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In retrospect: Brethren’s activeness in CFO activities for 2023

Compiled by VENICIO T. BASCO, NOEL V. DELIGERO JR., and JOSE PRIMO RIVERA JR.

The year 2023 is about to come to a close, but the spiritual activeness of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members throughout the world remain as they participate in the various endeavors launched by the Administration of the Church.

The Christian Family Organizations (CFO) Office, under the leadership of Brother Angelo Eraño V. Manalo, CFO Coordinator, has a big role in fostering the brethren’s spiritual fervor. Its diverse activities led by the CFO officers are truly a great help in not only strengthening the faith of every Christian family member but for them to reach Christian maturity, and for them to receive the promised salvation come Judgment Day.

This is in line with the exhortation of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Church’s Executive Minister, for all Church members to continue participating in all the endeavors of the Church, so their faith will continue to grow and for them to be constantly guided with God’s counsel as they carry on with their life in this world.

The brethren’s enthusiasm is evident in the multifarious CFO activities this year. Here are a few:

January

A bowler gives his best during the tournament the South Korea District hosted at the Elephant Bowling Center, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul City on January 25
Recording memories with friends via photographs, brethren from Calamba City, Laguna District wear their best smiles. Photo taken during the CSD Camp hosted at Alonte Sports Arena, Biñan City, Laguna on January 28.
All eyes are on Brother Alex Reyes, district supervising minister during the Children’s Worship Service (CWS) officers’ general assembly at New Jersey District, on January 29, at Wrightstown house of worship.

February

The leadership of the Ecclesiastical District of Iloilo South in the Philippines convened on February 5 a conference aimed at promoting stronger relationship between Christian parents and their children.
Young adults from the Ecclesiastical District of South Korea received essential reminders during the KADIWA Forum on February 12.
Jeah Baltar, KADIWA officer in the Makati Ecclesiastical District, detailed the Iglesia Ni Cristo Music Video (INCMV) project before fellow youth leaders on February 25.

March

Finalists in Songs of Faith Love and Hope competition-Children’s Worship Service edition in Paniqui Tarlac District displayed singing prowess as they meet for the district finals tourney on March 26, at the Farmers Training Center of Tarlac Agricultural University.
Brethren from the Ecclesiastical District of Italy North attended the online seminar about health hazards of smoking on March 26.

April

Declared champion, the quartet from the Local Congregation of Hinigaran, composed of Raniel Gayona, Nieza Mae Gayona, Shaniel Dane Neolar, and Andre Gayona, receive an award during the SOFLAH finals in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental District on April 7.
During the first INC Unity Games in Vancouver Island, Brother Dorico Jay Sicad, resident ministerial worker, led the parade of colors by brethren from Victoria and Nanaimo at Spectrum Community School gymnasium in Saanich, Victoria on April 9.
Against a backdrop of blues and greens, brethren from the Local Congregation of Roma Nord (North) reveled in each other’s company while doing group exercises within Parco Papacci in Via Veientana, Rome, Italy on April 9.
A lad vied to win by raising his answer as fast as he can, during the Tagisan ng Talino (Bible quiz) finals in the Ecclesiastical District of Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines on April 10.
A player attempts to spike during a volleyball match, as part of the INC Unity Games participated in by congregations in the District of Southern Ontario on April 16, in Canada.
Young members, with their guests, from Australia East District enjoyed casual conversations and refreshments after the open forum dubbed “Clear Answers Faith Explained” on April 23.
Brethren from Hawaii-Pacific District, together with respective families, enjoyed every booth prepared during their CFO Fun Day at Ewa Beach Congregation’s compound on April 30.

May

Brethren from Barcelona Congregation happily joined the parade of colors during the INC Unity Games and CFO Day of Spain Ecclesiastical District held on May 1.
Kids presented their craft after a postcard making activity at Vienna West Congregation’s function hall on May 6.
Young members showcased a song and dance performance during the CFO LIVE at the Philippine Arena grounds in Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue, Bulacan on May 13.
Some of the young members from Hong Kong District watched a video presentation during the Christian Family Youth Summit at Yuenlong place of worship on May 14.
At the Palacio de Ferias, Congresos y Exposiciones in Marbella, Spain, organizers and performers posed for a souvenir photo after the INConcert hosted by the Spain District on May 28.

June

Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN) officers and members in Taiwan District demonstrated proper CPR and use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during their Emergency First Responder (EFR) training and certification program on June 4.
Brother John Mikael Rodriguez, organist and CWS teacher, demonstrated to kids how to play an electronic keyboard during the “Learning Instruments” activity of the Local Congregation of Marseille, France on June 11.
Young members from the Local Congregation of Nepean, Ontario posed for a photo upon reaching Black Rapids Lockstation, at a bend in the Rideau River, during their biking activity on June 17.
Some of the brethren in Port Moresby Congregation, Papua New Guinea, enjoyed playing board games, and engaged in conversations over potluck food during a get-together activity on June 25.

July

Racers got to a strong start in one of the track-and-field events during the regional INC Unity Games of Eastern Visayas districts held at Leyte Sports Development Center, Tacloban City, Philippines on July 1.
Together with his family, minister of the gospel Brother Orlan Saga revisited Church history via mounted pictures during the INC Life activity hosted by Davao City District at Gaisano Grand Citygate on July 2 and 3.
A bowler prepares for her approach during the regional INC Unity Games of nine districts in US West Coast on July 3.
The Himig ng Kaligtasan (Songs of Salvation)-KADIWA and Binhi Edition of the Ecclesiastical District of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, in the Philippines, concluded with the district finals held at Bacolod City College Activity Center on July 16.
Members of the KADIWA organization from the Ecclesiastical District of Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, in the Philippines, participated in a volleyball clinic on July 16 at a multi-purpose covered sports venue in Barangay Macabalan.

August

Brethren from Kanto Area of the Ecclesiastical District of Tokyo, Japan celebrated its 13th anniversary through a musical program at Ota City Industrial Plaza on August 27.
Concert in EVMCC inspires youth from Districts of Manila, Metro Manila East
Youth from the Ecclesiastical Districts of Manila and Metro Manila East gathered at the EVM Convention Center (EVMCC) to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of the KADIWA and Binhi organizations on August 27.
A Christian Society for the Deaf (CSD) member from the Ecclesiastical District of Quezon City exhibited his talent in art during an art activity at the district’s conference room on August 28.

September

Sister Yna Maglangit, organist from Wellington Congregation, enjoyed choosing items during the Trade Fair that the New Zealand District hosted at Redwood School & Community Emergency Hub on September 3.
Married couple Limwel and Shara Mae Opina representing Moncada area of Paniqui, Tarlac District served their winning dish during their district’s edition of “Mr. and Mrs. Chef” cooking competition held at Cultural Center San Manuel, Tarlac, Philippines on September 24.
Brotherly love of INC members in Malta country was further strengthened during their INC Unity Games on September 30 at the sports complex of St. Augustine College.

October

Australia East, New Zealand youth celebrate 50th anniversary of KADIWA, Binhi via special gatherings
KADIWA and Binhi members in the Ecclesiastical District of Australia East receive spiritual guidance through God’s words during their special gathering on October 15.
Brother Gem Baitan, Hawaii-Pacific district supervising minister, emphasized a biblical truth concerning choosing the right kind of friends during a special gathering for the youth on October 20.
Choral group from Pasig Congregation celebrates as the judges announced them champion after the Himig ng Kaligtasan (Songs of Salvation) competition, a part of celebration of the Metro Manila East District’s 13th anniversary held at the Ynares Sports Arena, Old Capitol Compound Shaw Boulevard, Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines on October 20.
Binhi members from the Ecclesiastical District of Thailand enjoyed the sight of nature as they conducted an activity called “Friendship Day” at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya, Thailand on October 27.
Members of Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS) after volunteering during the blood donation activity in the Ecclesiastical District of Manila on October 28.
KADIWA and Binhi brethren from the Ecclesiastical District of Central Europe commemorated their golden anniversary through a special gathering on October 30.

November

Some of the participants and fellow brethren from local congregations in Italy North District as they participate in a parade of colors at Centro Sportivo Schuster in Padre Lodovico Morell, Milan, Italy during their district-wide INC Unity Games on November 1
Brethren in the Local Congregation of Maligaya, Ecclesiastical District of Caloocan North attended the first worship service with Sign Language interpretation on November 2.
Youth members from the Local Congregation of Sta Cruz, Ecclesiastical Disrict of Zambales North, joyful after their KADIWA Formal on November 4
Children’s Worship Service (CWS) officers from the the Local Congregation of Baoshan, Ecclesiastical District of Taiwan., with children members under their care, enjoyed interactive games during a CWS Fun Day on November 11 at a park along Dongxiang Road, Xiangshan District in Hsinchu City, Taiwan.
Youth members in the Local Congregation of Armenia, Ecclesiastical District of Tarlac City as they watch an INCinema film titled “Tahanang Walang Bubong (Home without a Roof) on November 12.
Employed members of the Church in the Ecclesiastical District of Sabah , attend an online seminar, during which detailed government laws concerning welfare of overseas workers, led by the Christian Employees Association (CEA) on November 14.
Youth members in the Ecclesiastical District of Eastern Ontario, Canada received spiritual instruction so as to guide them to be careful in interacting with the world during a Youth Summit on November 18.
Buklod members in the Ecclesiastical District of Hawaii-Pacific enjoyed a fun event focused on strengthening their marital bond during their Buklod Night on November 19.
Brother Roland Andrade, supervising minister of Manitoba District, Canada, with members 12 to 17 years old during their Binhi Friendship Day on November 19

December

Emcees during the ‘Jardin á Paris’ (garden in Paris)-themed KADIWA Formal in the Ecclesiastical District of Greater Toronto, introduced to the youth the events’ program on December 12.

Timeless zeal

Surely, the devotion of brethren to Church activities in 2023 will continue on in the years to come. They take inspiration from the selfless efforts of the Executive Minister and his primary helpers. By continuing to believe in, trust in, and rely on what God can do for them, the brethren will receive the blessings of God not only in this life but even more in the life to come—the salvation and the life eternal on the Second Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. — With reports from INC News Section