International religious organization ‘INC’ gives a total of $5,000 in cheque donations and 250 care packages to homeless shelters in BC, Canada

Posted on November 13, 2021November 13, 2021 by pasugoeditor

International religious organization ‘INC’ gives a total of $5,000 in cheque donations and 250 care packages to homeless shelters in BC, Canada

Date Posted: November 13, 2021

Surrey, British Columbia - Five shelters in British Columbia, Canada each received a $1,000 cheque donation and a total of 250 personalized care packages on October 27, 2021 from the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). This humanitarian mission by the Church is in connection with its worldwide “Lingap Sa Mamamayan” (Aid To Humanity) initiative conducted this month of October.

The shelters that benefited from the generous donation included Gateway Shelter, Parkway Shelter, Guildford Shelter, Riverside Shelter, and New Westminster Shelter—all of which are under the Lookout Society, an organization that offers a wide range of programs for vulnerable adults living with multiple challenges.

Jessika Schmidtke, Program Coordinator for the Lookout Housing and Health Society said their residents felt cared for when they received the personalized care packages from the INC.

“Oftentimes that I hear from our guests and residents, and the people that we serve is that they feel forgotten by the community. They don’t feel (that) anyone cares about them, so for them to receive something … a specialized gift that … it makes them feel human again.”

The care packages consisted of granola bars, toothbrush/toothpaste, towel, socks, women’s products, shampoo/conditioner, bath soap, lotion, disposable shaver/shaving cream, deodorants, wet wipes, and hand sanitizers.

INC ministers and volunteers delivered the care packages to the shelters, while other members of the community received their share during the culminating activity for the day held at the INC chapel grounds in Surrey, BC.

According to Statistics Canada, more than 235,000 people in the country experience homelessness in any given year, while 25,000 to 35,000 people may be experiencing homelessness on any given night.

In British Columbia alone, in a 2018 Report on Homeless Counts in BC, a total of 7,655 individuals were identified as experiencing homelessness. They included 219 children who were under the age of 19 and accompanied by a parent or guardian. The majority were sheltered (63%) and 37% were unsheltered.

Luke Johnson, a Volunteer Director for the Lookout Foundation, said that because of COVID, there has been increased pressure on families and individuals in the Vancouver area.

“And so Lookout has increased its housing support, and increased its food and other emergency supplies for individuals,” he said.

“It’s great. Every piece that’s contributed to an organization like Lookout goes directly towards serving people who are in need. These donations are very helpful,” Johnson added.

Troy Balderson, Guildford Shelter Manager said, “Our folks in our society can always use a helping hand.”

“You know, as a nonprofit, we stretch every dollar as far as we can. Sometimes making $3 out of $1 by innovation and collaboration and social partnerships just as this, so you know, it’s an integral and imperative part of what we do. It’s very important, very appreciated,” he said.

INC Minister of the Gospel, Brother Moriel Cadacio, who oversees the INC congregations in British Columbia emphasized the significance of the said activity.

“There will be more people who will be able to understand what this Church is all about. We help people who are in need because that is the teaching of God written in the Bible …We do this as we fulfill the commandments of our Almighty God. This is because of our great love to the community … to those who are in need.”

Through humanitarian efforts of the Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, the charitable arm of the INC, and the INC Giving Project, donations, community service and all other types of socio-civic activities continue to be conducted by the Church all over the world. INC members and volunteers aim to extend help and contribute positively to their communities, most especially to those in need.

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 the current Executive Minister of the Church, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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Iglesia Ni Cristo brings aid to First Nations communities in Canada

Posted on September 9, 2021September 9, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Iglesia Ni Cristo brings aid to First Nations communities in Canada

By CHARLIZE GONZALES and MARK ANDRO T. MILAN

Date Posted: September 9, 2021

In the spirit of Christian charity as commanded by the Lord, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), through its ecclesiastical district in Ottawa, Canada donated some basic necessities in aid to the First Nations communities. The turn over of the relief packages was done in Kingston, Ontario, Canada on August 27, 2021.

“This is the great initiative of our beloved Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo,” disclosed Brother Jose P. Razon II, the district supervising minister. “As we greet and celebrate his 12th year of dynamic leadership inside the Church, we will continue to fulfill his initiative of helping our fellowmen, not only because we truly believe that this [is] in fulfillment of God’s teaching, to do good to those who need it.”

Appointed by the Church Administration to represent the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Brother Razon II led the support staff composed of brethren in the turn-over of the donations.

The Aid to Humanity event was held in collaboration with the True North Aid, an organization dedicated to serving and supporting northern indigenous communities in Canada. The beneficiaries received bags of canned goods and staple food items and boxes containing winter apparel such as jackets, boots, and bedding, as well as hygienic products.

“We brought our donations to Kingston because that’s where the shipping partner of True North Aid is. From there, they will be distributed to various First Nations communities,” Brother Gibrl Legaspi, a minister of the gospel said.

“It’s so wonderful to do this. We feel very happy that the people up in the northern communities will be receiving these items that they requested,” Monica Ishihara, representative of True North Aid, said. “It will bring them a lot of comfort. We’d like to thank Brother Eduardo V. Manalo very much for spearheading this effort.” — With reports from INC News Section

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Canadian leaders and partners express appreciation for Iglesia Ni Cristo’s humanitarian efforts as Church celebrates 107 years

Posted on August 6, 2021August 6, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Canadian leaders and partners express appreciation for Iglesia Ni Cristo’s humanitarian efforts as Church celebrates 107 years

Date Posted: August 6, 2021

CANADA — Various leaders and community partners in Canada greeted the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC or Church Of Christ) during the international religious organization’s 107th anniversary, recognizing the Church not only for taking care of the spiritual needs of its members, but also in helping communities worldwide amid the pandemic through its various “Aid To Humanity” events.

In her letter dated July 27, 2021, Mayor of Burlington Marianne Meed Ward also cited the “amazing leadership” of the Church.

“Congratulations on the celebration of the 107th Anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Your leadership and the establishment of Iglesia Ni Cristo in the Philippines has been incredible, and you have truly displayed such amazing leadership.”

On behalf of the city of London, Ontario, Mayor Ed Holder also sent his “sincere congratulations” on the INC’s 107th anniversary and thanked the Church for making a difference in its humanitarian outreach projects not just on his city but around the world.

The INC has conducted various humanitarian outreach projects such as food donations, PPE donations, school supply donations, and even blood donations, as the Church geared up for its 107th anniversary this July 27.

In Alberta, Canada, 135 volunteers of the INC, from Red Deer to Calgary, participated in a blood donation drive last May 2021.

Marissa Stryker, Canadian Blood Services Territory Manager for Central Alberta, applauded the INC for its motivation and unending generosity in donating blood to families in need during the pandemic.

“Huge thank you to [the Iglesia Ni Cristo] for organizing [this event], to the ministers [who were able to] come and be a part of this [event], [and to] the brothers and sisters who donated blood,” said Stryker.

In June 2021, National Partnership Manager of Canada Blood Services, Beth Frize, officially recognized the Church Of Christ through the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation for its humanitarian efforts in Canada.

This recognition was not only for the notable 400 donors within Ontario province back in May of 2020 but also for the INC’s ongoing energetic efforts of blood donations in other provinces of Canada.

In June this year, Indigenous Advisor and Board Member, Mr. Kim Sigurdson, and the Executive Director, Kenneth Smid, from True North Aid Foundation also thanked the Church for its donation of 100 sets of school supplies, school bags, beddings, blankets, pillows, as well as a cheque for 20,000 Canadian dollars.

In July 2021, one of the highlights of the INC’s celebration in Canada was the dedication and opening of the renovated house of worship in Surrey, British Columbia.

Consul General Maria Andrelita S. Austria of the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver also expressed her appreciation to the INC for sustaining their bonds as a community and their respect for Philippine culture and the country. She also recognized how the INC generously donated to various communities throughout the pandemic.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Iglesia Ni Cristo continued to reach out to those who were more vulnerable and in need through socio-civic activities and generous donations, keeping the ‘Bayanihan Spirit’ (spirit of civic unity and cooperation) alive,” she said.

Consul Austria also cited how the INC congregation “played a big part in uplifting the spirits for frontliners in British Columbia and other parts of Canada.”

“During these challenging times, faith remains critical in offering strength and guidance to our Kababayans (countrymen) in your community, as well as giving inspiration and a sense of purpose, as we build new lives here, in Canada,” she added.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo was first registered in the Philippines on July 27, 1914, by Brother Felix Y. Manalo.

After 107 years, it has spread to 158 countries and territories, and its members belong to 147 nationalities and races. — Courtesy of INC Public Information Office