MCGI: All Set for 3-Day Special Thanksgiving on July 6 to 8

Three months after this year’s first quarter Special Thanksgiving of God’s People held in Brazil, the Members Church of God International (MCGI) is all set for the second quarter Thanksgiving celebration on July 6-8, 2018.

During its quarterly Special Thanksgiving celebration, MCGI congregants offer praises and listen to new special topics for three straight days. The Church of God holds its regular thanksgiving service on a weekly basis.

New biblical topics are opened each day for three days by Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon, MCGI’s Overall Servant and Assistant to the Overall Servant, respectively.

The 3-Day Big Event

Special Thanksgiving is one event that Church members always look forward to every quarter. Many members travel far to attend the event at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit, MCGI’s headquarters in the Philippines, and other main venues in different divisions.

“I look forward to seeing the brethren. There is that feeling that even if I don’t know some brethren yet personally, just thinking about being with them [in Thanksgiving] makes me excited,” exclaimed Sis. Abi Valdez of San Francisco, USA. Sis Abi is traveling north to Canada to attend the upcoming gathering.

While preparing themselves clean and acceptable to God is foremost, members also gear up their locales for the big event. The Artist Guild – the creative artwork and design committee in a locale – arranges beautiful designs for their venues, usually with eye-catching colors and decorations fitting for the jovial theme.

“The decoration of the locale is always a challenge because it needs a lot of inspiration. I consider this event very precious for the brotherhood,” Sis. Karol Klein, a Brazil local, shared her experience with decorating for the Special Thanksgiving.

Other committees and groups in the Church such as the Music Ministry and Teatro Kristiano are also preparing for their production number.

2nd Quarter Highlights

MCGI thanks God primarily for the many opportunities to be an instrument in His works of salvation. From April to June 2018, the live Bible Expositions, Bible studies and Mass Indoctrinations hosted in MCGI locales around the world reaped thousands of new members.

The past three months have also been fruitful with different projects, community outreaches, and Church activities launched and carried out to strengthen the members’ faith as well as to help non-members of the Church.

Inaugurated last April 30, 2018, MCGI’s The Walk of Faith at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga takes strollers to inspiring walks of faith of the early faithfuls named in the Bible. Along with stone tablets that engrave the names and faithful acts of those called “heroes of faith” is a fountain that dances to songs of praises.

The sports edition of the annual International Youth Convention held last April 30 to May 1 gave the youth of the Church opportunities to bond through various sports and activities, as well as listen to advice from Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel through the youth consultation.

Recently, the Teatro Kristiano concluded their 9th Dance Play Festival where members of the theatrical group from different divisions showcased their acting and dancing talents. The Music Ministry also organized a Gospel Show Choir.

Around the globe, brethren have organized their local events such as “Mother’s Club” in Europe, “Father’s Club” in North America, “Couple’s Night” in Singapore, and KNC competitions and activities.

MCGI also conducted continuous medical missions with key media partner, UNTV News and Rescue, visiting provinces and jails to reach out those in need of medical help.

The Church’s blood donation drives in the Philippines and abroad have produced thousands of blood bags, benefitting Filipinos and non-Filipinos.

Written by: Jenina Bontuyan