The Iglesia Ni Cristo in 2019: Faith in action (The Year in Review)

By RONNIE MUTYA, ANTONIO CAÑAVERAL JR., VINCE BASCO, MARK ANDRO MILAN, and PAOLO CUDIA

THE YEAR 2019 saw the onslaught of various calamities like deadly earthquakes, storms, floods, bush fires among others, that brought devastation to many countries. Man-made troubles such as crimes, pollution, and disease epidemics terribly affected the society and the environment. Against this heart-breaking backdrop and reality, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) persevered in their services to God and reaped victories in varied Church activities.

Many factors contributed to this year’s success for the entirety of the Church. Among them were the unity of the brethren, the intensified efforts exerted and exemplified by the Church officers, and the constant love and guidance of the Church Administration. But, above us all, the faithful firmly believe, it has always been the Almighty God Who continuously blesses and helps His nation, wherever its members are in the world and whatever situation they are in.

Thus, looking forward to a new year, it is worth remembering the events that shaped the outgoing year into a memorable one for the Church Of Christ. One of them was the 10th anniversary of the leadership of the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. The following are some of the Church events and activities that brethren all over the world eagerly participated in and faithfully put into action.

Executive Minister’s pastoral visits around the globe
With utmost concern to the welfare of the brethren, Brother Eduardo Manalo travels around the world to personally know their spiritual condition and provide the nourishment of their souls by preaching God’s words.

Some of them were countries in Asia where the Church has its local congregations such as Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. In January, he conducted a series of pastoral visitations in Bangkok, Macau, and Hong Kong to bring inspiration to the Church members, as well as to their guests. Afterwards, an Aid For Humanity program was conducted catering to the needs of Overseas Filipino Workers.

Promoting Christian family ties
The Christian Family Organizations (CFO) of the Church Of Christ conducted more activities approved by the Church Administration this year. Activities such as family fun day, fun cycling, physical exercise, cooking challenges, and INC Unity Games took the families outdoors for bonding and fun. Events such as Buklod Night, International KADIWA Conference, and CFO Formal brought the organization members closer together.

Intensive propagation of God’s words
Members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo participated in various evangelical missions held in districts, municipalities, and even down to the villages (barangays), to share the true faith to their fellowmen.

The Church’s houses of worship, public coliseums, gymnasiums, covered courts and other massive venues were used for these missionary gatherings.

In this year, the official magazine of the Church, Pasugo: God’s Message, has officially launched its website—pasugo.com.ph—an additional tool in propagating God’s words.

As a result, tens of thousands of people joined the Church and received the holy baptism held by all ecclesiastical districts around the world.

Houses of worship dedicated to God
To provide the needs of the ever-growing number of God’s servants in these last days, new houses of worship were dedicated to God. Some of which are:

Active participation in socio-civic activities
Out of love and compassion, Church members extended a helping hand to those in need. Through the guidance of the Church Administration, they went to various places to reach out to the community through various clean-up drives, tree planting activities, blood donation drives and many more.

Reaching out to the community
The Aid For Humanity (Lingap sa Mamamayan) program, under the auspices of the Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation, Inc., provided immediate aid for people who suffered from calamities and disasters. The project also extended help to orphanages, home for the aged, and other charitable institutions.

Church activities for edification push through
To intensify the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s activities for edification, district-wide special gatherings are held for the Church officers for them to better perform their sacred duties. In those worship gatherings where they are taught God’s words, the Church officers affirm their resolve to remain one with the Church Administration in caring for the Church, all for God’s glory.

Edifices inaugurated for the Church’s growing needs
As a testament of God’s love for the Church and the dynamic leadership of Brother Eduardo Manalo, the Church Of Christ completed more infrastructure projects this year to cater to the multifarious needs of the ever growing flock.

Dignitaries paying courtesy calls on Executive Minister
Some dignitaries from other countries have paid courtesy calls on Brother Eduardo V. Manalo in Quezon City, Philippines. They have expressed their interest to forge stronger ties between their country and the Church. Some of them were: