Events – INC Giving Project

3 Reasons to Thank a Police Officer

They may have pulled you over on our daily commute for going that extra 10 mph over the speed limit; or maybe you saw them directing traffic from an unfortunate 3-car pile up on the side of the highway or keeping order at the concert you went to last month. Who would these public workers be? You guessed correctly, police officers.

Hopefully, your last interaction with them was a friendly observance of them performing one of the many functions that duty calls them to, and not to impose direct force on you from an infringement, or God-forbid be one of the individuals you faintly remember from that life-threatening or tragic incident.

Why Police Officers Deserve our Thanks

We will never be obligated to appreciate them for their service, but here are a few reasons why thanking a police officer could provide us another layer of comfort as we step outside our front door and into the world.

#1. They serve us, the community.

In many communities, police and law enforcement officers don’t only serve to protect or keep law and order. It’s said that law enforcement take the role of social workers, community organizers, counselors, protectors, mediators and even medical care providers.

Regardless of the reason, police officers respond to the call of duty. Recognized or not by people like you and me, they continue to serve at a moment’s notice, many times for things unseen. They’re here for us, people of their community. They don’t have to, but they choose to.

“We work day in and day out, and we tend to deal with the 5% of people who don’t necessarily want to see the police. We know the 95% of the people who do appreciate the police are out there, but it just solidifies it and makes it real, when people come and show appreciation like you guys did here today.”

– Sergeant Cory Ma // Calgary Police Station – District 3, North Haven.

Calgary Police Station, Canada

#2. They have family, as well.

Like any public service worker, police and first responders contribute long hours and constantly stay on the clock, many times at the expense of directly serving the needs of their own families.

But when an unfortunate situation strikes, and they become one of our few trusted confidants, or even just a symbolic representation of hope — we remember that they stood by our side. It’s their faces and their names that leave a lasting impression. Without question, we’re already family. They don’t have to be, but they choose to.

“It was (an event) where I got to sit down with a few ladies who could have been my mom or my grandmother … and a whole slew of little children who were just so excited to speak with a police officer … even when when guys went back to the station and were finishing up their work getting ready to go home and spend time with their real families, they were still commenting on how wonderful it made them feel to share a really great meal with people who stay right across the street.” – Lt. Allan Roman // Anaheim Police Department

Saskatoon Police Service, Canada

#3. We need each other

In as much as the community becomes an extended family for and with its local police or law enforcement branch, it’s understood that we will need each other.

Members of the Church Of Christ or INC Giving volunteers, for example, continuously make the constant conscious effort to open its doors to the families and neighbors within the communities it serves. Police officers are no different. With all types of public workers around the world, INC Giving volunteers host events and take time to ensure their local law enforcement and first responders know how much the Church values their time, and their sacrifice. Most especially with their youth. It’s an investment of trust that in the years to come both parties see as beneficial for the betterment of their communities. Families don’t have to introduce themselves or their children to police officers, or all neighbors, but many choose to.

“… it’s always a good experience to see the kids come in and be able to talk to them and try to give them positive influence … in an environment that’s safe, where they can see that there’s nothing to be afraid of … to be able to see their faces light up … it just makes our day, and we really really enjoy having groups like yours come and see us.” – Captain Phillip Orelli // Jacksonville Fire & Rescue, Station 30

“I think it’s important that we all support each other and always look for the good in everybody. It’s easy for people to focus on the negatives, but if we could all take a second to focus on something positive, it could take us a lot further in helping our community and helping each other.” – Sergeant Alana MacLeod // Calgary Police Station – District 3, North Haven

Washington, D.C.

The Choice is Yours

“Thank you for your service,” is all it takes. Even a smile or another token of your appreciation could translate the same. This line carries a lot of weight to service workers everywhere. Whether it’s our mailman we see every day, or the family member returning from military deployment, or even our teacher we rush out of the classroom to leave without even a wave goodbye.

So although you don’t have to, and even if you may not see its impact directly, we hope you choose to appreciate a law enforcement or first responder today.

Need some help? Contact your local or District Christian Family Organization Officers, or email info@incgiving.org.

Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. (Proverbs 3:27 GNT)

Highpoint, North Carolina

The Gift of Jackets, Gloves, and Kindness

With freezing cold temperatures across North America, 2019’s winter season has been brutal, but every winter is tough in British Columbia.

“….People call and say we have no gloves, we have no toques (beanies), we have nothing, we’re freezing. The cold spells that have just happened, have us out for all of our inventory” says Sanja Poitras as she wraps her jacket closer to her. Sanja and her husband founded Help on Wheels, a community outreach program that collects donations, and delivers food, clothes, and other necessities to people in need.

“We’re working with several schools in the lower mainland. Where the kids just have zero clothes, zero warm clothes but also zero footwear” Sanja adds, her voice wrapped in concern. Help on Wheels began in 2010, but Sanja has always been involved with her community. So what started it all? She volunteered to help a school’s clothing closet and realized the need.

“I remember clearly witnessing the need in that school and I kept saying “someone should do something about this!” And the still small voice said “YOU should do something about this!

What was missing was the LINK between the people who had stuff to give and those that had a need. There literally was not an organization that received inventory for free and gave it to people in need for free. So my husband and I and our 7 kids stepped up. We both quit our jobs and funded this charity with our savings and the rest is history.

Since then, Sanja has partnered with many organizations in the community, among them, the INC Giving project. The INC Giving project is a community outreach program of the Church Of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo) has reached out to Help on Wheels in 2012, and this year, they decided to pitch in again.

Volunteers like Homer Conception know exactly what to donate.

“Everything, from pants to shirts to gloves to toques. Anything to keep you warm. And we can definitely give more and this is just a small part of what we can do. It’s a great thing for all of us to be a part of and it’s really exciting and fun for all of us.” Homer smiles even though he is shivering.

Volunteers load a box of donated winter clothing into a van.

Volunteers load multiple boxes of donated winter wear into the Help on Wheels van.

“This is what we do in the Church. Every time we give what we have, we share what we have, we are always happy. This also as the instruction of the Church Administration on their campaign to follow and fulfill the commandments of our Almighty God which is in the Bible which helps our fellow men.

Says Brother Moriel Cadacio a minister of the gospel, overseeing the winter wear drive. At the end of the day, Sanja has collected 3,565 lbs of clothing from INC Giving Volunteers. “The quality of the donations has always been amazing, so the impact itself is just, if you can imagine a single mom with four kids and the kid, the two-year-old has got cancer in his spine, and the six-year-old is actually trying to be the mom, but they have nothing. No clothes, no shoes, no food, so we have just been so lucky when we get donations like this because you guys just labeled them, so it’s wiping out all of our labor on our side, so we just open the box and say “Here you go.” And to be able to help in a time like that is just, I don’t even, I don’t want to start crying so let’s just move on. But it’s an impact, you guys are amazing.”

If you would like to make a donation to help on wheels email sanja@helponwheels.ca

To find out more about volunteering opportunities with inc giving, visit incgiving.org

Janlynn Valerio, a staff writer & web content producer at incmedia.org. She’s originally from Hawaii and that’s why she likes to wear slippers in the winter.

A Life-Changing Opportunity

An INC Giving Volunteer Shares Her Experience in Vanuatu

I remember watching the weather forecast for Port Vila, the harborside capital and main hub of the small South Pacific nation of Vanuatu, and constantly being reminded to prepare for wet weather conditions, as it was forecasted to rain. But, from the moment we arrived, the rain halted till the day we left the island.

During the first two days of my arrival, along with the other four sisters I traveled with, we made it our mission to invite people in town to our worship services and evangelical missions.

Sharing our faith around town using our cell phones.

We did not have physical copies of invitations, so we improvised using technology and showing invitations on our phones. That afternoon, we attended a worship service at Blacksands Group Worship Services in Port Vila. That was the first opportunity I had to perform my duty as a choir member in Vanuatu. We not only worshiped with fellow members of the Church, but also with the many guests that arrived to listen to the words of God that afternoon.

With some of the performing choir members.

The next day, we arrived at nearby Laken Village, where we held the Children’s worship service, an adult’s worship service, as well as a baptism consecutively on this day. The children were so excited about the worship service, and they listened when the Children’s Worship Service Teachers began teaching them the words of God.

A young girl listens attentively during the Children’s Worship Service.

I remember Brother Lucky, a minister of the gospel, telling the children that they have hope in their life, that they have something to look forward to and they’ll be blessed with a bright future because they are now the children of God, and the look of hope and happiness that came from these children is something I could never forget.

This day, we also witnessed 10 brethren receive the holy baptism. This was a special experience as choir members, because unlike back home, in Sydney, we sang hymns of praises on the banks of the lake while curious onlookers from the village looked on as we worshipped God. After this event, I was able to speak to a couple of youth members from this Group Worship Service (GWS), who told us that after watching the choir in the worship services, they were inspired to also become choir members. I felt joyful and hope that God willing, this GWS would call more members and officers and that one day, they too would have choir members singing in their worship services.

Later that day, we traveled to Prima Village, where we were confronted by not only the poor living conditions of the people but the challenging walk through narrow paths, muddy walkways, and slopes that would lead us to the place where we held the evangelical mission and the medical mission.

Most of the brethren who traveled to Vanuatu were practicing health care workers, such as nurses and doctors. As a registered trauma nurse back in Australia, I got the chance to help provide the villagers with basic medical attention, medication, as well as consultations with doctors. I encountered many children who required treatment.

One particular case I managed was a one-year-old baby who had boiling water accidentally spilled onto one of his legs causing second-degree burns. This was left untreated and exposed for over a week. I recall the baby being in great pain and the wound being so dirty, but we were able to dress the wound, give extra medical supplies but most importantly, educate the mother on how to care for the injury. At times we all struggled giving help, due to our different languages, but thebrethren from the different GWS were able to help us translate and overcome this obstacle.

This medical mission really opened my view on the reality of poverty, that simple treatment and education, which is a basic necessity back home, is something that these people cannot easily access.

The following day we dedicated the village chapel in Teouma. Though this was a quite a distance from The chapel overflowed with brethren from Blacksands, Prima Village and Laken Village, with many listening from outside, under marquees. You could truly see the joy of the brethren, blessed with a place they can use to worship Our Lord God.

Members of the Church Of Christ make their way to the newly constructed village worship building in Teouma.

To accommodate a large number of attendees a tent was set up for the dedication.

That afternoon, we then traveled to Seaside markets, to hold another evangelical mission. Many guests arrived and people gathered around the venue wandered in, curious to see what we were doing. They listened to the hymn singing, and to the preaching of God’s words, led by Brother Raul Adalla, and then a video was shown, that displayed the many victories that the Iglesia Ni Cristo has achieved. This followed with the giving of goodwill bags, that brethren from the other GWS had helped give out. At this time, we were also signing up the names of the villagers who voluntarily wanted to become bible students. It was very overwhelming, we continuously.

This opportunity I was given, to visit the Republic of Vanuatu, certainly served as an inspiration to continue to work harder and become ever stronger in my faith.

To witness the rapid growth of membership, and the warm welcome of the people in this part of the world, truly shows that God will always bless his people with the many victories in the Church.

We were able to show unity with other brethren that came from different places in our district, and together we were able to fulfill the commandment of God that “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.”

Written by Janelle Javier

Janelle Javier is a trauma nurse from Seven Hills, Australia. She was able to travel to Vanuatu to help as a choir member and during the outreach events as a medical professional. Watch the full story on the INC Giving Show.

Photos were contributed by volunteers from the Multimedia Bureau of Australia.

Responding with Love in Seattle

Iglesia Ni Cristo Responds to Arson Attack

42nd Avenue in southeast Seattle, Washington has been busy with activity for the past week, ever since an arsonist decided to throw Molotov cocktails at the Iglesia Ni Cristo worship building located there. The Seattle Police department and the FBI have been coming through conducting their investigations, reporters have been reporting on the latest developments, and members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) have been going door-to-door to invite their neighbors to a community outreach event on Saturday.

“It’s always a joy to see community efforts going on to help uplift and serve our community, so you’re doing a great thing. …we know about crime and some of the other things that are going on here, and I think the Church is a good place to be able to pray about those things and to help bring change to the people’s heart.”

Jefferson Butler, an assistant pastor for a church located across the street from the Church Of Christ worship building was among the neighbors invited to the community event.

“Well, I think you have to be able to move on and not let something despicable that happened - because the intent for whoever the culprit is - to discourage you from ministry. And that’s what you’re doing here today.'Click To Tweet

He wasn’t the only one who decided to stop by. Throughout the day, dozens of neighbors and community members walked into the compound, crossing – instead of the yellow crime scene tapes that had blocked off the exterior of the building this past week – a colorful balloon arch that welcomed those passing by.

Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.
Outreach in Seattle, Washington after molotov attack on worship building.

Continue reading “Responding with Love in Seattle”

A Reason To Give

Being a nurse, one of my duties is to administer blood/blood products, and monitor patients requiring a blood transfusion. Therefore, it is normal in my line of work to see units of blood at the hospital being brought to patients’ rooms and to operating rooms. They are a dire necessity. They help save lives.

When I heard that there would be a blood donation drive sponsored by the Iglesia Ni Cristo again this year, in partnership with the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, I was eager to participate. I donated blood for the first time last year, representing the same organization, and despite the challenge I had with my small veins, I decided to give it another try.

The first time I donated blood, the nurses had a difficult time locating my veins; it took almost 15 minutes just to find a good vein. I felt anxious thinking about how difficult it was the first time I donated, but thankfully, it was much easier this time. I felt relieved.

Sitting there, I realized that I was not well hydrated, and it took quite a while for me to fill up the bag. The next time I donate, I will make sure to drink plenty of water the night before and on the day of the event, so that I can stay well-hydrated — this will make the whole process easier and quicker.

When I finally finished, the nurses offered me juice and cookies. Afterwards, they also gave me a sticker that says “Be nice to me! I donated blood today” and a cute Band-Aid that says “I gave life”.

In speaking with my fellow volunteers at the Canadian Blood Services Clinic in Surrey, it was interesting to find that some of them have given blood numerous times in the past. One gentleman I talked to has donated blood over 25 times! Another lady said it was her 12th time!

Can you imagine the number of people those volunteers and donors have helped over the years?

I felt happy that I was able to do my small part in helping my community. As I was sitting there, I wondered about the individuals whom my small contribution will be able to help.

What are their stories? Why did they need to have blood transfusions?

Even though we don’t get to see the recipients of our donation, it is still a good feeling knowing that we can make an impact on another person’s life.

During my shift in the hospital that evening, the strangest thing happened: I had a patient who needed to have a blood transfusion, and while I was preparing to attend to him, I noticed that he happened to have the exact same blood type as me!

As I prepared the unit of blood, I smiled, and thought to myself — here is an individual in front of me who would benefit from the blood donated from donors like me.

This realization made a great impact on me. As I left the room, I proudly wore my sticker that says, “I donated blood today!” I felt even more inspired to continue to donate blood whenever I can. I hope anyone reading this would be inspired to do the same.

About the Writer:

Lou Aquino is an INC Giving volunteer from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She is an active participant in INC Giving Projects and the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation.

Lou is a Registered Nurse in a Telemetry Unit, and looks after patients with cardiac conditions. Lou takes pride in helping others and believes that as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) it is our duty to be kind and help those who are in need.

Singing For Our Veterans

“27Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.” Proverbs 3:27 GNT

This Bible verse encompasses the whole idea of the INC Giving Project, a program of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, to help, to do good deeds, and to strengthen the community.

From winter clothing drives, tree planting, and food bank donations, I’ve volunteered for each and every activity. I’m always ecstatic to see the camaraderie of the INC Giving volunteers when it comes to these activities, and the great number of volunteers and good spirits will constantly be an uplifting source of happiness for me.

Recently, the local congregation of Eastwood had an INC Giving: Singing for a Cause event. Both children and youth officers were hard at work in the weeks coming to this event; practicing songs, dance moves, and of course, being cute. Classic songs, such as “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, “You Are My Sunshine” and many more, were being prepared for the elderly at the Kipnes Centre for Veterans.

I had my own role at this event – being an emcee with another volunteer from our local congregation, Mia Medina. For both of us, it was our first time as emcees. So, of course, we were both anxious while we practiced. But no matter how much or how little we practiced, we could never prepare for the excitement that would come on that day.

On the day of the event, it was raining. But it didn’t deter the spirits of the performers or ours, the hosts. Last-minute practices of the songs and the program were echoing the halls of the building, while the elderly and their family members filled up seats. Up to the last second, our excitement was high. And then, we had a bumpy start.

After the first performance, Mia and I got a grip on ourselves and our impromptu lines. The children performed with great delight and were very cute. Our audience members were overjoyed and zealous over the kids’ performances.

One little child, in particular, surprised us with his affinity for the piano. Jian Morales, a young choir member, shocked the audience, and the other volunteers, with his beautiful rendition of classical pieces.

As the event came to a close, the final song involved the kids handing flowered presents to the elderly. It was a great experience all-round. The audience, the tech crew, the performers, and Mia and I, had a wonderful time at this event. The final words were said by the staff in charge of us being there.

As we wholeheartedly thanked them for being with us that afternoon, they respond with the same respect and thankfulness for the joy we brought them. This made all the hard work, practices, and semi-stressful times all worth it.

Doing good deeds is never a duty. It is a joy that adds to your own piece of mind and health. Small acts of random kindness is enough to create a wave of positivity and great happiness.

Whenever we can, absolutely do good things.

About the Writer:

Dave finished his architectural technology program at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He is applying for a Bachelor of Design degree at U of A. He is also the president of the Kadiwa, or youth group, in his local congregation and is an aspiring teacher for the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s Children’s Worship Service.

He believes in doing good, helping others, paying it forward and encourages everyone to be kind, be helpful, and always be a friend.

Replenishing the Edmonton Food Bank

The cold season in Canada is a difficult time for many families, including those in the Edmonton region.

Concerned for the community, INC Giving volunteers of the Edmonton region, came together to give a helping hand.

A food donation drive was initiated earlier this month. The INC Giving volunteers responded promptly and generously by buying and gathering non-perishable food items to donate to the Edmonton Food Bank. The support was overwhelming, and the volunteers felt joy in their hearts knowing that whatever they donated, helped numerous families in need. Volunteers empathized and understood that there was a need for food donations because many community members struggled to put food on the table for their families.

Boxes of donations were collected in the respective areas such as: Edmonton North, Edmonton West, Eastwood and Ellerslie in the Edmonton region. Then, two weeks later, volunteers gathered enough non-perishable food items to fill up to 445 boxes. Although the weather conditions were very cold in Edmonton, as many as 600 INC Giving volunteers came out to help the Edmonton Hagmann Fire Station and gave support to this Nation-Wide Campaign. INC Giving volunteers and firemen alike formed an assembly line, massing a stockpile of canned goods. Excitement and joy in the air were present, as boxes after boxes piled high at the fire station. The workers at the station working that day, could not believe the amount of food donated and the amount of volunteers who showed up to support this cause.

Chief Fireman, Tom Groot, expressed his gratitude to the INC Giving volunteers for their willingness to give so much to the community. Also, he stated that, “All these extra food will help people in need, such as the homeless, and will provide a good meal to help anyone in need to survive.” – Chief Fireman, Tom Groot

Contributed by: Jowella Mendoza

Jowella Mendoza is an active INC GIVING volunteer from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She works at a bank and spends her free time with her family and friends. Despite her busy schedule, she understands the importance of giving back to those in need because she believes that donating is an important cause that everyone should take part in, even if it’s just during a few of the day.

Stories From Manila – #21DaysOfKindness

Nowadays, not too many people take the time to show kindness towards strangers. Some say they’re busy while others may not know how to start, but sometimes, you don’t even have to look too far to show kindness.

This past March, the Ecclesiastical District of Manila launched the 21-Day Kindness Challenge, which had been successfully launched in various districts outside the Philippines. These are some of the stories of those who took on the challenge.

On this particular day after my work, dumeretso sa dako para dumalo ng gawain, then bago umuwi ng bahay dumaan ako kay tatay para ibigay angdala kong pagkain galing sa office. Nakahiga nasya kanina then humarap ako sa kanya bigla syang bumangon at binati ako, kitang kita ko sa mga mata nyakung gaano sya kasaya, Humingi ako ng picture sa kanya, and for the first time we have a picture as remembrance…Ang sabi ko kay Tatay Eddie, “Masaya ako, kasi may napasaya ako sa araw na ito.”

This is Eddie who has a son named Loloy. I met him and his son in the area near Domingo Santiago, Sampaloc, Manila. They are from Bulacan but Eddie says life is hard there so he came here with his son. He doesn’t have a wife and even though they have relatives, but they live far from them.

His son, Loloy, collects junks and sells them to the junk shop so that they have something to eat.

On this particular day after work, I went straight to attend bible study. Then, before I went home I went to Eddie’s place to give him food, which I brought home from the office.

He was already lying down, but when he saw me he got up to greet me. I could see from his eyes how happy he was. I asked for a picture with him so we have something that would remind us of this moment. I said to him, “I am happy because this day I was able to bring happiness to someone.”

Jessa Mae Jose is from the local congregation of Sampaloc in Manila. Along with spreading kindness on the streets of Manila, she sings in the choir, a Children’s Worship Service Officer in the area of Altura Main and helps oversee an area Area as part of the KADIWA Organization (Organization of single members over 18)

So I was waiting for my research team at a meeting place near UE when suddenly this child approached me and asked for some spare change. Instead, giving him changed I offered him lunch in a cafeteria nearby.

As we conversed, he told me his name was Exequiel. I asked him why he was begging people for money and I found out that he only wanted to help his father who feeds him along with his 5 siblings. They can only afford rice as his “baon (lunch from home)” in school to be shared with his brothers and sisters. His mother recently left for Davao.

Before going our separate ways, I gave him some money and he said: “Yes, may pambili na kami ng bigas (we now have enough money to buy rice).” A small act of kindness for you might be huge for someone, so never stop being kind!

Princess Ronquillo is from the local congregation of Tondo, the most densely populated district in the city of Manila. She is a member of SCAN (Society of Communicators and Networkers) and a Teacher for the Children’s Worship Service of the Church Of Christ. In addition, she’s one of the District Officers for the Christian Brotherhood International (CBI), an organization for students.

A tricycle ride from our house in Guiguinto, Bulacan, to the main road costs 10 pesos for each person, but, I gave twice the regular fair. These drivers (some of them are very old) spend most of their time serving other people just so they can provide for their family. By the end of the trip, I handed one of the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s PASUGO(God’s Message) magazines as a thank you for the tricycle driver’s kindness to me during the trip.

It’s not about how much you give to people but it’s about how much you care and show kindness for them.

A little tip for their hard work might be a simple thing but every simple thing that is made out of pure love and kindness makes it special!

Reinier Roman Santos sings in the choir in the Church Of Christ’s local congregation in Tayuman, Philippines. He is the Christian Brotherhood International District Director. He commutes regularly and has been paying twice the regular fare on tricycle rides side 2013

At a very young age, I lost my grandparents on both sides of my family. Considering that I was such a grandpa’s girl, my heart remains close to the elderly. Seeing a grandma seated at the side of the street, under the heat of the sun in front of the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Santa Cruz, Metro Manila, I couldn’t help but approach her.

I talked to her, and she confided that her children were in the province and that she was just waiting there in front of the hospital to sell goods, the proceeds of which will go to her loved ones. I gave her a pack of food and, of course, gave her a copy of the God’s Message Magazine, as a gesture of goodwill and as a means of sharing my faith. Then I saw a smile on her face and as she thanked me, I thought, “Thank you, grandma. It’s about time for you to receive all the love you’ve given to your family”

As a choir member, Assistant Chairperson in the local congregation’s KADIWA (organization for single members 18 and above), and the President of the Children’s Worship Service in Tayuman, an area in northern Manila, Shaira A. Salangsang is often busy with the various activities in the Church Of Christ.

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Hopefully, these acts of kindness will prove that beyond the usual problems in life, there are people with big hearts always willing to extend a helping hand.

What’s your act of kindness today? #incgiving #21DayKindnessChallenge

Grateful to Give

Every day, over 188 phone calls are made to the Calgary Food Bank requesting for emergency food hampers. And, so when our local congregation was first notified of the Food Bank Donation Drive Activity, I could already feel the excitement of the volunteers because we knew we would have the chance to contribute to the needs of the food bank and help those in need in our community. But even then I was surprised by just how much we could help.

Our goal was to gather 50 boxes worth of food donation, but tried our best to do more. The INC Giving volunteers spent all week eagerly shopping for items requested by the food bank – such as, canned goods and diapers.

On the day of the event, a representative from the Calgary Food Bank drove in with a large truck to pick up all 104 boxes that the region was able to fill, which weighed 8915 lbs. Despite the harsh weather conditions, INC Giving volunteers still showed up to help load the boxes, one by one, onto the truck.

It was so inspiring to see INC Giving Volunteers and the Calgary Food Bank unite to help out our fellowmen and not let the weather stop them from performing good deeds. Even the Calgary Food Bank driver’s face was really surprised to see so many people waiting outside in the snow for him. He was even more moved when we started to help load the boxes onto the truck.

Once all the boxes were in the truck ready to be dropped off, the representative thanked the INC Giving Volunteers for their time and effort and took a group photo with everyone. Calgary West’s resident minister, Brother James Lajeras, offered them a God’s Message magazine after the activity.

We often get caught up in life and sometimes take essential things, such as. shelter and food for granted. We are very fortunate here in this part of the world as we have a higher quality way of life and are lucky to be able to receive food, shelter and education every day. However, that should not stop us from helping out those in need.

I saw a quote online that said “Never judge people who have little to nothing, as one day you may find yourself having nothing at all.”

We should be thankful for what we have when some people have nothing at all. We should always try to do good deeds every day, no matter how small the act is. Even the little things, like donating that one extra can of food in our pantry, or donating that pile of old clothes in our closet, can help out someone’s life significantly. Little things can truly make a huge impact on those around you. I know it did for me.

The Calgary Food Bank serves families, individuals and organizations and rely solely on the generous support of the community. Visit http://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/ to see how you can help

Contributed by: Thea Canero

Thea Canero is an INC Giving Volunteer from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is an active participant in INC Giving Projects and the FYM Foundation. Thea is a Sociology major at the University of Calgary and hopes with her degree to help contribute and improve public social services to better support the needs of members in her community. Thea takes pride in helping others and believes that as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) it is our duty to be kind and help those who are in need.

Metro Manila takes on the 21 Day Kindness Challenge

Sometimes it’s easy to be caught up in the daily grind that we forget to look up and see the opportunities in front of us to do good and make a difference.

So a group of young members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo from Metro Manila, Philippines, one of the busiest and most congested regions of the world, set out to go out into their communities to share kindness by taking on the INC Giving 21 Day Kindness Challenge. The goal: to spread kindness not just with the ones on the recipient end but even inspire those around them to take on the challenge with them.

Rachel Del Rosario from Guadalupe, in Makati, one of the 16 cities making up Metro Manila, started her day by sharing her meal.

Saw our Office Driver wiping our company car and decided to interrupt him to share my breakfast meal. #21DayKindnessChallenge #IglesianiCristo #incmediaorg #DoGood

And she wasn’t the only one to share her meal. Chi Shing Wan from Pembo, another area in Makati, handed a meal to a homeless man.

“Not my first time giving someone a dinner to a homeless man. But this is the most heart touching moment I would like to share. The man cried after I gave to him food that night. He hasn’t eaten for DAYS!”

This was day two of their 21 days of kindness. But they were just getting started. Chi had also volunteered his time to be part of Developers Connect, a non-proﬁt organization that promotes the “IT Pinoy Talent” – hosting free code camps and seminars for individuals interested in technology.

In Quezon City, near the Central Temple of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Jean Aina Sta. Ana has been busy spreading kindness, starting with a security guard she often sees during her commute.

“On this day, on my way home, I found a security guard who looked tired. He had a frown on his face, and a certain slowness in his movements as; this bothered me because even when he looked this way, he was still fulfilling his duties as a security guard, however, he didn’t get a thank you from the drivers he helped in parking their cars, or the people he helped with groceries, so, in hopes of uplifting his spirits, I “mano” him (Filipino sign of respect). At first, he was confused as to why I did this, then I thanked him for all his hard work, this simple act of kindness put a wide smile on his face.

“She continued her random acts of kindness, by walking around her city giving compliments attached to sweets.

“Too often, we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a simple compliment, or the smallest act of caring; all of which have the ability to make someone’s day and the potential to turn a life around. So let’s give out compliments and be the reason why someone smiles today.

Kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can bestow upon another. A little kindness goes a long way; a smile, a simple compliment can turn a frown on any person’s face upside down. Everyday, we pass by so many people, going to work, going to school, everywhere; these people could be struggling, they have problems that they carry around, but a simple compliment can uplift their spirits for a whole day.” – Jean Aina Sta. Ana

Acts of kindness can occur at anytime, as Rencel Vocales from Evangelista quickly found out. While in the market, she found an opportunity to buy a meal for individuals who dedicate their lives helping others.

On the same day, she found another opportunity to spread kindness, this time on her commute.

”As part of 21-day kindness challenge, Day 17, I bought two tickets for the next commuter who will buy tickets and gave her free bus ticket and also I leave them with INC media card.” – Rencel Vocales

And for Giancarlo Pajanel, from Valenzuela, Metro Manila, and his friends, their first act of kindness was not random at all. Wanting to show their appreciation to a group of individuals directly impacting their Barangay, they surprised them with a heartfelt thank you and snack.

“We thank our Area(Barangay) Peacekeeping and Security Officers who stayed up late and watch over the safety of our area. We bought bread and bottled water to them.”

Stay tuned for updates from these individuals and other participants of the INC Giving 21 Day Kindness Challenge.

And if you’re reading this and haven’t taken on the challenge, why not start today? Make sure to check out this link for suggested acts of kindness and watch and read the stories of individuals, like yourself, that have taken on the challenge and see how it’s impacted them and their community.

Then get started! It’s that easy!

Post your photos on social media and use #incgiving #21DayKindnessChallenge. Make sure to submit your story on incgiving.org.

Contributed by participants of the 21 Day Kindness Challenge in Metro Manila Philippines. With participants from various parts of the world, the INC Giving 21 Day Kindness Challenge is inspiring individuals young and old from all over the world to go out into their community to do good.

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