Christian Camaraderie and More Highlights MCGI International Youth Convention Sports Edition

The Youth Ministry of the Members Church of God International (MCGI) held its annual International Youth Convention (IYC) 2019 Sports Edition at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga. The event gathered thousands of youth participants for the two-day event, which took place last April 21 and 22.

During the event, members of the Youth Ministry were given the opportunity to use and even hone their skills in indoor and outdoor sports. They also participated in the performing arts competitions, like the solo singing, band performances, and cheer dance.

Tungkulin (Duty) Booths were also added by the organizers for all youths who would like to be part of the different Church committees where they could use their skills and talents.

The purpose of the event is to instill the spirit of Christian camaraderie among the MCGI youths while engaging in sports. The IYC Sports Edition is the counterpart of the IYC Bible Festival which was held in February this year, and was organized by the MCGI Youth Council.

The Essence of the IYC

Assistant to the Overall Servant, Bro. Daniel Razon, explained the importance of the IYC. “It is clear to us brethren, as servants of God, [that] whatever we do, we should do for the glory of God. One of the important objectives of this activity is that this is meant to glorify God,” Bro. Daniel stressed.

He encouraged the participants to practice camaraderie and brotherly ties throughout the event, reading Galatians 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith… “Let us practice the fruit of the Spirit even at play. Whatever you do in this two-day event, let the fruit of the Spirit manifest in you,” he added.

Bro. Daniel also urged the youths to explore the Tungkulin (Duty) booths and join the committees inside the Church. “You have the physical strength as youths. Spend this strength in service to God.”

No Short Distances

Thousands of MCGI youths throughout the Philippines travelled by land, air and sea to take part in the sports activities organized by the MCGI Youth Council.

Meanwhile, MCGI youths abroad and those who were unable to personally make it to the ADD Convention Center were hooked to the event through a live satellite feed, and participated in the games in their respective coordinating centers.

Counsel for the Youth

One of the highlights of the IYC is the consultation with Bro. Eli Soriano as he addressed the youth’s concerns and answered each question with verses from the Bible. The consultation, which happened on the second day of the Youth Convention, tackled the youth’s problems in life and faith.

Prior to the consultation, Bro. Eli inquired about the condition of the youths who experienced an earthquake that shook parts of Luzon in the late afternoon of April 22. He was thankful to God that not one participant suffered from any injury.

As a reminder, Bro. Eli told that an earthquake is a manifestation of God’s anger. “There will be earthquakes in different places. It’s what the Lord Jesus Christ prophesied. Strive to be careful that in events such as the IYC, you will avoid dealing with worldly things. You might be enticed and therefore suffer likewise,” he added.