MCGI’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Tells Abroad-Bound Brethren: Be Oriented First

The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Members Church of God International (MCGI) reminds abroad-bound brethren to attend its FAM Assistance Program to be oriented about safety measures in their journey and stay in foreign lands.

Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro Daniel Razon, Presiding Minister and Vice-Presiding Minister, respectively, place give priority in ensuring Church members’ well-being. The creation of FAM is one part of their efforts in ensuring the welfare of members bound for foreign travel.

The FAM Assistance Program is part of MCGI Leaders’ unstinting campaign for members’s safety through orientation to raise awareness about foreign countries where customs and cultures are different than the Philippines’.

FAM is the group in charge of monitoring brethren’s welfare, starting from orientation, arrival in the foreign country through the return to the the Philippines or countries where the members originated.

Precautionary measures are tackled during the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar, whereby a participant is oriented about the destination country, its country laws and imposed prohibitions for citizens and foreigners.

During the discussion segment of the seminar, important matters relevant to a member’s service to the Lord is emphasized. In order for members, including seafarers, to continue their attendance in services and gatherings of the Church, they are provided with the address and contact information of the nearest MCGI chapter.

Meanwhile, the assembly also serves as a venue for married members to sign a contract of loyalty covering the whole duration of their parting.

FAM also releases a list of hazardous occupations abroad to warn members who planning to apply for work abroad. This is in response to the piling up of testimonials and news about the dangers of working abroad.

MCGI’s Foreign Affairs Ministry offers round-the-clock services in order to serve members from different time zones.

(Words by Emmy Borromeo)

(Photo by Pauline Arellano)