MCGI Youth Celebrates 40-Gether: 40 Years of Faith, Hope, and Love

MCGI Chapel, Apalit, Pampanga – Thousands of MCGI Youth members flocked to the MCGI Chapel at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit, Pampanga, last August 24th, in celebration of the youth’s 40th anniversary. This special gathering served as a joyful preparation for the youth’s upcoming 40th anniversary—a testament to four decades of faith, hope, and love.

Starting as a small group of assembled youth brethren back in 1985, initially known as the Kapisanan ng Kabataan Tungo Kasakdalan, the MCGI Youth has grown over the decades, proving to be the beacon of hope among today’s youth while championing good works and serving our God in many ways possible. Through the years, the MCGI Youth has found itself as the major workforce of the Members Church of God International, making up the bulk of its active members who participate in the Church’s outreach activities to serve Him and the community.

The MCGI Youth’s General Assembly celebrated 40 years of faith, hope, and love. From the highlights of the Youth Department’s early days up to its current endeavors, the MCGI Youth did not let this moment pass by, as over 16,000 youth members attended the said event, with over 219 connected remote venues all over the world.

Truly, the years went by quickly, and generations of youth have come and gone, but one thing remains true: MCGI Youth continues to grow in numbers, and they continue to give praise to our Lord while being of service to humanity.

JEREMIAH 30:19 (KJV) 

And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

A Memorable Day for the MCGI Youth

The MCGI Youth were greeted by no other than Kuya Daniel Razon, MCGI’s Overall Servant, and the latter was received with a very warm welcome. Kuya Daniel emphasized how grateful the entire organization has been to the efforts of MCGI Youth over the years, stating how he himself was once a youth of the Church. He also claimed that this is a stepping stone for all MCGI Youth to be the example that will also support the next generation of youth who will serve God.

Kuya Daniel went on to share how his own journey as a youth member shaped him into the man he is today. From being one of the pioneers of the Kawan ng Cordero (KNC, now known as MCGI Kids and Teens), to finding his way into being the assistant of the late Brother Eli Soriano – of blessed memory – in his radio and television broadcasts back in the 1980s.

From discussing how the youth should focus on being stewards of God’s works, how the youth should strive to remain in God’s love through charity and good works, Kuya Daniel also sent a heartfelt message to the youth. He showed how he’s glad to see the MCGI Youth come together as one, not just in the celebration of the 40th anniversary, but in faith as well.

“Alam niyo po, hindi masusukat yung kagalakan na aming nararamdaman bilang dating kabataan din na makakita ngayon ng mga kabataang kasangkapan ng katuwiran sa Dios. Kabataang nagpapahayag ng karangalan ng Dios. Kabataang hindi nagpapatangay sa iba’t ibang mga gawa ng sanglibutan. Sa iba’t ibang ligaya na ino-offer ng sanglibutan, na alam naman nating ligayang mayroong katapusan.” said Kuya Daniel.

[You know, we cannot measure the joy that we feel as former youth members, to see today’s youth continue to be of service to God. Youth who continue to bring glory to our God. Youth who don’t conform to the world’s temptations and enjoy temporary happiness as we know it.]

Kuya Daniel went on to emphasize the importance of the youth part of life in dedicating a life spent in good works, as our Lord Jesus Christ set an example in his journey here on Earth. One thing that the MCGI Youth is thankful for is the chance to serve Him in their younger days, as it is temporary, and not all young people choose to live a life under the teachings of God.

Remaining in God’s Love

As written in II Timothy 3:1-5, perilous times shall come. This prophesied that people would be arrogant, ungrateful, stubborn, and would love the pleasures of life more than to love God. Throughout his discussion with the MCGI Youth, Kuya Daniel greatly emphasized how important it is for them to remain in God’s love, not just in their younger days, but for the rest of their lives.

“Kaya kung makakita ka ba ngayon ng grupo ng mga kabataan na maibigin sa Dios, kay sa maibigin sa kalayawan, hindi ka ba magiging proud? Hindi ba masasabi mo, ‘milyong salamat sa Dios?’ Para saan ‘yon mga kapatid? Ito ay sa karangalan ng Dios na tumawag sa atin… Isang bagay ang lulunduan – magsipanatili kayo sa pag-ibig sa Dios o sa takot sa Dios. Sapagkat in the end, kayo rin po ang makikinabang.” Kuya Daniel explained.

[If you could see a group of youth today who love God more than the pleasures of life, wouldn’t you be proud? Wouldn’t you say “a million thanks to God”? What is that for? That is for the glory of the God who called us into his fold. It boils down to one thing – remain in God’s love or in fear of God, because in the end, it is you who will benefit from it all.]

That’s the mission and path that the MCGI Youth is treading right now. To prove that they are a group of youth who love to serve God more, rather than to spend their youth in the pleasures of life and vices. MCGI Youth stands different – the living testament of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s statement “Kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan” (the youth is the hope of the nation). 

With all the dangers and temptations of this world, the MCGI Youth has stood strong for 40 years, zealous in good works, and serving God and humanity when it matters most. Kuya Daniel hopes that the MCGI Youth of today’s time will remain steadfast in upholding the faith, and keeping to the doctrines that have become the foundation of the youth’s charitable works.

A Gift from Kuya & 40 at 40

To cap off Kuya Daniel’s speech, he announced his latest composition, “Alalahanin”, dedicated to the MCGI Youth. The song tells about how the youth should remain in God’s love, how they should spend their lives as youths in service to God, and to ceaselessly continue praises to Him, similar to the main messages of his earlier discussion. This same song will be used by the MCGI Youth in the upcoming Anniversary Thanksgiving this September 6th.

Kuya Daniel and Ate Arlene Razon also joined in a picture-taking session with the youth members inside the MCGI Chapel, which delighted everyone – definitely a moment worth remembering.

The MCGI Youth also announced the launch of its program “40 at 40”, highlighting 40 community services conducted across the globe, which kicked off with a documentary from the youth members of NCR District 6, where they helped a foster home for children. This initiative by the MCGI Youth will continue throughout the year, and various documentaries featuring various stories of resilience, hope, and humanity will be championed.

One can look back and say that this is a day to remember. The MCGI Youth continues to set an example for all youth to follow – that loving God means being of help to others, and reaching out to those in need. This celebration of 40 years of MCGI Youth’s consistent work will not be possible without God’s help, and there’s definitely more to expect as they will continue to come 40-gether in faith, hope, and love.

Thanks be to God for this wonderful opportunity to serve Him and the community.