October 11, 2019

Lalluh Adalla

MCGI ARTICLE

3rd Quarter Special Thanksgiving of God’s People Focused On Service, Life’s Real Purpose


mcgi-international-thanksgiving-SPBB-teatro-kristiano-music-ministry
The Music Ministry and the Teatro Kristiano open the three-day Special Thanksgiving of God’s People ceremony with an upbeat song of praise. The huge LED screen in the background complements the presentation with a rain of bright computer-generated light effects.

The Members Church of God International celebrated three days of thanksgiving to God, with delegates from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao congregating at the ADD Convention Center in Pampanga where much of the festivities were held.

From across the globe, brethren in Asia-Oceania, Africa, Middle East, Europe, North America, and Latin America joined in the celebration via live satellite feed in their respective locales.

Songs of praise and messages of thanksgiving were offered to God for the blessings and milestones of the Church in the past quarter. On the first day of the celebration, MCGI Overall Servant Bro. Eli Soriano opened the convention with a message of unity, love, and good works.

Man’s Purpose and Existence: Not an Accident but a Fulfillment of Prophecy

mcgi-international-thanksgiving-SPBB-bro-eli-soriano
Bro. Eli Soriano starts off the second part of the topic with a bright smile and warm to the congregation.

According to Bro. Eli Soriano, there is a reason why man was created. “There is a purpose to our lives and we should not waste it,” he said.

He added that the things written in the Bible are part of the prophecy. When part of that happens in someone’s life, it is not an accident, but “a fulfillment of the prophecy written in the Bible”. Bro. Eli then cited Malachi 1:11 which refers to the fulfillment of what God had said about a people that will offer Him thanksgiving.

“God wants to tell us that our existence is not by accident. We are a part of the prophecy that tells us how important we are in the sight of the Lord,” Bro. Daniel added.

Looking after Each Other in Love

mcgi-international-thanksgiving-SPBB-africa
Thanksgiving delegates of Paynesville, Liberia wave and offer their warm smiles for a photo opportunity during a short break. As the Gospel continues to be broadcast in the African continent, more souls are converted to the faith. Though their country is reeling in poverty, the congregation in Liberia hosts charitable efforts to help their fellow Liberians.

Bro. Eli states that when brethren gather, it is “a meeting of the mind, body, and soul.” Coming together in thanksgiving gives the congregation the opportunity to katanoeo (Greek, meaning to observe fully, consider) and to do good to one another.

He explained the importance of maintaining close relationships among brethren, looking after one another and serving one another. “Every time we do good to our brethren, let us always think that we are doing it to Christ,” he remarked.

To emphasize the point, Hebrews 10:24-25 was read in several languages. “This is the duty of each one of us ⁠— to observe one another to provoke us unto love and good works.”

Here are some reactions of thanksgiving delegates about the topics for the third quarter thanksgiving:

“Let us look after one another with good works and love. In doing so, it is like we are doing it to Christ.” – Flor Almanzar, Calgary, Canada

“By simply greeting the brethren face-to-face and asking them how they are, it is a simple way to help them carry their burdens and put a smile on their face.” – Jkaela Maniago, New York, USA

“In our gatherings, let us ask the brethren how they are doing and take time to talk to them. If they have problems, let us take the opportunity to do good and help them carry their burdens.” – Noel Christian Farro, Hawaii, USA

“Looking after one another means being there for each other and always trying to find ways to help. Whether it’s a cup of coffee or simply lending an ear, it is helping the brethren in all possible ways as it says in the Bible ⁠— provoking one another unto love and to good works ⁠— for us to remain steadfast in faith.” – Jelica de la Rosa, Geneva, Switzerland

“One of the most delightful things to be grateful for is that we have a clear manifestation of abiding in love. We remain in God’s love because we keep and obey His commandments. We are taught to hold fast to them because of the very high regard we give to His words.” ⁠— Mary Karen Gargentiel, Vancouver, Canada

The next special quarterly thanksgiving of MCGI happens on the last week of December.


Related topics


MCGI.ORG PEOPLE ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS