ is doing for our community,” Councillor Rizwan Jalil, who represents the Oldbury ward, said.

Charitable organisations such as Human Appeal and Wrap Up Birmingham, Black Country Food Bank, Divine Love Foundation, Humanity First Food Bank and Selfless Sava were amongst those who received boxes of donations to support their cause.

Inspiring Communities Food Bank representative, Muhammed Bhayat, noted the numerous families in their area in Sandwell struggling amid the pandemic who are going to benefit from the charitable event of the INC. “The work you’ve all done has been absolutely outstanding,” he said.

Councillor Suzanne Hartwell was touched by the sheer volume of donations and most especially the happiness and love she felt throughout the event.

“When I come through the doors, the sheer volume of coats, hats, and scarves, but more than anything—the happiness; it was absolutely oozing. It was very much like a comfort blanket, it contaminated me. You blew me away, you really have. You touched my heart,” Councillor Hartwell said.

“You’re giving your hand to the vulnerable in our community, for those who haven’t got a lot. That is what I would take away, how you treated the most vulnerable in our community and the love that you shared,” she added.

Nasmin Hussain, a representative from Sandwell Council, expressed her appreciation to the INC Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo: “A big thank you again to him for all the hard work he’s done in setting up the organization and supporting local communities worldwide. Thank you very much.”

The act of giving also touched the hearts of many attendees. Two of them, Lindy and Philomina, who were among those who received donations, said they felt hope and God’s love because of the event.

“It’s touching really, and it’s giving people a belief that you know what, God is here. Say, I’ve experienced God’s love today,” they said.

Through the Aid To Humanity, a program of the INC’s charitable arm, the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, the Iglesia Ni Cristo continues to help communities with their needs—from donating food items to establishing eco-farming sites throughout the world that provide livelihood and housing to those in need. INC members and volunteers aim to extend help and contribute positively to their communities, most especially to those in need.

The rapid growth of the Church is spearheaded by the dynamic leadership of its current Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) donates thousands of hygiene products to Spence Neighbourhood Association in Winnipeg, Manitoba in connection with the Church’s Worldwide Aid To Humanity this October

Posted on November 11, 2021November 11, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) donates thousands of hygiene products to Spence Neighbourhood Association in Winnipeg, Manitoba in connection with the Church’s Worldwide Aid To Humanity this October

Date Posted: November 11, 2021

Winnipeg, Manitoba – The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church Of Christ packed thousands of hygiene products into 164 boxes which they personally delivered to the doorsteps of Spence Neighbourhood Association (SNA) in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 21, 2021.

This was part of the Worldwide Aid To Humanity of the INC for the month of October coinciding with the birthday of the Church’s Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo.

Olivia Michalcuzuk, Director of Grants and Expenses for Spence Neighbourhood Association, noted how the supplies donated by the INC would help many people to prepare for the coming winter.

“Together with Spence Neighbourhood Association and your organization (Iglesia Ni Cristo) we were able to get some of those must-use supplies very quickly and before winter which is one of the times [that they are needed] the most,” she said.

Spence Neighbourhood Association is a non-profit organization located in the West-End Community where they serve the most vulnerable residents within the area.

The boxes donated by the INC were filled with toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and other hygiene products along with 100 packs of bottled water. SNA happily received the large donation which they will be distributing among the residents who heavily depend on their organization.

Chantel Scott, the Donations Coordinator for the association, said it had been difficult for them to raise enough funds to keep up with the demand for hygiene products due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She noted how they “have been filled with so much joy that this process was made so easy” referring to the INC’s latest Aid To Humanity with their organization as one of the recipients.

“You came with everything that we have asked for and more,” she said noting that their residents “have been needing a lot of basic needs.”

“A great thanks because it’s just been a surprise and it’s just amazing and really good work and really good commitment that you guys do, and it was extremely organized like wow,” Scott said.

Canadian Member of Parliament, Kevin Lamoureux and his daughter, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Manitoba, Cindy Lamoureux were also present when the INC turned over the donations at the Spence Neighbourhood Association. For several years, they have attended several INC Aid To Humanity events. They also noted how such INC events were being done not only in Winnipeg but also around the world.

“Whether that means food or clothing or hygiene products, (the) Church Of Christ has really stepped in to ensure everyone who needs these items can in fact reach them and have them in their possession,” said MLA Cindy Lamoureux. She also thanked the Executive Minister for encouraging and enabling the Church not only in Winnipeg but around the world to take part in community events such as this.

“One of the things I have known for many years now is the Church Of Christ has a very generous collective heart where they come and meet the needs of people no matter where they are in the world,” said Kevin Lamoureux who is a member of the Parliament for Winnipeg North.

He and his daughter Cindy also greeted INC Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, on his birthday on October 31.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo was registered in the Philippines on July 27, 1914 by its first Executive Minister, Brother Felix Y. Manalo. Since then, the Church has spread to 159 countries and territories around the world, with its members coming from 148 ethnic backgrounds. The rapid growth of the Church is spearheaded by the dynamic leadership of its current Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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INC sends aid to evacuees from Taal Volcano unrest

Posted on August 2, 2021August 2, 2021 by pasugoeditor

INC sends aid to evacuees from Taal Volcano unrest

By REGIE BELTRAN and MARK ANDRO T. MILAN

Date Posted: August 2, 2021

With the January 2020 eruption of Taal Volcano still fresh on their minds, residents of several towns in Batangas province went on preemptive evacuation just hours after a phreatomagmatic event on the afternoon of July 1, 2021.

This was followed by another eruption three days after. Though less alarming than last year’s eruption, it nevertheless brought fear and hardship to the residents, especially of villages in the permanent danger zone.

Mindful of their needs, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) promptly sent aid to benefit both members and nonmembers alike.

On July 9, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister of the Church Of Christ, approved the urgent sending of aid to the affected residents through the leadership of the Ecclesiastical District of Batangas North.

Brother Eraño Augusto, district supervising minister, stressed the timeliness of the humanitarian assistance. “For their safety, the residents are prohibited to go fishing at the [Taal] lake. The crops planted [by villagers around Taal] have all dried up. So their livelihood is greatly affected,” he said.

In a turn-over ceremony held at the Lipa City Hall, the local government received thousands of relief packages. Mr. Percival Lojo, city administrator, said, “The whole Lipaeño community wholeheartedly thank the Iglesia Ni Cristo for again reaching out to us in this time of pandemic. These will augment [supplies] for the daily needs of our residents.”

Muslims in Lipa City were among the beneficiaries. Mr. Mondato Motilan Macapaar, Muslim community head, said, “Thank you, Brother Eduardo Manalo, for looking after us. We may be from different religions but the Iglesia Ni Cristo always help our community here. We will never forget that.”

Later that day, Brother Augusto led the ministers, ministerial workers, and Church officers in bringing thousands more relief packages to the respective houses of the brethren. On behalf of the district, he said, “Thank you so much Brother Eduardo V. Manalo for providing for the members’ needs, just as you did last year.” — With reports from INC News Section

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Felix Y. Manalo Foundation delivers 10K pounds in donations to charities in Canada, plus blood donations

Posted on May 21, 2021July 31, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Felix Y. Manalo Foundation delivers 10K pounds in donations to charities in Canada, plus blood donations

Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, amongst several others, thank Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) for its various humanitarian efforts.

Date Posted: May 21, 2021

CANADA—Approximately 10,000 pounds (4.5 metric tons) of food and other items were donated by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church Of Christ in various ‘Aid to Humanity’ activities in different parts of Canada early this May.

The INC delivered the donations to shelters and charities in Ottawa, Ontario; Montreal, Quebec; and Burnaby, British Columbia, from May 7 to May 9, 2021.

Among the grateful recipients were the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa, Le Gite Ami, Interval House of Ottawa, Matthew House Ottawa, La Maison du Père, Filipino Association of Montreal and Suburbs, and The Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby.

Through the Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, volunteers were happy to donate personal hygiene products and non-perishable food to assist those less fortunate.

In a letter to the volunteers of the FYM Foundation, Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, stated: “Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, you have been committed to promoting the values of community and civic engagement through good deeds, acts of kindness, and various initiatives to help those in need. These efforts play a valuable role in keeping Canadian families safe and healthy. I would like to thank you for your hard work, dedication, and compassion during these trying times.”

The Mayor of Ottawa, Jim Watson, also expressed his heartfelt thanks. “I am very pleased to recognize the volunteering efforts of Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, led by Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, for your dedication to supporting the community as part of the global humanitarian initiative, Aid to Humanity. Keep up the great work, and God bless. Merci beaucoup. À la prochaine [Thank you. See you next time].”

These charitable works coincided with the 135th birth anniversary of Brother Felix Manalo, who was born on May 10, 1886, in Tipas, Taguig, Manila, Philippines. He taught about the Church Of Christ in the Bible and registered the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) with the government of the Philippines on July 27, 1914.

What began as a handful of believers steadily grew, motivated by faith, love, and hope, and with a centralized administration, as well as congregations constantly rising throughout the archipelago.

After almost 107 years since Brother Felix Manalo registered the INC in the Philippines, the Church now has a strong presence in 158 countries and territories.

Wherever in the world that it has congregations, the Church Of Christ is dedicated to playing a positive role in the community through socio-civic activities under the INC Giving Project or Aid To Humanity events organized under the FYM Foundation.

The INC is motivated by the gospel of Christ, which teaches that we should love our neighbor and help those in need. Especially during this time of the pandemic, many more need a helping hand.

According to Statistics Canada, “The pandemic has led to the lowest level of life satisfaction reported by Canadians [observed in Canada over the 2003-to-2020 period]. Finances, health, and social contacts—three pillars of quality of life—have all been affected by COVID-19.”

“Yes, we plan to donate yet again … This is in our community so, we feel good in giving to the people we live with,” said Mark Gibson, a born and raised Canadian who is a member of the INC and among its Church officers.

Simultaneous with donating food and personal hygiene items, the Church also organized blood donations in Canada. Some 200 volunteers from nine of the INC congregations in Southern Ontario donated blood to the Canadian Blood Services locations in Mississauga, Milton, Burlington, and Ottawa.

The Canadian Blood Services thanked the INC for the valuable blood donation.

“Thank you Iglesia Ni Cristo-Church Of Christ Mississauga West Local for your group donation! We are grateful for our community partnerships and appreciate your continued support,” it said in a tweet on May 10, 2021.

Phlebotomist Marina Ilkanaev at the Milton location also shared, “I think [the] Iglesia Ni Cristo Church is doing [a] great job to organize [a] group and coming to volunteer, and donate blood, and save people. And it’s one of the thing[s] which God tells us to save your neighbor. To save your parent. To save human[kind].”

Led by the INC Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Church constantly holds Aid To Humanity and INC Giving events. It extends assistance to community members in need, in the areas of livelihood, health, and hygiene, and notably, in the field of spirituality through the sharing of Bible-based doctrines and teachings.

These ongoing socio-civic activities aim to forge strong relationships between the INC and its members and the communities where they reside.—Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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Lae City GWS marks 8th year via Aid To Humanity

Posted on May 1, 2021May 2, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Lae City GWS marks 8th year via Aid To Humanity

By QUIZA QUIÑOLA and MARK ANDRO T. MILAN

Date Posted: May 2, 2021

Thankful to God despite all the uncertainties brought about by pandemic crisis, Iglesia Ni Cristo members from Lae City Group Worship Service (GWS), Ecclesiastical District of Australia West celebrated their congregation’s eighth anniversary through an Aid To Humanity activity on April 17, 2021.

Led by resident ministerial worker, Brother Edmark Velasco, the brethren gathered with their guests, relatives and loved ones to hand out food and care packages after introducing to them the Church Of Christ and the reason of such a humanitarian activity.

As the Lae City GWS adds another year to its existence, the members grow more determined in their calling. Uplifted by God’s words during these trying times, they said that they will all the more share the true faith and uphold their divine duties. They also thanked the Almighty God for His unending love and support, and the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, for his indefatigable efforts in leading them towards salvation. — With reports from INC News Section