MCGI 1st Quarter Special Thanksgiving: Serving God in all Circumstances

The Members Church of God International (MCGI) celebrated their much-awaited three-day Special Thanksgiving of God’s People last April 1–3, 2022. This is the first of the quarterly Special Thanksgiving celebration of MCGI for the year.

The first day of this special event coincided with the beginning of the Hebrew new year, a day celebrated by the congregation as the Christian New Year.

Overflowing gladness and gratitude to God filled the hearts of everyone who took part in the celebration. The discussion of biblical topics served as the event’s highlight as well as the offering of songs of praise to God.

Another hopeful year

Unlike the typical new year celebration, MCGI celebrated the new year — 1st of Nisan 5782 — with thanksgiving to the Lord for His loving-kindness, and with prayers for His continuous guidance and protection.

This year, the first of Nisan (the first day of the first month in the Hebrew calendar) corresponds to April 1 in the Roman calendar which happened to be the first day also of MCGI’s Special Thanksgiving of God’s People. Thus, the two events were jointly celebrated, commencing at 5:00 PM, Philippine time.

In the morning of April 1, those who were able to complete and wholeheartedly accepted the teachings of the Lord Jesus, which were discussed thoroughly during the MCGI Mass Indoctrination, were also baptized in the Mass Baptism.

More reasons to be thankful

Before the three-day celebration, the official social media platforms of MCGI published countdown posts for the event, chronicling the fruitful events that the congregation had during the first quarter of the year. These included the continuous charitable and Gospel propagation endeavors of the Church, the online events and activities of various MCGI ministries, and the launch of the MCGI Cares program, among many others.

The brethren of MCGI, as always, are thankful to God for the countless blessings, in addition to the biblical wisdom, He unfailingly bestows upon the congregation every Special Thanksgiving to God event.

Brother Daniel Razon, overall servant of MCGI, discussed the importance of continuing to serve God under all circumstances. He emphasized how fundamental it is to adhere to God’s words and teachings in order to endure, avoid, and conquer life’s trials, challenges, and temptations.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 

— James 1:12, King James Version

The congregants were deeply moved and motivated by the biblical wisdom discussed during the three-day event — lessons that will greatly help them to be more steadfast in faith and more dedicated in their service to God.

Brother Daniel reminded everyone, “Ang ipagpapatuloy natin ay maganap ang kautusan. Magtulong-tulong tayo, tiiisin ang dapat tiisin, dahil nangangailangan tayo ng pagtitiis. (We shall continue to fulfill the law [of God]. Let us help each other, endure what must be endured, because we need to be enduring.)”

Sharing gratitude online

The special celebration also made its mark online. Through the hashtag #MCGITogetherWeAreStronger, MCGI brethren were able to share their joy and excitement through the different social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The event’s main hashtag #MCGITogetherWeAreStronger landed at the 8th spot of the trending topics on Twitter Philippines. Other event hashtags such as #ChristianNewYear, #HappySPBBDay2 and #HappySPBBDay3 were also seen in the list.

Still for the glory of God

During the three-day celebration, special musical events followed after each Special Thanksgiving event.

On the first day, the participants of Tawag ng Kapatiran (TNK), a friendly MCGI singing contest, held an online concert for the congregation. Participants in the 3rd and 4th Seasons of TNK performed in the said event.

The following day, the TNK Season 5 Grand Finals was held. Sisters Aireen Capulong, Marisol Montaño and Dalyn Concepcion were the finalists who rendered their heartwarming interpretations of lovely songs of praise. Sister Dalyn who sang “Salamat sa Isang Katulad Mo”, emerged as the victor of this season.

The third musical event was the Harana sa Kapatiran (Serenade to the Brotherhood). Performers sang wonderfully arranged songs of praise for the congregation — to remind them of the beautiful relationship of the brethren and the unparalleled love of God.

With good works and grateful hearts, MCGI continues their faithful service to the Lord.

To fully understand the teachings that MCGI believes in, everyone is invited to listen to the 14-day Mass Indoctrination sessions of the Church which will begin on April 18, 2022. Sessions will go live every weekday at 7 p.m. Philippine Time in all MCGI online platforms. Visit www.mcgi.org/reach-us/ to read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and to know where to reach us anytime.

To God be the glory!