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

North Island New Zealand

​Once again, the Members of Church of God International (MCGI) brethren in New Zealand enjoyed the last leg of the year 2018 as they held another Family Bonding and Outing at the Wenderholm Beach on December 25.  

​This event was succeeded by the quarterly 3-day Special Thanksgiving Celebration of the church where brethren from different locales all over the North Island, namely Feilding, Rotorua, Hamilton, Auckland and Papakura gathered up to celebrate the two consecutive events. 

​In the scriptures from Philippians 2:2 states, “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind”.  The MCGI Family exercised unity and camaraderie as everyone whole-heartedly took part in every phase of the gathering from planning to execution.  The unlikely weather did not hinder the participants from enjoying the day with lots of food to share with, games to engage in, Karaoke singing, grounding on the fine sand and swimming in the beach.

​The programme started with a stretching exercise.  When everyone was warmed up and ready, the Teatro Kristiano (TK) group performed a dance number which was enjoyed by all spectators.  Afterwards, the game proper began where three groups competitively battled it out with fun and laughter.  “Chase the Dragon’s Tail” and “Game of General” were among the entertainment favorites.

​The rain started to pour but it did not stop the family’s enjoyment as each had found more activities to do.  What a delightful sight to see the children enjoying the big puddle as they splashed water and mingled with the birds!  Not only the little ones enjoyed this spot, in fact, the adults carefreely dipped their feet in the pond and played frisbee cheerfully.

Moreover, majority of the brethren took advantage of the opportunity to connect with nature as they ground with the fine sand of the shore and swam in the beach.  Kuya Daniel Razon and  Brother Eli Soriano recommend “grounding” or “earthing” as an antioxidant which removes toxins from our body.

​Finally, the day was wrapped up with big smiles and happy hearts. 1 Corinthians 1:10 it says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment”.  The MCGI family will continue to be grateful to God for He has given another opportunity for every brothers and sisters in faith to socialize and be united as one.

​TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!!!

Written by:  Sister Joanne Caselene Custorio & Sister Amy Chan-Caco 

​North Island New Zealand

​Members throughout the North Island of New Zealand took part in the quarterly held Family Day and Sportsfest Event at the Lagoon Leisure Centre on October 22, 2018 (Labour Day in New Zealand). 

​Various types of recreational activities, revolving around the theme “Labours of Love“, were held throughout the day. ​Not only did the brethren partake in the activities, they also had the chance to converse and interact with brethren from distant locale chapters. 
​The brethren were split into four different teams, each having specific team colours (Red Team, Green Team, Blue team and the Gold Team). Even though the teams are different and the colours vary, the brethren are still one in spirit. ​​

​Before officially commencing the event, brethren participated in the warm-up Zumba exercise to lift the spirits of the brethren.

​Throughout the day, brethren partook in various recreational sports activities prepared beforehand which included Zumba, Follow the Leader, Patintero, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Basketball

​The KNC (Kawan Ng Cordero) were also able to participate in the games prepared for them which included Chinese Garter and other various Filipino Games. 

​As it is written in Hebrews 10:24, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:”, together as one body, we must uphold the value of love. Love will always prevail if you have faith in God, if you strive hard in spirit and most importantly if you do good deeds.

​To God Be The Glory!

​Written by: Bro. John Gabriel Alovera