Hundreds of care packages given by Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) in Aid to Humanity event in Washington, D.C.

Date Posted: September 21, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hundreds of care packages that included food items and school supplies were given out to residents of Washington, D.C. by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church Of Christ.

The care packages were given at a recent Aid to Humanity event, held at the INC’s Washington, D.C. congregation’s chapel grounds. Among those who attended were representatives from the office of Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Metropolitan Police Department, along with community members. Attendees were provided food, refreshments, and entertainment.

Philippine Consul General Iric Arribas said he felt proud to be a Filipino when he attended the INC Aid to Humanity at the US capital, seeing how the INC members are spreading kindness and helping other nationalities.

“When I came here as a guest of this activity, I felt proud to be a Filipino because we can see how the Iglesia Ni Cristo—being a predominantly Filipino organization—is now spreading acts of kindness to other nationalities, to other people,” he said.

There were 500 care packages given during the event—250 filled with basic food items, another 250 with school supplies.

Ben De Guzman, Director of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs for the D.C. Mayor’s Office, extended his gratitude for the INC for holding such outreach events.

“I saw people here who are glad that services like this exist, and I’m glad to know that they live in a city where we are looking out for each other,” De Guzman said.

At this event, attendees receiving the care packages were greatly appreciative, especially parents like Ms. Rosa Bonilla.

“It’s important just to know that other people actually still care out here. This pandemic has been hard, everyone has been so isolated. It’s nice that [the Church] actually … made sure that they went home with something, and let people know that y’all are out here, and show that you guys do still care,” she said.

Washington, D.C. Supervising Minister, Brother Matthew Capistrano, reiterated why the INC continues to hold these events, despite the ongoing pandemic.

“Through this activity we unite with our fellow brethren in the district to extend help to our fellow man. And through this occasion, we were able to introduce the words of our Almighty God and also give some help to our fellow man, just like what was taught by our Lord Jesus Christ, that we should always love our neighbor,” he explained.

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.

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 147 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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Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser greets the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) on its 107th anniversary

Date Posted: August 21, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church Of Christ received another greeting for its 107th Anniversary, this time from the mayor of the United States’ capital of Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser congratulated the Church under the leadership of INC Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, citing how the INC has grown to reach 158 countries and territories with members belonging to 147 races and nationalities.

Mayor Bowser also noted the various socio-civic activities of the INC, under the Aid to Humanity program and INC Giving, that have helped communities in Washington D.C.

“Washington D.C. is fortunate that one of your locations is in the nation’s capital. Your diverse demographics, reach, and experience has perfectly prepared your members for seeing the humanity in all communities,” she said in her message to the INC.

Since the INC established its Washington, D.C. congregation in the Washington Metropolitan Area, also known as the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) back in October 1995, the Church has conducted countless community outreach events: Aid to Humanity events, INC Giving activities, blood donation drives, and more recently, donating PPE and non-perishable food items and school supplies where they were most needed, in the District.

The Aid to Humanity events, INC Giving activities, and other community outreach campaigns were observed with social distancing, wearing protective masks, and other health and safety measures.

Mayor Bowser noted: “Impressively, (the) Iglesia Ni Cristo lives its mission and undertakes a wide variety of programs and projects guided by service, faith, and love.”

She cited the various community outreach activities of the INC in Washington D.C. before and after the COVID emergency declaration including the assistance to the most vulnerable in the community such as the senior citizens in housing complexes and shelters in the city. She also thanked the INC for the donations of PPEs and non-perishable food items to individuals in need, and the provisions of school supplies in the district.

“I thank Iglesia Ni Cristo for your compassion, commitment, and dedication to helping residents of the District of Columbia. May the work of your church bring as much joy to your congregation, as it does to the recipients of your good works,” Mayor Bowser said. She then greeted the entire INC on its 107th anniversary on behalf of the 712,000 residents of Washington D.C.—Courtesy of INC Public Information Office