Appreciation – INC Giving Project

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.

Geared Up

Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Geography– These are the things that children work on at school on a weekly basis. But what happens when they run out of school supplies?The INC members in the Southern Midwest portion of the United States made it their mission to help students from T’iiz NazBas Community School in Arizona.

_dsc0227 — Kim Urtola, one of the INCGiving Volunteers, led the children in various games during the event.

Members from New Mexico and Colorado congregations teamed up to organize free School Supplies and a fun-filled day for the Indian reservation school that sits a few miles away from the Four Corners Monument, a place in the Southwestern region in the United States where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet.

photo_2016-08-28_16-18-02 — Stephanie Begay travelled from Farmington, New Mexico to help volunteer during the School Supply Fair sponsored by the INCGiving project.

Stephanie Begay, a volunteer from the community, said, “It helps the community and the children in need out here, where there’s no stores to really go to buy their school supplies. I’m sure they appreciate that.” She just learned about the outreach programs in the Church of Christ, and has been looking forward to this project all week.

Meanwhile, Ms. Linda Morris, a security guard in the T’iiz NasBas Community School, commented that these kinds of outreach or projects help students realize how important it is to reach out to other communities, even if they are just a small community.

Linda Morris with a couple of the INCGiving volunteers from Farmington, New Mexico.

#INCGiving volunteers lead the local children in various games during the Free School Supply Fair.

Ms. Amelia Nakai, the school counselor, also happily helped out at the event. She came in early, welcoming the INCGiving volunteers to their school. The joy in her eyes was prominent as the children played games and appreciated the free school supplies.

photo_2016-08-28_17-10-51 — The INCGiving volunteers recognized Ms. Amelia Nakai, the school counselor for her help.

The games that the INC volunteers played along with the students, brought so much joy and smiles across the room. They played many games that brought the attendees together. But the camaraderie did not stop at games. They sat down with parents, teachers and students to talk to them and new friendships were made.

_dsc0281 — Minister of the Gospel, Brother Ben De La Paz, hands one of the local children a bag to pick out school supplies for the school year.

The school supplies helped students have a fresh successful and organized school year. The time and laughter shared between the students and the volunteers were meaningful and unforgotten. It reminded the students that their families and the community have high hopes for them to attain a bright future.

Contributed by: Kyla Mari Urtola, Farmington, New Mexico

Appreciating Medical Professionals

“Sometimes with the work that we do, it’s really easy to get lost in the paperwork and how emotionally draining some patients can be, and even on the best days you can have patients who are really challenging and taxing.” – Danielle Utianski, Speech Language Pathologist.

Disease, sickness, and injury are tragic and often bring a dark cloud over both patients and their families. But like a light in a dark tunnel, the medical professionals work tirelessly to cure; remedy and help patients endure these physical difficulties. Although it is their job, doctors, nurses and medical staff show compassion as they help and care for people who pushes them to go above and beyond what is required.

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The Church of Christ, Iglesia Ni Cristo hosted an Appreciation Day for doctors, nurses and medical professionals in various cities in Southern California. The Church honored diligent and devoted individuals who make a huge impact in their community every day when they come into work.

“So having that kind of outside reminder, that feeling of community and the feeling of appreciation is a nice recharge. It reminds you [why you] went into the field and why you want to stay in the field.” – Utianski, Speech Language Pathologist honored at the Bakersfield Doctor, Nurses and Medical Staff Appreciation Day.

In North Hollywood, California, the Iglesia Ni Cristo congregation set up an appreciation luncheon at the California Healthcare and Rehabilitation Centre.

When asked how it feels to be appreciated, Miriam Diez, a fellow nurse at the facility answered, “Oh I love it, thank you guys, thank you so much. We love that people notice that we do care for these people.”

The Iglesia Ni Cristo [Church of Christ] knows how stressful and arduous the work can be; not everyone can do what these medical professionals do everyday. In a world of natural disasters, violence, crime and unpredictable ailments, these are compassionate and selfless heroes who make a difference in so many peoples’ lives. Through events like this, INCGiving volunteers celebrate the medical community and their genuine passion to help and care for others.

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One of the event coordinators, Brando Andrade states, “It’s important to appreciate doctors and nurses because they can be under appreciated sometimes. We wanted to do this event so that they can also get to know us.”

At the rehab center, the nurses and staff were greeted and thanked by Church Of Christ Minister and a representative from City Council. The youth members also created colorful and creative cards that were filled with words of thanks.

Contributed by: Nikki Salazar, Southwest California

Uplifted & Much Appreciated: A Teacher’s Perspective

The opportunity to be part of Teacher Appreciation Day, Thursday, 14th of July 2016, was an occasion I was looking forward to. I have been teaching for just over 20 years and have never been involved in such a celebration.

Upon arrival at Iglesia Ni Cristo – Europe Main Office, Sunbury-on-Thames, I was warmly welcomed and invited through to the marquee and displays. I met some colleagues who had also graciously accepted the invite and together we experienced the joyful nature of the afternoon.

photo_2016-09-20_15-24-28 — Louise Cowley, (author of blog) with her student Tyris Sison, during the INC Giving Teacher Appreciation Day in Sunbury, London, United Kingdom.

A teenage member of the Church gave our group an informative guide through the display of photographs of the Church of Christ throughout the world. Her pleasure in sharing the wonderful way in which the Church represents itself around the world was a delight. As a teacher of primary-aged children, it was refreshing to see a young person speaking so passionately and articulately.

0s4a4932 — Students perform a number for their invited teachers during the #INCGiving Teacher Appreciation Day.

0s4a4894 — Teachers are given the opportunity to mingle with each other along with their students.

0s4a5024 — One by one, teachers were brought up on stage to be recognized by their students.

The main part of the celebration took place under the marquee where groups of children sang songs expressing their appreciation for their teachers and also giving humble thanks to God for providing educational opportunities for us all. It was inspirational for me to see how the children value the efforts of their teachers and to listen to their aspirations for the future. To know that a love of learning is so valued among a community really reminded me that I can and do make a difference.

0s4a5084 — Teachers join their students for some photo booth fun during the INC Giving Teacher Appreciation Day.

0s4a4949 — Anika Lorin Ching, one of the INC Giving volunteers, recognizes the teachers she invited during the Teacher Appreciation Day.

I left the celebrations feeling uplifted and much appreciated. It was quite an afternoon of joy and blessings and I was proud to have been invited to such a special occasion.

0s4a5039 — Tyris Sison recognizes his nursery teacher, Ms. Louise Cowley (author of blog) during the INC Giving Teacher Appreciation Day in Sunbury, London, United Kingdom.

Contributed by: Ms. Louise Cowley, A Nursery Teacher Invited to the Teacher Appreciation Day in Sunbury, United Kingdom.

Heroes Appreciation Day

The sound of sirens on the street usually brings unease and fear. But when the INCGiving volunteers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania heard fire engine sirens approaching, we couldn’t help but cheer, knowing that their guests of honour had arrived.

“The local congregation of Philadelphia prepared a program intended to somehow bring a smile to the men in uniform. After all, we know and recognize their sacrifices to keep the community safe and they also extend their help to those who are in need.” Brother Matt Karl Talens, Resident Minister, Local Congregation of Philadelphia.

The guests were welcomed with warm smiles and handshakes as they enjoyed the musical presentations and the food that was prepared. We presented them with certificates of appreciation for their work. Afterwards, we took them on a guided tour of our chapel and to watch a video created by our children to thank them. In the hallways, they saw a photo exhibit showcasing the brief history of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in Philadelphia.

We took pictures with our guests of honor in the photo booth and in front of the fire trucks. Both kids in age and at heart got the chance to inspect the trucks up close. It was a real treat to see these vehicles in comfort and safety with no emergency trouble nearby!

“It is nice that people reach out to us. They don’t have to give us money or food, but still recognition of – we wake up at 3am for calls and not everyone is getting up. We’re the guys who are always showing up for calls and stuff like that. So with that being said we thank you, you know, for appreciating us.”- Matthew McCormick, volunteer firefighter, Aston Township Fire Department.

Contributed by: Sister Jocelyn Bandolon and Brother Abraham Evangelista, Philadelphia

Community Connection: ‘Gratitude Attitude’ Shared with Local Heroes

Community Connection: ‘Gratitude Attitude’ Shared with Local Heroes

When police officers and firefighters receive a call, they expect to respond to an emergency. Last week was different – instead of having to race to a crime scene with blaring sirens, or rescue those trapped inside a burning building, they responded to an invitation from the INCGiving volunteers of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC or Church Of Christ).

On February 27-28, local congregations of the INC throughout Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah honored the men and women who sacrifice day in and day out to protect the community.

Youth members showed their support by writing cards of thanks to recognize their efforts in keeping them safe and for all the sacrifices they make when in the line of duty.

While some local congregations visited these servicemen and women at their stations, other regions paid tribute by hosting an appreciation event, featuring musical performances and presenting recognition plaques and gifts to the guests of honor.

In Long Beach, Calif., the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD), Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) North Division, and LBPD East Division were invited to the chapel compound for an afternoon of fun, food, and friendly smiles to greet them.

Approximately 20 law enforcement officers were in attendance, with about 80 brethren providing their entertainment and showing their appreciation. In return, the firefighters gave tours of their fire trucks and police cars, sharing stories of what life is like as servicemen. One firefighter even showed scars from a fire he put out the previous day, stating it was “one of probably a hundred” in his career.

Commander Ruby Komisza of the LBPD North Division extends his “gratitude to everyone who made this event possible” in an email to Janice Blanco, one of the brethren who helped organize the local Police and Firefighter Appreciation Day.

Knowing how police officers and firefighters place their lives on the line to keep us safe, brethren took the time to express their appreciation in the spirit of giving.

Contributed By: Sister Mariel Dabu – Local Congregation of Las Vegas; Sister Lenn R. Cruz – Local Congregation of Long Beach;, Photos from the District of Southern California.

Community Connection: Heroes Appreciation in Huntsville, Alabama Volunteers

Community Connection:

Heroes Appreciation in Huntsville, Alabama

It has been said that when it snows heavily in Huntsville, the city shuts down. The city didn’t have snow ploughs to clean the roads, making it difficult to drive into the city.

But January 23, 2016, Saturday, despite the cold weather and distance, brethren from different parts of Alabama and Tennessee drove to the place of worship in Huntsville, Alabama. “They are warriors,” said Brother Richard Soterio, the Minister of the Gospel for the Huntsville Local Congregation.

They came all the way from Chattanooga, Montgomery, Birmingham and Nashville, traveling hundreds of miles. Though some were not able to make it due to icy road conditions, most arrived after driving several hours to unite with the project of the Church Administration through the INCGiving activity, “Heroes Appreciation Day”.

After preparing the “care bags” and writing thank you cards for the police officers, the brethren held a prayer and proceeded to the Madison Police Department to show their appreciation.

Making it at the Madison Police Department by 10:30 am, the brethren were able to introduce to them the Iglesia Ni Cristo, extending to them appreciation for the sacrifices and work that they do and letting them know that they are included in our prayers.

Sgt. Clint Harrell said that they greatly appreciate our activity and that they don’t really get a lot of visitors from the community so they are really grateful for our visit. Another Police Officer also extended his thanks and appreciation and said they need all the prayers they can get.

Contributed by Brother Richard Soterio, resident minister of Huntsville, Alabama with assistance from Sister Vangie Galvez. Photos by Sis. Meg Sabanal and the participating INCGiving volunteers.