Brother Daniel Counsels MCGI Youth in IYC Kick-off: Use Your Talents for the Glory of God

Members Church of God International (MCGI) Servant Brother Daniel Razon reminded the youth members of the Church to keep in mind their true motives, set aside negative thoughts and distractions, and always “check their hearts” during the International Youth Convention (IYC) kick-off event on May 22, 2021. 

This year’s IYC, which started on May 23, 2021, is a month-long celebration that aims to edify the faith of the Church’s youth members through a variety of fun activities that they can participate in virtually.

Using One’s Talents for God’s Glory

During the virtual launch of this year’s IYC, Brother Daniel emphasized that Youth Ministry members need to prepare for this event by having honest intentions emanating from good hearts. According to Brother Daniel, talents should not be simply exhibited for the sake of winning competitions or impressing others. Talents, he shared, should be used for the glory of God — especially in the days of one’s youth.

“Sa ating mga paglilingkod sa Dios, habang bata tayo, ang ating bigyan ng pansin at ng kasiglahan ng ating mga katawan at ng ating mga kaisipan ay ‘yung tayo ay makasunod sa aral ng Dios. Makasunod tayo galing sa isang pusong malinis, galing sa isang budhing malinis; na ang motibo ng ating mga paggawa ay ang ating pananampalatayang hindi paimbabaw,” remarked Brother Daniel.  (“In our service to God, while we are young, we should give our attention and the strength of our bodies and minds toward obeying God’s commandments. May each of us follow Him with a clean heart, a clear conscience; may the motives behind our actions be our faith that is not superficial.”)

Brother Daniel also reminded the Christian youth to be good examples through words and deeds despite their young age, as what St. Paul preached in the Holy Scriptures: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (I Timothy 4:12)

Brother Daniel also counseled Youth Ministry members to respect and love their parents and elders. “Kung mayroon kayong mga problema sa inyong mga magulang, huwag kayong maging lapastangan sa kanila. Isipin din natin sa isang paraan, naging kasangkapan din sila na tayo ay lumaki hanggang sa nakakilala tayo ng katuwiran. 

At ‘yung nakilala nating katuwiran na ‘yun, dapat mag-manifest sa atin na maipakita natin sa kanila na natuto tayo ng mabuti, natuto tayo ng tama, at ngayon ay isang kabataang Kristiyano tayo na sumusunod sa aral ng Dios under whatever circumstance,” he shared.

(“If you have problems concerning your parents, you must not be disrespectful toward them. We should keep in mind that our parents became instruments for us to grow up and come to know God’s righteousness. And the righteousness that we have come to know should manifest in us so that we may show them that we have learned goodness, we have understood what’s right, and now, we have grown to become young Christians who follow the teachings of God under whatever circumstance.”)

‘MCGI Youth’ on Social Media for IYC 2021

In the month-long event, members of the Kapisanan ng Kabataan Tungo sa Kasakdalan (KKTK) or Youth Ministry from more than 80 countries are invited to join this year’s roster of IYC activities which include solo singing, Bible verse memorization, Bible preaching, Youth news, chorale, Bible quiz bee, poetry, poster-making (digital and traditional), youth drama, and Christian dance.

With this year’s IYC being held virtually, the Church launched the “MCGI Youth” social media pages on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for sharing IYC-related announcements with Youth Ministry members. The social media pages also share engaging spiritual content such as Bible verses and brotherly reminders.

This year’s IYC will be held until June 27, 2021. For more information about the virtual event, please visit MCGI Youth’s social media pages.