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!
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 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
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