Gratitude. Faith. Trust. Purpose
The message is clear.
The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church of Christ, in its humble stature as an indigenous Christian Church from the Philippines, a century and six years ago, has thrived to reach a triumphant form of international prominence now in 158 countries and territories.
The string of victory is a reason to celebrate on July 27 every year—success stories of membership that has been increasing; of thousands of ministers and Church officers added worldwide; of hundreds of houses of worship being constructed and renovated in the Philippines and other countries.
The celebrations of faith do not stop on the laurels the Church gathers over the year. The 106th-anniversary commemoration of the Church was nothing short of an incredible, inspiring display of unity, solidarity, and a shared purpose of doing good.
Under the stewardship of INC Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Church launched socio-civic programs such as the My Fellowmen, My Brethren programs, Lingap sa Mamamayan (Aid to Humanity) projects that had benefitted millions of people worldwide.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Diyos sapagkat naglagay siya ng Tagapamahala sa Iglesia na napakalaki ng puso,” said INC General Auditor Glicerio Santos Jr.
Brother Glicerio Santos, Jr. is a reliable helper of INCs Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, in caring for the spiritual welfare of the Church. He administers the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit, and non-political organization charitable arm of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
Halos buong mundo na ang nalilingap ng Iglesia,” he said.
“Through thousands of “Aid to Humanity” projects conducted worldwide, the Church has given not just food but also a means of livelihood and shelter,” Santos noted.
The Church has also established at least 41 eco-farming projects in the Philippines, Africa, United States, and here in Canada.
The scope of the FYM Foundation projects is significant, yet the Church leaders do not underestimate the commitment that is required for these initiatives to be successful. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Santos Jr. said that the INC leadership wants the Iglesia Ni Cristo “to be pro-active in helping people, especially at this crucial time when national public health and safety are at stake. We continue to work with both public and private sector stakeholders in coordinating assistance efforts because we recognize that everyone must pitch in so we can overcome this outbreak.”
In Canada, the Church of Christ has seen increasing growth in membership through baptisms and robust migration.
Faithful members around the world gratefully remember the victories of unity, the achievements of its spiritual goals, and the fulfillment of its humanitarian efforts.
The Iglesia Ni Cristo, for many years, has been extending help to those in need, especially to victims of disaster and calamity. Its Aid for Humanity program through the Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation has benefited multitudes of people that have been affected by poverty and natural disasters.
In Canada, its 138 local congregations continue their active participation in civic engagements (Blood Donation, Clean Toronto Together), outreach programs (food and clothing donations, financial assistance), and charitable activities (Aid to Humanity, “INC Giving” Programs).
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell. Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, has this to say:
“It is with pleasure that I congratulate the Canadian congregations of the Iglesia Ni Cristo on the Church’s 106th anniversary. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic notwithstanding, this is a significant moment that is sure to be the source of happy memories for years to come.
Communities of faith have played an important role over time in building the social fabric of our province. Many of the values that we cherish today—compassion, generosity, justice—are anchored in faith traditions. Inherent among those who believe is the courage to continuously seek positive transformation in one’s own life and society. I thank all who have devoted themselves over the years to being a part this Church, and I convey my best wishes for a successful future of continued service to the community. I look forward to what you will continue to contribute.“
Canada is a constitutional monarchy with The Queen as Sovereign and head of state. In Ontario, the Lieutenant Governor is The Queen’s representative. In Canada’s system of parliamentary democracy, the head of state (commonly called the Crown) holds supreme power on behalf of the people and lends it to be exercised by the Government of the day.
Other Canadian government officials who have attended Iglesia Ni Cristo’s outreach programs have also sent their greetings:
Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Compiled by FWH Admin