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Hamilton, New Zealand  To kick off 2020, the brethren and their families gathered together to not only communicate and bond but to commemorate God’s protection, blessing and grace for another year has gone by at Taitua Arboretum, Hamilton on January 27, 2020. Various types of recreational activities were held throughout the day which gave everyone the opportunity to participate, enjoy and mingle with brethren from distant locale chapters. To start off the activities for the day, a Zumba dance off between the Brothers and Sisters were held and everyone was obliged to join the said activity. The brethren participated in numerous activities such as the Zumba Dance-off, modified version of Volleyball and the Upside-Down Sack Race. Also the Teatro Kristianos and Choir members performed their intermission number while everyone is enjoying their sumptuous food. As it is written in Philippians 2:2, "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." Even though we’re hours and kilometers apart, we all share one mindset, that is to do good to everyone especially those in our households of faith. To God be the Glory! Written by: Brother John Gabriel Alovera
North Island New Zealand First Corinthians 13:13 states, “ So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love". Love, indeed, is the most substantial gift from God to mankind. Through love, we learn to become affectionate, selfless, and forgiving.  The Members Church of God International (MCGI) brethren in the North Island New Zealand were given another opportunity to celebrate love, particularly of the married couples as they held another Couples’ Night on December 08, 2019. This romantic event, which had a theme called “Ngayon at Kailanman” (Now and Forever) was attended by 28 couples and 19 married brethren who are physically apart from their other halves, solemnly shared the evening with memories and lessons in love to cherish. Carrying out the spirit of this gathering, brother Eli Soriano and brother Daniel Razon shared words from the Bible explaining the sanctity of marriage and the unity of two people bound together by the true essence of love through God’s law, which says in Matthew 19:6 “So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” A man and a woman bound by the gift of love should, therefore, live together in harmony and faith for as long as the two shall live under the commandment of God as stated in the book of Colossians 3:18-19, which says, “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them,” or otherwise, disobey His will and commit the act of desertion. The program was followed by a sumptuous dinner and an open dance floor to enjoy. Young and old, gay and free, everyone was invited to join in and show off their dance moves gracefully. Another worthwhile and successful event happened through God’s help and guidance. The MCGI brethren give back all the glory and honor unto HIM. May the spirit of love always remain in us and be reminded of these words from the book of I Corinthians 13:7-8, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.” Written by: Sis Amy Chan Caco
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!
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