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Together as one, the members of the Church of God International New Zealand chapter and throughout the globe culminated the 39th anniversary of the television program “Ang Dating Daan” or “The Old Path” by conducting charitable efforts throughout November. These efforts aimed to spread God’s love through the advocacy of our program which is to continue to advocate “Love, Hope and Faith” by catering to the needs of our fellowmen. These were also done following our theme “Upholding the truth through the gospel and good works”.  Through the help and mercy of God, the brethren were able to specially cater to the needs of the elderly through the “Eldercare” effort. This activity is aimed at spreading love and joy to the senior citizens through means of interacting with them by singing, dancing and playing games. The elderly were pleased by the efforts of the members as they can be seen reminiscing about the days of their youth. Caring for our fellowmen is just one of the many things our preachers continually remind us to do. In 1 Timothy 5:1: “Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;” Thus, we were able to continue to spread “Love, Hope, and Faith” through this charitable work. In conjunction with the said “Eldercare” effort, The Members Church of God throughout the Locale Chapters in New Zealand held yet another series of Blood Donation Drives to give blood to those in need of it. This effort was done in different locations spread throughout the different parts of New Zealand wherein our Locale Chapters are located. This God-given opportunity was grabbed by members throughout New Zealand and was fruitful. Through this opportunity, members were once again able to show love, compassion, and care by participating and becoming donors for this said effort. Finally, the Members Church of God from all parts of New Zealand and throughout the globe joined together to celebrate the “Fiesta Ng Dios” or “Feast Dedicated to God” event. This was held on the 24th of November and was put into place to continue to advocate Love, Hope and instill Faith into the members as well as the guests. Guests were treated with bountiful meals, teachings from our preachers and fun-filled games. The Members Church of God welcomed all guests and prioritized them in this event. We were able to provide free food, a free store, and free health care services with the help and mercy of God. As the Bible says in Luke 14:13 “But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:”. Through these efforts, we were able to continue to do good for our fellowmen. To be zealous in good works is continually being reminded to us to do by our preachers. In Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” and Hebrews 13:16: “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” By conducting these charitable events and activities, we were able to uphold the truth through the gospel and through our good works. As an added effort, different chapters from New Zealand shown their video greetings in celebration of the 39th year since “The Old Path” programs founding. To God be the glory!
Auckland, New Zealand On December 6, 2018 the Members Church of God International (MCGI) in Auckland New Zealand gathered to donate blood at a larger venue at QBE Stadium in Albany. This is the group’s first time donating in a public mobile blood collection centre instead of going to the usual donation centre of NZ Blood Service in Takapuna. This change of location is a result of the increasing number of volunteer donors from the church and the need for a bigger venue. A total of seventeen donors came to donate where all had given blood successfully.  The increasing number of MCGI donors include Brother Paul Gatchalian who has been donating regularly every quarter at New Zealand Blood Donor Centre. This event is timely in conjunction with MCGI’s “The Old Path” (TOP) 38th anniversary in advocating love, hope and faith. MCGI chapters all over the world have been engaging in public services that helps fellow citizens, the community and the environment. Such services include blood donations, aged care volunteering (elder care), clean up drives, tree planting and many more. In the holy scriptures virtues of love, hope and faith are being taught, “ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love”, 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV). This is why the MCGI brethren continue to donate blood to show love and instil hope and faith to fellow Kiwis.  Picture above: Brother Dexter Fernandez listens as the NZBS staff explains the donation process. With seventeen successful donors, a total of 7,900 ml of blood was collected which could help save the lives of up to 50 people. Did you know that one bag of donated blood is separated into three components (red blood cells, platelets and plasma) and that the majority of this will help patients with haematology cancers and disorders. The red blood cell component helps with anaemia and improve the oxygenation and energy levels of blood cancer patients. The platelet component helps with clotting and prevents excessive bleeding while the plasma component is further broken down into products that will help people with immunodeficiency, clotting problems etc. In addition to this, blood transfusions are widely used in patients with trauma, people in labour and patients having surgery.  The MCGI brethren in Auckland attended the public mobile blood collection service at QBE stadium wearing their “The Old Path” (TOP) anniversary t-shirts. The event was successful with God’s help. The donors left the venue feeling blessed and thankful in their hearts that they have been used as instruments in saving other people’s lives. Written by: Sister Afe Fernandez
Papakura, New Zealand Twelve successful donors lined up to donate blood at the grounds of the Blood Donor Centre in Manukau during the Blood Donation drive last August 28, 2018.  MCGI volunteers rolled up their sleeves to support Blood Donation drive. Brethren from MCGI believe that giving blood can save lives. When we give blood, we are offering a part of our lives to save the life of someone else.  Donors took a photo and sipped a drink after their successful donation. It is one way we obey the law, which is to love thy neighbour as thyself (Mark 12:31) and Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). If we are called to lay down our lives for others, we can surely give some of our blood to help save those in need of them.  Brother Niño receives a thumbs up from a staff on his support for the Blood Donation drive. Not only are MCGI members encouraged to do good for others, but Brother Eli Soriano and Brother Daniel Razon call on everyone to grab every God-given opportunity that they may come across or they may find to do good.  Written by: Sister Jona Enriquez - Panganiban
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