Auckland, New Zealand

​The world we live in is a sign of God’s love to mankind.  Genesis 2:9 states, “And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil”.

​The Members Church of God International (MCGI) appreciates all of His creation. The air we breathe, the birds that sing, and the trees that grow around us.  Living on the values that brother Eli Soriano and brother Daniel Razon constantly share to all the brethren as guided by the holy scriptures from Ephesians 3:6, “That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel”, each took part in a purposeful activity that supports beautification of the environment that would benefit mankind in the future.

​On September 7, the brethren from different chapters in the North Island of New Zealand partnered with the Auckland Council to do a tree-planting activity which aimed to plant fourteen hundred different kinds of trees on the pathway of a suburb in Roberts Field, Te Atatu.  About 60-80 participants planted various types of plants and trees along the 17km stretch public pathway.  One of the environmentalists presented a short demonstration to show the proper handling and safety in planting, hence, all ages took part and found that tree-planting is an easy and fun activity. 

​Tegan Illingworth, Whau River Catchment Trust Restoration Coordinator, wholeheartedly expressed her warm and sincere gratitude to all the participants who made this project a success. The activity finished earlier than the expected time due to the huge number of volunteers who participated in this event. To maximise the remaining time in the area, another environment enthusiast discussed general information about birds, their habitat, and the unique sounds they make. 

​MCGI has once again showed faith and unity in this project.  As brother Daniel always reminds the brethren that, “Good deeds will bear no evil fruit”.  Each member became a helping hand to do His good will unto others as inspired by the words of God from 1 Corinthians 3:9, “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building”.

​With cheerful hearts, MCGI New Zealand gives back all the glory and honor to God for giving us another opportunity to be used as His instrument in doing righteousness. Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not”.

​Written by: Sister Amy Chan Caco

Christchurch, New Zealand — Volunteers from the Members Church of God International (MCGI), together with the environment group Trees for Canterbury who donated 1,000 native plants, took part in a ‘planting day’ at Southshore Reserve in Christchurch, New Zealand on August 12, 2017.

​Trees for Canterbury is a non-profit, fully-developed nursery and welfare-providing group based in New Zealand. Many of the native plants grown are utilised in community and revegetation projects.
By growing native plants in the area, Trees for Canterbury hopes to further restore the native forests that went up in flames in 2009. Once fully-grown, birds in the area are expected to return.
Trees for Canterbury representative Steve Bush told UNTV News and Rescue in an interview that it is the philosophy of the group to involve its community members.
Mr. Bush remarked that he was happy to see a huge number of volunteers from MCGI joining them to fulfill the need of purpose, further thanking the more than 70 volunteers who participated.
“I believe it [the planting activity] is really important, and I’m excited just seeing many of you here working alongside us”, remarked Mr. Bush about the involvement of the Filipino community in Christchurch in the initiative.

MCGI’s Environmental Commitment
MCGI has always been a strong supporter and advocate of greening efforts in various cities and provinces in the Philippines and even abroad.
During its commemoration of the anniversary of its religious program “Ang Dating Daan” (The Old Path in English) in 2010, MCGI mounted a massive tree-planting initiative, dubbed “ADD-a-Tree” project.
More than 70,000 seedlings were planted, reared until becoming a full-grown trees.