North Island New Zealand

The Members Church of God International (MCGI) in New Zealand have once again held its get together activity where brethren from all throughout the North Island region flocked as one to participate, experience, learn and strengthen both their spirits and bodies as they continue to strive for holiness through the gospel and good works. The team building event was held on the 28th of October (Labour Day) at the Howick Leisure Centre in Auckland where a total of 160 attendees were present to experience and participate in the event.

Gathering together as one is part of what Christians do. In this day and age where most people gather for their own personal interests and not for the Lord's, brethren from North Island were given an opportunity to hold the unprecedented team building and sports fest event strengthening both their spirit and body as they exercised and listened to the word of God. As it is written in I Timothy 4:8 (KJV), “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." Bodily exercise is beneficial, but practicing Godliness through good works is profitable in this life and in the life which is to come. Doing bodily exercise and Godliness at the same time is indeed beneficial!

The event kicked off with brethren conditioning their bodies for the day. Psalms and hymns for the Lord were sung not only to unify the brethren but to guide the day that was ahead of them. The congregational singing was followed by a short prayer led by the church workers. Afterward, the workers gave their opening remarks to welcome the brethren and guests. After that, the brethren were asked by the organizers to gather around and were grouped into four - each given instructions to do as what they were instructed. This marked the beginning of the team building event.

The KNC’s or the Kawan ng Cordero’s (Flock of Lambs) were given games and activities as their part of the said event. In their activities, the children of the brethren showed that even with how little and fragile one maybe, with God’s help, they can cooperate and unite to achieve a common goal.

Meanwhile, in the main hall, the brethren showed their willpower in every way possible to complete the tasks. Through teamwork, each team was able to lift their team members one by one using merely strings with which they ran to and fro, back and forth, and successfully completing the task given to them. This shows how members of a team can work together to get the job done. Through sheer willpower, strength, and cooperation, no task is impossible to do with God's help.

Brethren also showcased their wit and ingenuity in building a tower made out of scrap papers. Each team used all allowed means possible to build a tower from scratch. This shows that even the faintest idea of how the structure of the tower's going to be, members can collaborate, cooperate and finally, act by carefully putting pieces together to build a tower.

To sum up the culminated team building activities, the brethren listened to the inspirational message and assessment delivered by Brother Daniel Razon. He began by saying “...hindi ito ordinaryong team building.”, “...this is not a ordinary team building.” In his speech, he emphasized the importance of every member especially the weak. He also explained the importance of doing team building activities for brethren to better understand the will of God on working together. He related each activity to actual situations. Nonetheless, all the activities teach the value of teamwork. The brethren learned that working as a team involves caring for the weak because however small or weak they are, they are part of the team.

Intermission numbers were performed as the brethren ate their lunch. Songs from different artists and generations were sung to entertain the brethren. May it be old or modern, music speaks to everyone that hears it. As the day neared its end, the brethren took one last picture to remember this day as they not only exercised their bodies physically but also spiritually in faith. United as one, the brethren parted ways.  Even though distance may separate us all, faith brings us closer together.

To God be the Glory!

Written by: Brother John Gabriel Alovera

North Island New Zealand

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. ​

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 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. ​

​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