Family Day & Outing 2018

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