|
North Island New Zealand The Members Church of God International (MCGI) in New Zealand was given another opportunity to strengthen their minds, body, and spirit as they held another Family Day and SportsFest in the North Island. This first event for the year 2019 was held on the 28th of January at Otara Pool and Leisure Centre, Auckland.  While Auckland & Northland celebrate its birthday on this same day, brethren from different chapters gathered together for another chance to exercise not only the physical body, but more importantly, the spirit of love and unity among the brethren as described in the scripture from I Timothy 4:8 “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." There were four teams represented by different colours (Teams Gold, Blue, Red, and Green). All of the teams performed calisthenics prior to the programme proper to increase body strength, fitness, and flexibility. The friendly battle then began as each team showcased their dance moves and agility in the “Just Dance Challenge” and “Dodge Ball”, where the Red Team bagged the win in both these games. Succeedingly, the Blue Team won the “Rock-Paper-Scissors” relay, while the Gold Team nailed the “Glass Pong Game”. Before the second half commenced, the Teatro Kristiano (TK) group graced a modern dance number while the Anytime Soon Band (ASB) and Brother Niño Miranda shared their talent in singing. This was followed by a group photo.  The excitement continued as the players competitively aimed to win in the Basketball and Volleyball Division. Red Team won the Mix Volleyball. Meanwhile, the Blue team defeated the Red team in the elimination round of Men’s Basketball whereas the Gold Team enjoyed the same victory over the Green. The overall status of ranking was favored by the Red Team, followed by the Blue Team, next was the Gold and the Green Team filled in the last spot. Everyone went home with prizes for all the members to enjoy. The MCGI brethren give back all the glory and honor to God for another successful and fun-filled event in North Island, New Zealand. Written by: Sister Joane Caselene Custorio and Sister Amity Caco Tauranga, New Zealand The Members of Church of God International (MCGI) brethren from Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua and Napier grabbed the chance to carry out a 2-day family bonding on the 1st and 2nd of January 2019.  The scripture from Hebrews 10:24 states, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works". The brethren expressed their love for one another by travelling to Tauranga together to enjoy the holiday. Traveling 3 to 4-hour long drive was not a hindrance for the brethren.   The bonding began by having a picnic at The Mount in Tauranga. While others were eating and appreciating the beautiful scenery, the kids together with their parents enjoyed swimming at the beach. This activity was followed by fishing wherein other members had an opportunity to try it for the first time. After a tiring morning agenda, a karaoke night was the last activity of the brethren along with a delicious dinner before ending the night.  On the second day, the brethren went to McLaren Falls Park in Tauranga to relax and feel the lake breeze under the sunny weather. While the adults are busy preparing lunch, the kids were playing and feeding the ducks with the bread that they had brought as snacks. The brethren were delighted to then go on a mini-trekking to see McLaren Falls, one of the tourist attractions in Tauranga. Brother Eli mentioned that “walking” for at least 20 minutes a day is healthy for the body. The brethren took pictures below the waterfall as a souvenir, ignoring the coldness of the water!   Lastly, the MCGI family wrapped up the day by taking group pictures, to capture the precious moment with a hope that they will gather for another bonding activity, if God permits. The brethren's faces expressed how much they loved and cared for each other, and they left Tauranga with happy hearts. In 1 Thessalonians 4:9 it says “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another”. The MCGI family are thankful to God for an opportunity given to socialize and see the brethren in person.  Written by: Sister Iya de Vera
|
