The said activity which started at 6:00 pm formally began through an opening prayer led by Brother Orlando P. Sanchez, minister-in-charge of the District’s Committee on Edification. It was followed by the preaching of the gospel by Bother Dan V. Orosa, District Minister of Quezon City. The preaching highlighted the importance of the messenger of God and the fulfilment of the biblical prophecies regarding God’s commissioning of Brother Felix Y. Manalo. The closing prayer was then led by Brother Renel T. Gravador, Deputy District Minister.

Following the study of the words of God, 19,000 goodwill bags were distributed to guests. This is in line with the “Lingap sa Mamamayan/Aid to Humanity” project of the church.  A total of 17,425 guests have attended and benefited from the said activity while a total of 18,775 brethren were recorded in attendance.

THE Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) will be holding a special worship service and a relief and medical mission on Saturday, April 26, at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City, in commemoration of the first year anniversary of its evangelical and relief mission dubbed “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko” or “My Countrymen, My Brethren.”

Tens of thousands are expected to attend the event that will start at 6:00 in the morning.   The event also serves as one of the pre-Centennial activities of the Church which will be celebrating its 100^th year anniversary on July 27.

A Lingap sa Mamamayan,  or medical-dental and relief mission, will follow shortly after the worship gathering. Bags of goods will be distributed to INC members and non-members alike.

There will also be a Photo Exhibit showcasing the activities of the “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko” in  the last 12 months.

In anticipation of the traffic build-up the INC event can cause, the Pasay Police has advised motorists to take alternate routes as some major roads and thoroughfares will be closed during the event.

The project “My Country, My Brethren” (Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko) was launched by INC Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo on April 13, 2013 at the P. Guevarra Elementary School in Binondo, Manila. Since then, the activity was done almost weekly reaching out to millions of people who benefited from the event that features relief distribution, a medical and dental mission, as well as an evangelical mission.

INC General Auditor, minister Glicerio B. Santos, Jr., said the project, which aims to “extend brotherly love and care for all,” is spearheaded by the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, the INC’s charitable arm.  To date, the Kabayan Ko Kapatid Ko program has been conducted all over the Philippines, as well as in other countries, earning the admiration of local officials here and abroad.

In fact, early this year, a certificate of recognition was presented to the INC by Carson, California Mayor Jim Dear and Mayor Pro Tempore Elito M. Santarina after the conduct of the project “My Countrymen, My Brethren” (Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko) at the StubHub Center in Carson, California on January 11.  The special award recognizes the Iglesia Ni Cristo for its outstanding devotion in providing continually the important spiritual encouragement for various communities.

Local officials here and abroad, particularly in the towns where the project was held, said the event benefited their communities and thanked the INC for reaching out to their constituents.

In the Philippines, the event has been conducted in various parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  It was, however, in the areas in Central Philippines that had been most ravaged by supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan), particularly in Leyte and Eastern Samar, that it had been held the most.

Abroad, this INC activity was also done in the Dominican Republic (Sept. 21, 2013); Milan and Rome, Italy (Oct, 27, 2013 in);  Lahad Datu in Sabah, Malaysia (Dec. 8, 2013 in), and in various parts of the United States, the most recent of which was in Oxnard, California on April 19 this year.

In April last year, Bro. Manalo’s pastoral letter, read in INC locales all over the world, stated:  “It is important that we inform our countrymen that the Church of Christ has the true brotherhood.”  He likewise urged the brethren to further propagate the faith and share the message of salvation to all humanity, especially to their countrymen.

Because of this, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo volunteered their time and effort in extending help to people regardless of their religious affiliation in compliance with the biblical mandate, “Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39 NIV).

On Oct. 14 last year, Bro. Manalo, in a statement read during the Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko activity held in Quiapo, Manila said that the INC was concerned in not only extending material help that would only last for a while, but also in imparting the words of God that will lead man to salvation.

“Because of the abundant blessings of The Lord God towards the Church of Christ, and motivated by the holy intent to extend our love and compassion to our fellowmen -especially to our countrymen- the Church continues to conduct these civic actions,” Bro. Manalo said in his Oct. 14 statement.

To further boost the worldwide aid campaign of the Church, the official website of “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko” (My Countrymen, My Brethren) was launched on November 18, 2013.

The website www.kabayankokapatidko.org was unveiled to “formally introduce to the world the outreach project’s mission, vision and activities.”

It features the highlights of the “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko” humanitarian mission and other programs of the INC. Photos and videos of outreach activities can also be found in the site’s homepage.

There is a also section in the site introducing the Church of Christ, its doctrines, origin, mission and worship service schedules in various parts of the globe.

Even before the launch of “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko,” the INC stressed that relief-giving and medical and dental missions had been done by the Church not only in the Philippines, but also in different parts of the world, in accordance to the biblical teachings.

This was done through the Lingap sa Mamamayan or  Aid for Humanity project, as part of the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s socio-civic activities and in its effort to extend a helping hand to those in need, especially during times of calamities and natural disasters.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo had also conducted relief missions abroad such as those held in the aftermath of the quake in Japan in March 2011,  Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey in October 2012,  the floods in Bundaberg, Australia early 2013, and the series of tornadoes that happened in Oklahoma in June last year.

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TACLOBAN City, March 14, 2014 – The Iglesia Ni Cristo unveiled on Friday a “model community” for the benefit of its members who were affected by super-typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) more than four months ago. This project, which was launched by the Administration of the Church, is another manifestation of their genuine love and care for the less fortunate members, a palpable fulfillment of their promise and unwavering commitment to help the survivors of the strongest typhoon on record to ever hit the country.

Brother EDUARDO V. MANALO, the INC Executive Minister, led the groundbreaking ceremonies of the INC’s resettlement housing and eco-farming community in Sitio New Era where a garment factory and other livelihood projects will also be set up, atop a scenic mountainous landscape in Barangay Langit, Alangalang town in Leyte, just 18 kilometers from Tacloban City.

The Executive Minister inspected a model unit of the housing project — a concrete quadruplex with tiled floors.  Each quadruplex has four studio-type units with a floor area of 22 square meters each and a lot area of 35 square meters, including the garden area.

The project is targeting to finish 1,000 studio-type units within four to six months, as reported by Minister Glicerio B. Santos Jr., the General Auditor of the INC, who also heads the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation Incorporated. It is the INC’s charity-arm which is in charge of putting up the self-sustainable model community for Yolanda survivors in Sitio New Era.  The INC’s socio-civic and livelihood skills training arm, the Unlad Kabuhayan International is also involved in the eco-farming and livelihood projects in the site.

Sitio New Era is situated in a 3,000-hectare land purchased by the Church in Alangalang, Leyte.  The initial phase of the project involves the development of some 700 hectares of the property, where the housing units will be constructed as well as garments factory, a dried fish plant, and an eco-farm that would be planted with imported rice varieties, imported fruit-bearing trees, vegetables and cultured mushrooms for export. About 40 percent of the land will be utilized for farming – particularly the planting of rice and vegetables.

Minister Jun Santos explained that the INC is not contented in just giving relief goods or food packs as well as medical and dental services for Yolanda survivors in Leyte and other provinces hit by the super typhoon but he likewise said that the Executive Minister also wanted to help the survivors so that they could have their own livelihood and their own house in an area where they will not be at risk anymore by storm surges.

He said that those working in the construction of the housing units and the various factories are typhoon survivors themselves who are being given wages for their work. Sitio New Era is just one of the eight model community projects of the INC.  The other model community projects are found in Agusan del Sur, Cavite and Bulacan.

Leyte first district representative Martin Romualdez said that the INC’s resettlement housing project with an eco-farm and area for at least three factories is a very good example of how survivors of typhoon Yolanda should be helped so that they could go back on their feet again. Upon surveying the work done by the INC in Sitio New Era, Romualdez said, “It’s a model community, a total community.  Magandang ehemplo ito para sa gobyerno.  Napakalaking tulong po ito para po sa amin sa Leyte,” [This is a good example for the government. This is a great help for us here in Leyte] “This should be the standard to follow,” he noted.

Representative Romualdez also expressed his disappointment in the national government’s slow pace in helping Yolanda’s survivors, considering that millions of dollars in donations (cash, food and other equipment) and pledges for Leyte had already been coursed to the national government in the immediate aftermath of the super typhoon.

“Kailangang i-devolve, i-decentralize ito.  Sama-sama na nating gawin ang mga dapat maisakatuparan,” [This must be devolved, this must be decentralized. Let us work together in order to get it done] he said as he urged the national government to take a different approach in helping the Yolanda victims, and to follow the INC’s lead.

The groundbreaking of the INC resettlement project (with an eco-farming site and areas for garments factory, dried fish plant) came just a month after the February 15 Worldwide Walk for Yolanda survivors.  The funds raised in that charity walk was immediately put to use for projects that will benefit typhoon Yolanda survivors.

On the same day (March 14) that the INC held the ground-breaking for Sitio New Era, the INC also conducted a massive relief food pack distribution as well as medical and dental mission at the Leyte National High School.  Some 150,000 food packs, each containing three kilos of rice, three cans of sardines and three noodle packs, were distributed that day.

Before the groundbreaking rites in Sitio New Era, Brother EDUARDO V. MANALO officiated a special worship service at the Leyte Sports Development Center that was attended by at least 60,000 people. After the worship service, the relief-dental and medical mission followed at the high school grounds.  There was also a counseling service done for the Yolanda survivors.

Dr. Sergie Santos, a board member of the FYM Foundation Inc., said they also distributed 25,000 toys donated by Emirates Airlines.  He reported that the INC, through the FYM Foundation, had already given some 800,000 food-relief packs in the various provinces affected by Yolanda since November last year under the “Lingap sa Mamamayan” or Aid to Humanity project of the INC.

Brother Edwil Zabala, the INC spokesperson for the event, said the funds to be used for the construction of the resettlement housing project, garments factory, dried fish plant, and various livelihood projects for Yolanda victims, as well as the relief food packs being given for the typhoon survivors did not solely come from the funds generated in the Worldwide walk.

He said the bulk of the funds also came from donations of INC members for the “Lingap sa Mamamayan” project of the INC which helps poor communities and victims of calamities not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well.

The INC’s Worldwide Walk for those affected by typhoon Yolanda broke the Guinness world record for the largest charity walk in a single venue (Manila Roxas Boulevard site), and also set a new Guinness record for the most number of participants in a charity walk done within 24 hours in multiple venues.

To sum up everything that happened in Leyte during that day, Minister Jun Santos concluded: “Ang lahat ng ito ay nangyayari sa awa at tulong ng Diyos,” [all these things are happening through the mercy and help from God].

Brother Emer Culala contributed to this report.

CARSON, California, January 11, 2014, – An estimated 11,000 people flocked at the StubHub Center in Carson, California to participate in the global outreach program of the Iglesia Ni Cristo which is called “My Countrymen, My Brethren” (Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko) through its charitable arm, the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, Inc. This worthwhile project was launched by the Executive Minister of the Church, Brother EDUARDO V. MANALO last year in the City of Manila, Philippines.

The StubHub Center is a 125-acre multi-purpose sports complex located at 18400 South Avalon Boulevard in Carson (approximately 10 miles south of Downtown Los Angeles).  It is also an official U.S. Olympic training site and home to Major League Soccer teams, the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA.

Weeks prior to the event, members of the Church in the district of Southern California held saturation drives and promoted the program by handing out thousands of flyers throughout the various communities in their respective regions.  Minister Rolando Dizon, one of the coordinators of the outreach program, stated that the project is “to help our fellowmen particularly during these times of economic hardships, not only with their physical and basic needs in life but most importantly, their spiritual needs.”  This project is inspired by what the Lord Jesus Christ commanded – to do good and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Minister Jojo Bayani, Assistant District Supervising Minister of Southern California, reported that members of the Church and their guests came not only from California, but also from Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and as far as Tijuana and Mexico City.

Carson’s Mayor Pro Tempore Elito M. Santarina, proudly stated that, “We’re so proud of the INC because you chose the StubHub Center as the venue for your outreach program.  We truly appreciate the fact that you are reaching out to the community by providing help and support to our countrymen.  On behalf of the 100,000 people of Carson, we will always be grateful for this very worthwhile and beneficial event that you are providing for the entire community.”

As the guests registered and walked into the stadium, a Christian concert and video presentation welcomed them.  After the concert, a bilingual Evangelical Mission in English and Spanish was conducted by Minister Dyland Ramos, the Supervising District Minister of Southern California. It was translated into Spanish by Minister Andrew Paragas. The Southern California District Choir led the hymn-singing, followed by an opening prayer, then the preaching of the words of God. The homily is about the relevance and importance of the Church of Christ for man’s salvation.

After the evangelical mission, a certificate of recognition was presented to the Iglesia Ni Cristo by Mayor Jim Dear and Mayor Pro Tempore Elito M. Santarina.  The special award recognizes the Iglesia Ni Cristo for its outstanding devotion in providing continually the important spiritual encouragement for various communities.

The Southern California INC Radio correspondents together with the hosts of DZEM 954 in Quezon, Philippines interviewed the Mayor and Vice Mayor live on air which was broadcasted worldwide.  Mayor Jim Dear gave the following message during the live broadcast: “Carson is a city that welcomes the Iglesia Ni Cristo. We’re really happy with the Church choosing this venue. My message to the members of the Church of Christ is that I thank you for being involved, committed, and dedicated to the word of God and doing God’s work.  If you chose the Iglesia ni Cristo, you chose very wisely.”  The Mayor himself even said that he plans to attend the worship services of the Iglesia ni Cristo.

About 4,000 guests from all walks life, of various ethnicities and diverse backgrounds, benefitted from the event.  Almost 600 hundred guests signed up for Bible Study at the various sign-up booths which are located all around the complex manned by LOS officers.  These guests want to learn more about the teachings of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, and many had positive comments about the Church and its outreach program.

Blair Stanford, a guest invited by Angel and Anna Angeles who are members of the Church from Long Beach stated that, “the message delivered in the Bible Study was interesting. I have been studying religion for 30 years now, so it’s good to see other religions’ perceptions.  I was surprised at all of the free services. Surprisingly, I did not know there were free flu shots.  I definitely needed that and got one for myself. I think it’s very beneficial that these services were offered to everyone who attended. I think people really needed the medical screenings.”

Another guest, Elia Avellis, who was invited by Marlon and Melissa Viernes, members from Santa Clarita, believed that the words of God that were shared in the Evangelical Mission became “an awakening and also a call to save my place with God.”  She said that many people don’t know God and this was a way to introduce God to those who don’t know Him.

Pheriba Lopez, a college student invited by Ray Geminiano of San Gabriel Valley, said that she “liked how the message presented salvation the way it should be.”  As a student, she also benefitted from the free school supplies that were handed out at the event.  Hector Hernandez, who was invited by Rennalyn Gamboa of Corona, said that he was stunned because he was not expecting the event to be so big.  He said that “everyone was so welcoming and that so many services were offered. I find it interesting because I’m not used to hearing churches holding big events, especially something this big the size of a stadium.  I was expecting something smaller.  This was really unexpected.  It’s something you don’t see every day.  It’s not something you can describe. But, I have to say that the Church keeps in mind taking care of other people, and I truly believe that’s important.”

Carlos Avila, a guest invited by Grace Uneta who is a member from North Hollywood, said, “I think it is an incredible event that should be carried out more often because it brings people together in ways that normally doesn’t happen.  I’m always touched by the word of God and jump at the opportunity to hear it and it just reiterated my own faith.  That is an incredible thing for people to give their time like that and volunteering their donations.  The Church of Christ is an incredible and large organization. I felt very educated today about the Church, learning about its origins and its future.”

Skye Molina, invited by Edgar Banzuelo of Long Beach, said it was her first time attending an event sponsored by the Church and thought that it “was pretty amazing and spectacular and gives the opportunity to meet new people!”  Laarni Tejero of Anaheim invited a current Bible Student named Bill Hoban who thought the event was “just wonderful“ and feels blessed because he has now found the Church of Christ.  Pat Blanchard from Compton, CA also attended the event and said, “This is a wonderful occasion.  I have met a lot of people and everyone is warm and welcoming. The first thing I did was to sign up for Bible Study lessons! I saw the video clips of your chapels in the Philippines and they are beautiful.”

A family and youth advocate, Liliana Uribe, who partners with faith-based organizations, said that she was invited by her neighbors, Nancy and Luis Gonzales of San Gabriel Valley.  Liliana believed that, “this kind of program helps a lot because some are on a fixed income and it also helps in building social skills especially for the special needs families.” She said that what the Church is doing today to help reach out to these families is very important because it shows that “someone does care.”  She also said that with the current economy, people don’t know where to go and this event was another resource that welcomed everyone with open arms.  Liliana also said that more events like these are needed because there are still so many families that have no jobs, are experiencing hunger and homelessness.

Among the guests at the StubHub Center were the Hispanic migrant families initially invited at the Oxnard’s Aid for Humanity (Mis Compatriotas, Mis Hermanos) and Evangelical Mission which held last December 7, 2013.  They were grateful to be back because they were in need of various social services.  The families were thankful for being invited and being provided transportation to the event.  The parents expressed in Spanish that they have never experienced anything like this before and that the items their children received, such as school supplies and toys, were considered “luxuries” for them.

About 50 various services and entertainment booths were available that included medical, dental, optometrical (eye exams), flu vaccinations, health education, fitness, nutrition, and health insurance coverage resources.  The following items were given to the guests for free at the various booths: tote bags, blankets, t-shirts, sweatshirts, slippers, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, food (groceries and pantry items), reading glasses, toys, and various school supplies.

Games and activity booths were also provided for the children, such as face-painting, balloon-making, basketball throw, and bean bag, ball, and ring toss.  Other services included: voice and keyboard lessons, first aid response, job interview skills, photo booth, and any more.

Lana Garitt, a guest invited by Ben and Milita Shavagun of San Gabriel Valley, said that it was all very “exciting and fantastic” and that the “love of Christ brings us together.” She was thrilled that they offered arts and crafts and other activities for all ages.  Also invited was the Carson Police Department who provided a booth on Child Identification cards.  The police staff fingerprinted and made ID cards for the children which are effective tools to help parents and families maintain current descriptive information about their children in case they get lost or go missing. A Lost and Found booth was placed appropriately next to the police department’s booth because lost children at the event were being brought to the booth by SCAN members.

Cindy Viduya, the Medical Coordinator of the event, stated that she was not prepared for the magnitude of the medical outreach.  The medical and dental mission became the most popular booth at the event, with hundreds of guests and members lining up for free medical and dental services.  Prior to the event, Cindy was in charge of recruiting medical and dental staff volunteers from the various local congregations in Southern and Northern California. At total of 229 health care professionals volunteered at the event that included medical doctors, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, and optometrists.  About 243 registered for the various health screenings, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and Body-Mass-Index (BMI), and almost 200 flu vaccinations were administered.

One of the guests named David Demarest, invited by member David Pangan from National City, signed up as a Bible Student at the event and stated that he “was really impressed by the medical mission booth” and benefitted from the food pantry booth because he was running low on food.

According to the California Healthcare Foundation, California has the greatest number of uninsured residents of any state.  In fact, 1 in 5 Californians overall is uninsured, and nearly 60 percent are Hispanics.  Dr. Ruth Arceo, a Family Practitioner from Los Angeles County, said that the recipients of the medical mission were very thankful that they were able to get free health screenings.  She said that many have pre-diabetes, diabetes, and high blood pressure and are not aware of it, and for many of them, it was their first time being screened for health problems.  She stressed the importance of these screenings that they are not only for health maintenance, but for preventing further health complications in the future.

Another physician from Los Angeles, Dr. Nory Cabanilla, said that this was the first time he has helped in a medical mission of the Church, and he was glad to see that the event not only helped the guests with their physical health, but their spiritual health as well.  He said that a panel of physicians and dentists were available to answer any general questions that the guests had.

The outreach program was the first event of its kind in Carson.  Mayor Dear had long suggested for this type of outreach to take place in his city and he said that it has finally become a reality with the help of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, that all of the people in the community greatly appreciate and respect what the Iglesia Ni Cristo has done in Carson.  Even Mayor Pro Tempore Santarina believed that “this is happening, not by accident, but this is God’s design.”

Minister Jojo Bayani explained that the Iglesia ni Cristo was not only able to provide material things to thousands of their fellowmen at this event, but most importantly, their souls were fed with the words of God during the Evangelical Mission. This will help them know how they will be saved on the Day of Judgment.  The members of the Church here in Southern California were able to fulfill during this historic day the command of Christ to love their countrymen and their brethren.

With the spiritual guidance from the Executive Minister of the Church, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, and most of all, with the abiding help of the Almighty God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s Outreach Program and Evangelical Mission in this part of the world indeed turned out as a historical, timely, and a very successful event. As Minister Rolando Dizon said, “nothing like this has ever been done by any other religious group here in Southern California, just us.”  Praise the Lord!

Ministers Dyland Ramos, Jojo Bayani, Rolando Dizon, and the Southern California District Chroniclers and ACTIV teams contributed to this report.

SEATTLE, Washington – Located just 24 miles south of Seattle, Washington, the Tacoma Dome which is the world’s largest arena with a wooden dome, became the venue of the first ever Pacific Northwest Outreach Evangelical Mission under the Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko (My Countrymen, My Brethren) project of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

Brother EDUARDO V. MANALO, the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo enjoined the brethren in this part of the world to show our love for our fellowmen. Brethren in the ecclesiastical district of Pacific Northwest responded with enthusiasm. The event was held last December 14, 2013, Saturday, with almost 5,000 guests and over 2,000 brethren from as far as Spokane, Washington and Albany, Oregon traveled to the dome in 150 buses, as well as in their own private transportation.

Some of the brethren and guests from Bremerton even took the Washington state ferries across the Puget Sound to be able to participate in this very special outreach activity. Brandon Hart, who drove for about 28 miles from Port Orchard said, “To learn about God, an hour drive is nothing, and I would even drive further to attend other events the Church of Christ will be sponsoring”.

Due to the early arrival of the members and their guests, the Exhibit Hall opened its doors earlier than the scheduled 12:00 noon start.  Everyone had a chance to avail of numerous services that were provided by the members of the Church.  Over 25 booths of free services, resources and fun activities were available to everyone.  Guests patiently lined up to be served by the brethren.  Services rendered included (1) job enhancement resources (2) stress management (3) massage therapy (4) eye examinations (5) health and wellness (6) flu shots (7) fitness and nutrition (8) blood pressure testing and (9) dental care.

Sister Thelma Guadiz, a registered Nurse at the Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton said, “more than 231 flu shots were given”. Hundreds of people not only receive oral hygiene goody bags, but most of the dental booth guests had a chance to have an initial dental examination. Guests were very thankful because most of them did not have dental insurance. “Because they cannot afford the high cost of dental care, having had a consultation during the Outreach event gave the guests an idea of what to expect when they are given the final treatment plan,” says Sister Kathleen Saturay, DMD.

Leslie Jenkins from Lakewood who brought along her young son said, “This event is very helpful for a single parent like me who lives in a housing program and on my own.  My son and I really need help in medical and dental services and job enhancement resources”. Henry Williams, team leader for the Job Enhancement Resources booth said, “Hundreds of CDs were given out to guests with information on how to start the job search, things to know about resume writing, improving interviewing skills, and many job resource links.  Our Church advisors for this booth provided valuable advice that will help guests improve their ability to gain employment in this competitive job market.”

A family man from Everett, Baldemar Ramirez came with his wife and 2 children, along with his mother-in-law. Speaking in Spanish and translated into English by Brother Bob Longoria from Burien, said, “This is really a good opportunity not only to learn about the Church of Christ but also to benefit from the free services being provided to us today”.

The healthcare and job enhancement resources services provided at the event were very appropriate considering the current statistics on healthcare insurance and job unemployment:

• “Over one quarter of Americans between the ages of 18-64 do not have any health insurance.
• The Center of Disease Control (CDC) released a new study showing 59.1 million Americans do not have health insurance and even worse, the people who cannot afford it are increasingly members of the middle class.
• In Washington, 14.2% of people over 18 (or 945,589) and 6.4% of people under 18 (or 101,614) do not have health insurance.
• As of 2006, there are 166,174 people unemployed in the State of Washington.

Halfway through the event was the most important part of the activity, the preaching of the words of God which was conducted by Brother Glenn R. Gomez, the Pacific Northwest District Minister.  He expounded on the history of the Church of Christ from its humble beginnings in the Philippines to where it is today, with houses of worship built all over the world and worship services being conducted in almost all of the inhabited continents of the globe.  He clearly emphasized that these accomplishments could not have happened without the help and guidance of the Almighty God.

“This event is a wonderful experience for me especially to hear about the words of God, and to me, that’s the most important thing about this event,” commented by Jose Flores Dioniso from Seatac. Lucille Hemmen from Seattle says, “I have gone to a lot of booths and had my blood pressure taken. I was waiting for the preaching part because that is the main thing I came here for.“ “This event is great, I feel so good out here, and I feel so loved” added Lessie Small (Lucille’s mom), also from Seattle.

Stephen Osei, who is originally from Ghana West Africa and lives now in Seattle, attended the event with his friend Larry.  Stephen had just finished his studies of the fundamental teachings of the Bible and now is preparing for his baptism next month.  He said, “I am here today because I would like to know more about the Church of Christ and to meet other brethren from other local congregations”. “I felt the Lord today during the preaching and the singing of the hymns.” says Brandon Hart. His mom, Shirley Hart added “I love the way the word of God was preached, it was very clear. The minister was easy to understand. I really enjoyed listening”.

After the evangelical mission was conducted, several booths became available for the guests so they could ask questions to the ministers who answered them by quoting passages from the Bible.  Hundreds of guests expressed interest that they would continue attending Bible Studies on doctrines of the Church.

A concert presented by Band Together and some young brethren followed the evangelical mission. Attendees were entertained by members of the Kadiwa and Binhi, as well as the Children’s Worship Service members through songs that are all originally composed by Sister Melissa Conde, Brother CJ Stogsdill and Sister Annabel Fernandez.

Based on the many testimonials received, the INC Outreach Program and Evangelical Mission truly enlightened the lives of the guests and brethren who attended. Our Almighty God was truly with us on this day.  We are very pleased that were able to help many people in the states of Washington  and Oregon, not only with the vital services that were provided to them but most importantly with the message coming from our Almighty God.

Brother Glenn R. Gomez contributed to this report.

Quezon City, Philippines – Led by Brother Rene Panoncillo, Head of the INC Personnel Office, ministers and volunteer workers from the INC Central Office conducted the first ever Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko project. An estimated 50,000 people came to the INC’s “Lingap-Pamamahayag” (Aid to Humanity-Evangelical Mission), at the Quezon Memorial Circle last Friday, December 13, 2013.

All these are being done under the project called “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko” which had been launched by the INC Church Administration, under the leadership of INC Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, in April 2013. Under this project, relief-giving and medical missions are done as part of the evangelical work of the INC for more people to hear the words of God as written in the Bible.

The event started around 1:00 p.m., with the opening of the free medical and dental services that served as a way for the INC brethren to show their concern for their countrymen. Relief bags containing rice, noodles and canned goods were also distributed to the attendees when the main part of the program – an evangelical mission – ended at around 6:00 p.m. Some 500 policemen were deployed in the area to maintain peace and order.

People from all over Quezon City and other nearby areas came by busloads even before 1:00 p.m. By 4:00 p.m., police estimated the crowd to be already at 35,000. An entertainment program was also mounted for the guests. Various artists, including 1970s crooner Victor Wood, sang for the audience. Wood, who is now a candidate for baptism after taking all of the introductory fundamental lessons in his hometown Binangonan said that this was his seventh time to attend a Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko project of the Church. People watched the show through huge LED screens set up in various parts of the Quezon Memorial Circle. They were particularly entertained when Wood sang “Pearly Shells” and danced on the stage with a couple of old women.

After the entertainment portion, the next phase was the Evangelical Mission. It started with the reading of the message of the Executive Minister of the INC Brother EDUARDO V. MANALO by Brother Bienvenido C. Santiago, INC General Evangelist and Minister of the Gospel. Part of his message was thanking the people who came to the event. He explained that it was not only food or the physical well-being of their countrymen that was the concern of the Church, but also the spiritual needs for them to attain salvation come Judgment Day. He said that this project was in accordance with the teachings of God to love others as one loves himself as it is written in Mark 12:31.

It was followed by the singing of spiritual songs by the 400-member Central District choir, then the opening prayer led by Brother Emiliano C. Magtuto Jr., Director of the College of Evangelical Ministry, New Era University. After this, INC General Auditor Brother Glicerio B. Santos Jr., expounded on the words of God. At the start of his homily, Brother Santos said that ministers of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, in teaching the Gospel, only ask questions and then read the answer from the Bible. He also read various statements from other religious leaders who gave their unsolicited testimonies about the Iglesia Ni Cristo being one of the fastest growing religions today that originated in the Third World.

He added that the INC had also conducted “Aid For Humanity” relief operations in other countries, including Japan, Bundaberg in Australia, New York, and in Oklahoma, USA. Brother Santos said that the relief-medical and evangelical missions done by the INC, in cooperation with the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation Inc., are done not just during the times of calamities, but even during normal days since poverty had already become pervasive in various parts of the world.

The Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko project is being done weekly in various parts of Metro Manila, in the provinces, and even in other countries, Brother Santos said. Just recently, a relief and medical mission was done in Oxnard, California, in Sabah, Malaysia, and in Tala, Caloocan City in Metro Manila. Before this, there had also been relief operations in Paco, Metro Manila and in the various affected provinces of typhoon Yolanda.

He went on to explain that the various extreme weather events and other phenomena happening now, as well as the increasing poverty, are indications of the nearing Day of Judgment as foretold by the Bible. He enjoined the listening audience to a short video presentation of the various extraordinary calamities and natural disasters that are happening all over the world such as the tornadoes in Oklahoma and the super typhoon Yolanda that flattened entire villages in Central Philippines.

He concluded his presentation by exhorting everyone to join the Iglesia Ni Cristo since the promise of salvation is to the “Daughter of Zion” or the Church of Christ which emerged in these last days in the Far East, specifically the Philippines.

It is worth mentioning the efforts of the volunteer group led by Doctor Sergie Santos, consisting of 48 doctors and dentists, as well as more than 120 nurses and paramedics, who worked hard to render free medical and dental services. Most of the guests who came brought their children along. Free medicines and vitamins were given to the young and old. There were also old people who managed to walk to the Quezon Memorial Circle, although they had various ailments such as rheumatism. Some even had crutches.

Due to the huge turnout of people, some failed to avail of the free medical service. However, some of the attendees who failed to get relief packs said they enjoyed the program. Mrs. Mila Oriel came with her two young grandsons. She said even though she failed to get a relief pack, what she heard during the evangelical mission caught her interest that she would want to know more about the Church. What captivated them was the Evangelical Mission wherein many of them have realized that the Bible portrays the signs that Judgment Day is near.
Partial reports indicate that more than 6,000 people have registered as new Bible students. They will now undergo a series of study of the fundamental doctrines of the Bible believed in by the Iglesia Ni Cristo before they shall receive the holy baptism which shall make them officially as Church members.

Bro. Rene Panoncillo and the Personnel Staff contributed to this report.

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Tala, Caloocan City, December 9, 2013 – Once again, the twofold mission of the Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko project was seen at work in this part of Caloocan City where some of the dwellers were former leper patients. Although they are now fully rehabilitated, these families decided to stay in this area. Residents who came from neighboring areas of this city also benefited from the services rendered by the Church.

Realizing the dire needs of the inhabitants of this place which is situated at the outskirts of the city proper, the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Brother EDUARDO V. MANALO, decided to hold the project through its humanitarian arm, the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation. He commissioned Brother Glicerio B. Santos, Jr., the General Auditor of the Church, to lead the group of ministers and members who conducted the giving of relief goods to indigent families in this area.

The activity started with entertainment portion with performers from the district of Metro Manila North and Metro Manila West. Thereafter, around 5:00 p.m., an evangelical mission at the Glorietta Covered Court followed. It started with the reading of the letter of the Executive Minister by Brother Matt Pareja, one of the ministers assigned as project coordinators. Brother Joel Narciso, the assistant district minister of the ecclesiastical district of Metro Manila North led the opening prayer. It was followed by the preaching of the gospel by Brother Jun Santos, assisted by Brother Rodel Cabrera.

In his homily, Bro. Santos expounded on man’s top priorities as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ – that man should seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:31-33). This kingdom is also called the kingdom of the Son which was redeemed by the blood of Christ (Col. 1:13-14 NIV). Since the Church of Christ was redeemed by the precious blood of Christ (Acts 20:28 LAMSA), then man’s priority should be the Church of Christ.

He likewise explained that the Bible has foretold the calamities and disasters that are happening in the world today (Ezek. 7:1-3, 5, 11, 15, 23-26 TEV), to be followed by the greatest disaster that will occur on the Day of Judgment (2 Pet. 3:7, 10). He called the attention of the listening audience to a video presentation of the different calamities that happened in various parts of the world, things that signal the end of the world is near.

Since Judgment Day is an incoming reality, he asked, “How could people be saved on that day?” He quoted what the Prophet Daniel announced beforehand that on that day, the people who belong to “the nation of God” will be saved (Dan. 12:1 TEV). At this time when the end is about to come, also called by the Bible as “the ends of the earth,” the Lord has made a proclamation to tell the “Daughter of Zion” that salvation is coming. These are the people who are redeemed by the Lord – the Church of Christ (Isa. 62:11-12; Acts 20:28). The nation of God in these last days is the Iglesia Ni Cristo which emerged in the Philippines, a country in the Far East (Isa. 43:5 Moffatt). People who are in the Church of Christ will be saved on the Day of Judgment.

Bro. Santos asked again the audience to focus their eyes on a video presentation depicting the fulfillment of God’s promise to the Church of Christ: He will uphold, sustain and strengthen her, starting from the ministry of Brother Felix Y. Manalo up to the present Church Administration (Isa. 41:9-13). He concluded his presentation by enjoining the guests to take advantage of the opportunity to join the Church of Christ since God is now putting the finishing touches on the salvation work He began (Rom 13:12-13, The Message). Bro. Armando F. Ernie, the district minister of Metro Manila North led the closing prayer.

The evangelical mission ended in just an hour then followed by the distribution of 20,000 packs of relief goods. More than 20,000 brethren also supported the event but they were outnumbered by the number of guests which was estimated to be more than 25,000. Out of this number, more than 13,000 registered as new Bible Students. They will undergo a study of the fundamental doctrines of the Bible in the hope that one day they shall be included in the nation of God in these last days, the people who have the promise of salvation on the Day of Judgment.

Bro. Joel Narciso and Bro. Emer Culala contributed to this report.

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]]> https://kabayankokapatidko.iglesianicristo.net/kabayan-ko-kapatid-ko-project-at-work-again-in-caloocan-city/feed/ 0 https://kabayankokapatidko.iglesianicristo.net/oxnard-congregation-holds-first-ever-aid-for-humanity-and-evangelical-mission-for-hispanic-migrant-families/ https://kabayankokapatidko.iglesianicristo.net/oxnard-congregation-holds-first-ever-aid-for-humanity-and-evangelical-mission-for-hispanic-migrant-families/#comments Sat, 07 Dec 2013 23:20:12 +0000 http://www.kabayankokapatidko.org/?p=1721 By FRANK BUNAG

OXNARD, CALIFORNIA, December 7, 2013 – The local congregation of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in this vibrant southern city of California held an Aid for Humanity project and an Evangelical Mission in Spanish and English. It was the first ever Aid for Humanity event dubbed as Mis Compatriotas, Mis Hermanos (My Countrymen, My Brethren).  Oxnard, a city in Ventura County, is home to thousands of migrant Hispanic families.

Sister Jennifer Dayrit, who works for the Ventura County Department of Public Health, stated that her agency provides many services to this huge low income population who mainly work as agricultural or farm workers.  She decided to partner with Dr. Joe Mendoza, Director of Migrant Education, and the El Rio School District to invite these migrant families to an Aid for Humanity event sponsored by the Oxnard congregation whose officers and members worked together to provide assistance to low income families.

Prior to the event, the school district helped distribute invitations and flyers to over 200 migrant Hispanic families living within the vicinity of the Oxnard house of worship.  Martha Aldana, one of Sister Jennifer’s guest and colleague, stated that, “This event was so timely because many of these families do not have jobs, since agricultural jobs are seasonal, and they are currently experiencing financial crisis and poverty.”

On the morning of the event, it was raining extremely hard due to a storm that arrived just that morning. However, once the activity started, the brethren witnessed a miracle as the rain stopped and the sun shone brightly only within the vicinity of the house of worship.  Most of the families walked in order to get into the house of worship because they did not have a means of transportation.  However, SCAN members were able provide rides to some of them.

Many of these families cannot afford winter or warm clothing for their children.  One of the guests named Irma Gonzalez said, “Thank you for helping us. The kids are having fun.” Irma’s daughter, Maria, age 9, said, “My mom got my 2 younger sisters and 2 younger brothers some clothes that they needed. I got a teddy bear. We have jackets now. Thank you!” Maria’s 7 year old sister also commented, “I love it! My mommy is really happy. She even cried like a baby when she saw some jackets that fit us. I’m going to tell my classmates everything that I experienced today!” Another guest said, “Everyone is so welcoming and friendly.  Seeing what you are doing to help others is really inspiring.”

The migrant families were very grateful for the free lunch, relief goods, clothes, blankets, shoes, and other basic necessities given to them.  The relief bags included culturally-appropriate food staples commonly used by Hispanic families, such as long grain rice, pinto beans, Mexican pasta, noodles, and other items.  Different tents or booths were set up at the compound that included activities for the children, a first aid and blood pressure screening section, and a media room and photo gallery.

The Evangelical Mission in Spanish was held at the main sanctuary and was officiated by Brother Andrew Paragas, Resident Minister of North San Diego congregation.  Simultaneously, an Evangelical Mission in English was held in the CWS hall officiated by Brother Dino Bunag, the Resident Minister of Oxnard. Spanish-speaking members from Oxnard also helped in translating and communicating with the Hispanic guests. About 200 Hispanic guests attended the event and many signed up as Bible Students.

Sister Jennifer Dayrit and Bro. Dino Bunag contributed to this article.

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – Six ships that rammed hapless houses a few meters near Anibong Street, stood out among the ruins of Super Typhoon Yolanda in this once vibrant city.  Another ship was washed ashore until it reached the street itself.

These ships, transported from the sea to inland, served as mute testament to the full power of the apocalyptic winds and the storm surge that Yolanda whipped up on that fateful morning of Nov. 8.

This is ground zero of Yolanda’s wrath which brought images of destruction never before seen by this generation – images that could have well happened in a well-plotted fictional movie. But this is real life.  And life goes on – and must go on – for Yolanda’s survivors.

Last Nov. 29, this ground zero became the center of a massive relief distribution of the Iglesia Ni Cristo where more than a hundred thousand relief packs – each containing four kilos of rice, noodles and canned goods – were given to the typhoon survivors. This was just two days after the INC conducted a massive relief and medical mission in Ormoc City.

The INC’s building of worship, along this street, which had sheltered almost a hundred residents in three barangays in its vicinity at the height of Yolanda’s wrath, became the center of relief distribution and medical mission under the INC’s “Lingap sa Mamamayan.”

Clearing operations along Anibong Street started the previous day with the help of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority so that the trucks containing the food packs and other relief supplies could pass by. But, of course, no amount of clearing equipment could move a ship by the roadside, so they let it be and concentrated on the debris piled up on the road.

The INC’s relief distribution began at around 8 a.m., with people lining up the street fronting the INC chapel, starting early morning. The fast-paced distribution surprised the residents, as there were times that they had to walk fast – even jog – so that more people could be given relief goods.

“This would help us a lot. Thank you very much,” Pete Daroy, 56, said in Tagalog, as he clutched the relief bag that contained the rice that they needed to survive. He came all the way from Palo, Leyte that was equally devastated by Yolanda.

“Can I go back?” he asked as he walked past the volunteers.

Those guarding the lines said they understood their situation and allowed the people to go back in line, provided they would start at the very back.

Demetria Ogario, 52, said she was happy that day as she watched over her small makeshift stall. She was selling some biscuits, coffee and cigarettes along the street, so she could not leave her “store.” It was good that her granddaughter, Jezzel, 9, was able to line up and get a few relief packs.

“With others, it was just a relief bag per family. Here they accept children, and they can even go back,” Ogario said in Tagalog.

Ogario’s house was destroyed by Yolanda but all her family members survived.

Patrocinia Bacoy, 74, said she would never forget Yolanda for the rest of her life. “Everyone did everything to survive,” she said of what happened in the morning of Nov. 8.

But her family was lucky. All of them, even her grandchildren, managed to go to higher ground when Yolanda unleashed her fury. She experienced wading in almost neck-deep waters. She was lucky she survived, she said, although their house is gone now, and so are all their belongings. But they are all safe, even her nephews, her daughter-in-law – who had just given birth when the typhoon struck – and her baby, too.

Bacoy stood by the roadside as all her family members who lined up for relief packs, came one by one, carrying food bags which they heaped beside her. Then, they lined up again.

“This would help us greatly,” she said, as the rice her family got would last for days.

The bags of relief goods were being replenished by the trucks that kept coming in. A barge was hired by the INC to transport at least 17 trucks and other vehicles for the relief and medical mission which was done in cooperation with the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation Inc., the INC’s charitable arm.

“All of this is because of our love for all of you,” said a man in Tagalog, using a megaphone, as the relief bags were piled high on the tables for distribution.

Zedrick Sabusap, 12, and his cousin, Raincel, 10, said their family was grateful that they heeded the warnings of INC officers to get into the INC structure as there would be a powerful storm surge.

“Our house stood here before,” said Sabusap’s mother Rutzyl, 28, pointing to a desolate spot with no standing structure.

“If we did not go inside the Iglesia’s chapel, we could have died,” she said. “The others did not go despite proddings.”

Even Sabusap’s father who had prostate cancer managed to climb up to the INC chapel. Inside, they were safe, she said.

Now, they have rice enough to survive for days, and they are thankful, Sabusap’s mother said.

Before the relief distribution, INC general auditor Glicerio Santos Jr. addressed those gathered in the INC district worship building. He said INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo wanted them to know that they should not lose hope even in these times of crisis.

He relayed the executive minister’s message that while the INC church administration would help them in the best way that it could, the best thing that they could do is to pray to God who could do miracles in their lives.

Afterwards, a minister led the prayer for the Yolanda survivors in the INC chapel. This was important to those who were gathered – even more than the food packs that would be shared to them that day.

“This is all very organized. This will be a lot of help for the people of Tacloban City,” said Mayor Alfredo Romualdez Jr., who dropped by just before the relief distribution started. “This will make the people here feel loved and cared for, and this is more important.“

During the relief mission, people were anxious to get their share of relief packs.  Some got more than they needed. But in the end, they realized there were lots of people who had not gotten any relief pack yet, and decided to give way to them.

People also lined up for medical checkups, and were given free medicine and vitamins, too. There were also vitamins and medicine for the elderly and babies.

Gregorio Millano, 77, had his leg treated for an infected wound that was previously stitched by a Korean medical team near the airport. He was thankful that there were medical volunteers from the INC mission who came near his home, as walking long distances brought him pain, he said.

Before lunchtime, more than a hundred thousand relief packs had been distributed. And people went home with wide smiles on their faces.

ORMOC CITY—The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) conducted the second wave of its relief operations and medical mission here on Wednesday, giving away some 80,000 relief packs and providing free medicines to survivors of Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan).

Ormoc residents said this was the biggest relief operation they have seen since the November 8 tragedy in the city that had also survived the flashfloods of 1991, which claimed 5,000 lives.

The project, called “Lingap sa Mamamayan” or Aid to Humanity, was simultaneously held at the INC house of worship in Ormoc City and in the plaza near the old municipal building.

INC General Auditor Minister Glicerio B. Santos Jr. said INC Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo ordered a second phase of the relief operations initially held on November  14 in Ormoc City so that more people would benefit from the mission.  Another relief and medical mission was conducted in Carigara, near Tacloban City, on November 16, where some 30,000 more residents were given relief goods.

The following day, a Sunday, simultaneous relief operations were conducted in 10 other sites in the various areas hit by Yolanda.

These were in Bogo and Bantayan in northern Cebu, on Camotes Island and in Danao City in southern Cebu; Kalibo in Aklan; Sara in northern Iloilo; Tabuk in Roxas City, Capiz; and the towns of Hernani, Salcedo and Quinapundan in Eastern Samar.

That week alone, around 200,000 relief packs were given to the typhoon survivors in these areas.

The relief distribution, under the Lingap sa Mamamayan project was done in cooperation with the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation Inc., the INC’s charitable arm.

“The INC church administration saw the need for a bigger relief and medical mission for the survivors of the typhoon.  We will help more people in this time of crisis,” Santos said in an interview at the relief- distribution site in the Ormoc City Plaza.

The INC project to give relief aid to typhoon survivors was initially held on November 14 in Ormoc City, where some 30,000 people were given relief packs, each containing 3 to 4 kilos of rice, canned goods and noodles.

On November 26, 80,000 more bags of relief goods were given—30,000 bags were distributed in the INC compound in the city and 50,000 in the town plaza. Thousands benefited from it. Residents noted there was no preselection of relief recipients.  All they needed to do was to line up and they got their relief bags.

“Mabuti rito walang pili-pili.  Kahit sino pwedeng pumila.  Wala nang ticket na kailangan,” said Isauro Piamonte, 35, one of the beneficiaries. He said that in the distribution centers in the barangay and in the other foundations, they needed to enlist first and get a ticket before they could line up for relief.

“Dito nalaman namin namimigay ang Iglesia nang walang pili, kaya pumunta kami rito. Kahit bata binibigyan nila.  Marami, parang hindi nauubos,” he said, noting how relief bags from trucks kept pouring in so everybody who lined up had his or her share.

Nida Chu, 46, also noted the selective distribution in certain barangays in their area.  Worse, some relief packs were allegedly cut in half.

“’Yung tatlong kilo ng bigas na ibibigay, nababawasan pa. Nagiging isang kilo na lang at isang pakete ngnoodles,” Chu said.

Antonio Olarte, 62, from Alta Vista, said that in his barangay, only registered voters were being given relief goods.  He was thankful he got a relief food bag from the INC, although he was not a member of the group.

Organizers of the Lingap sa Mamamayan said all the people there, regardless of religion, were the targets of their relief and medical mission.

“This is to show our love for our fellowmen,” said Santos, quoting the directive from Manalo.

Volunteer doctors, nurses and paramedics from Metro Manila, including those from the New Era General Hospital in Quezon City, and from Cavite and Cebu, helped in the medical mission in Ormoc City on Wednesday.

Dr. Berlin Serrano, an anesthesiologist, said all the members of the medical teams who were helping out in the Lingap sa Mamamayan only wanted to share their love and concern for fellow Filipinos in these times of disasters.

On November  29 the INC Lingap sa Mamamayan for Yolanda survivors also held a massive relief distribution and medical mission in Tacloban City.