Do Good – 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.

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.

Ideas for Your Local Congregation

Volunteers play a huge part in the services organizations are able to provide in your city. Find out how many volunteers are needed and depending on the size of volunteers, you may need to find several opportunities to give everyone a chance to participate.

Here are some ways your local congregation can participate in the weekend of service:

Contact City Officials to see how you can lead/sponsor a Community Clean Up
Find out what city events are happening in your city and if there is a need for volunteers
Spend quality time with residents of elderly community. Activities include
- Singing for A Cause
- Art of Giving Projects
- Gardening or other group volunteering with organizations that deliver food to seniors, running errands, visiting local seniors
Police/Fire Appreciation Days – Visit your local precinct/stations and bring recognition and treats for the services they provide your community
Coordinate a group volunteer opportunity with a local shelter, food banks, etc that is always in need of volunteers
Coordinate with a community center to sponsor “A Help Up” event for low income communities

Top Ten Episodes 2016

And here we are: Top Ten INCGiving Show Webisodes & Blog posts list of 2016!

Compiling this special list has helped The INCGiving Show team reflect on so much goodness in 2016. We really enjoyed looking back and remembering all of the great work that was featured on the show- and we especially were moved at the impact done by volunteers to those reached by the INCGiving Project.

The Top 10 List was compiled through several factors, which include number of views/statistics; social media shares; the feedback and stories from our viewers, readers and volunteer organizers; and also our own personal favorites. So although this list is not solely based on analytics, each episode that made the list was chosen with the intention to offer powerful insights and strategies to your INCGiving planning as you move into the new year.

If you have missed one of these episodes, make sure to watch by the end of January!

One last note: Of course NONE of this would be possible without the support of our beloved Church Administration, and the hard work of the Social Development Committees of the Christian Family Organizations for continuing to schedule the project for volunteers throughout the world. We also want to thank the District Multimedia Bureaus for documenting the journey and asking the questions that help us get to the heart of the matter each time we step out there to do good to those who need it.

So (cue the drumroll please…..) here they are: Top 10 INCGiving Episodes (and blogs) for 2016.

photo_2017-01-04_17-07-53 — #10: “Volunteers Team Up With Habitat For Humanity” Cocoa Beach, Florida (Season 3 – Episode 14)

Read the post here: incgiving.org

View the full Feature here: YouTube or INCMEDIA.org

The gist: INC volunteers from Cocoa Beach, Florida partnered with Southeast Volusia Habitat for Humanity to volunteer in the construction of homes for the less fortunate.

Why did this make the list?

This was the first official partnership of the INCGiving Project with an international organization such as Habitat for Humanity – the organization that works to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Our Cocoa Beach INCGiving volunteers gave us that inside look to the process of sharing a few Saturday hours with families actually building their own homes. To be exact: a selected team of 11 volunteers (with their families cheering them on from the sidelines) did good to three different families and three newly constructed homes.

If you’re planning on when to wear your INCGiving shirt in 2017, consider experiencing building a home with Habitat for Humanity– which has a huge need for volunteers.

photo_2017-01-04_17-03-44 — #9: “Keeping OKC Beautiful” Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Season 4 – Episode 2)

Read the post here: incgiving.org

View the full Feature here: YouTube or incmedia.org

The gist: INC volunteers help keep the streets of Oklahoma City beautiful and introduce the Church of Christ to their neighbors

Why did it make the list?

One volunteer caught our ears and our hearts: Heather Blaylock. Sister Heather joined the Iglesia Ni Cristo in early 2016 – and already shared solid INC pride as she beautified the streets of Oklahoma that day.

“When you finally see the truth it’s just a wonderful feeling and you realize all the blessings that you’re given on a daily basis from God. I think that’s a big part of the reason why we got out into the neighborhood, because we wanted to share that with everybody.”–INCGIVING Volunteer Heather Blaylock

City Clean-ups are a standard practice for members of the Church of Christ. In 2016, more happened than were documented and we are grateful to the Multimedia Bureau in Southern Midwest for providing full coverage for their clean-up – which allowed all of us to meet Sister Heather.

photo_2017-01-04_17-03-39 — #8: “Uplifted & Much Appreciated: A Teacher’s Perspective” Sunbury, London, England (Season 4 – Blog post 8)

Read the post here: incgiving.org

A related post: From the Student’s Perspective here: incgiving.org

View the full Feature: YouTube or INCMEDIA.org

The gist: A Nursery School Teacher shares her experience as an esteemed guest at the annual Teacher’s Appreciation Day in Heathrow, United Kingdom.

Why it made the list: Admittedly, we would have loved to have heard this lovely teacher’s description of her experience at Teacher’s Appreciation Day in her lovely British accent on video.

But we’re extremely thankful that she took the time on her summer holiday to write-up her experience.

“As a teacher of primary-aged children, it was refreshing to see a young person speaking so passionately and articulately.”– Ms. Louise Cowley

What were the young INC students speaking so passionately about? Head over to the blog to check it out. Check out the feature to see them singing passionately too.

Teacher’s Appreciation Day is a staple activity of the INCGiving Project– we have been sponsoring luncheons and awards ceremonies in their honor since 2011. Heathrow, London, UK has consistently held this activity every year since it started.

We can’t wait to see how teachers will be appreciated and uplifted in 2017.

photo_2017-01-04_17-03-37 — #7: “The Station for Appreciation” Anaheim, California (Season 3 – Episode 13 )

View the feature here: YouTube or incmedia.org

The gist: Congregations of the INC have hosted Police & Firefighter Appreciation Days throughout 2016. See how officers of the Anaheim PD wanted to pay it forward, by preparing an act of kindness for the INC congregation in return.

Why it made the list: We are all about recognizing those who serve. Throughout the USA and around the world INCGiving volunteers have packed up lunches and goodie bags, certificates and plaques to boost the morale of law enforcement and fire safety officials.

The fact that the Anaheim Police Department was so touched that they took the time out of their busy days to come back to say “thank you” for our “thank you”? –That just makes it feel like the most awesome game of gratitude tag.

If you are ever in Anaheim, don’t forget to take a photo with their special thank you plaque and hashtag it #incgiving.

photo_2017-01-04_17-03-34 — #6: “Kind Kids – Jaelyn Isip” Virginia Beach, VA (Season 3 – Episode 10)

View the full Feature here: YouTube or incmedia.org

The gist: At an early age, Jaelyn has learned the gift of giving by participating in INCGiving Project activities with her family. You will see this 8-year-old’s desire to share kindness of her own, in a special way.

Why it made the list: Kids always make the list with INCGiving! This little darling is surrounded by great examples of generosity and kindness- and at her young age, she knew she could choose to do good to others, too. In this story, we watch how she discovered a way that would work for her.

We can’t wait to see what other things Jaelyn, her family and all the other INCKids will be up to in 2017.

photo_2017-01-04_17-03-32 — #5: “The Hope Brigade” Baton Rouge, LA (Season 4 – Episode 5)

View the full Feature here: incmedia.org

The gist: Over 60,000 homes in Louisiana were damaged or destroyed by terrible floods. Volunteers from the Southeastern United States region teamed together to lend a helping hand to flood victims in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and bring a message of hope.

Why it made the list: When horrible things happen on US soil- the whole world watches.

When these catastrophes take place within reach of the INCGiving project volunteers- we are there to lend a helping hand or a hug of hope.

The 2016 flood statistics were historic. Everyone affected had the contents of their homes out on the sidewalks. Regardless of stature, income, or age- all people in the flood damaged areas had to part ways with the contents of their homes. Their lives were changed.

INCGiving volunteers throughout neighboring states were organized quickly. The relief efforts on the ground helped provide hope to those who were reached. For those of us watching the story unfold we realized more contentment for what we have.

photo_2017-01-04_17-03-30 — #4: Giving in Action: Dianne C. Lorido, Leadership Scholarship Sponsor (Season 3 – Episode 12)

View the full Feature here: YouTube or INCMedia.org

The gist: Watch how a young professional uses education to share her faith.

Why it made the list: Dianne C. Lorido is a young woman already finding ways to give back.

Many members of the Church of Christ could match her description: Loyal to her faith, disciplined in her studies, committed to serving God with many duties and offices in the Church, respectful to her parents and the role in her family, and decorated with honors and certificates of achievement at such an early age in life.

Yet, Dianne made time to accomplish one more item that no one actually expected of her- she set out to share the fruits of her labors to those like her, those in the pursuit of their educational aspirations.

Not many of us get the chance to speak on a platform to an audience of our peers, and when this young lady did – not only did she do the expected, which is that she inspired her listeners and expressed gratitude for those who have helped her along her journey. Dianne did the ultra-expected – she proudly proclaimed her membership in the Church of Christ as the number one factor to her success in life.

We could watch that triumphant moment on replay all day.

photo_2017-01-04_17-03-27 — #3: “Giving the Gift of Life” Continental Blood Drive, North America (Season 3 – Episode 11) Read the post here: incgiving.org

Read the post here: incgiving.org

View the full Feature here: YouTube or incmedia.org

The gist: In cooperation with the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, thousands of Church of Christ members throughout 137 sites of the United States and Canada partnered with local organizations to donate blood and sign up to be a part of the bone marrow registry.

Why it made the list: This was the highest turnout and most organized effort to date for a blood drive sponsored by the Church of Christ. Check out the coverage in the feature- there’s so much to be proud of!

This effort also included the bone marrow registry drive, and we at the INCGiving Show team are inspired by one of our own young sisters and her brave battle.

photo_2017-01-04_17-03-23 — #2: “Finding Refuge From the Fire” Alberta, Canada (Season 3 – Episode 7) Read the different posts here: Lac la biche outreach outreach more outreach helping Fort McMurray

Read the different posts here: Lac la biche outreach outreach more outreach helping ft mcmurray

View the full Feature here: YouTube or incmedia.org

The gist: Nearly 100,000 Canadians in Alberta were forced to leave their homes and belongings behind as wildfire spread to Fort McMurray and its surrounding areas. After, it was said to have destroyed more than 1,600 homes and buildings, and the calamity forced residents into evacuation homes and searching for shelter. But for nearly 70 members of the Church of Christ, they fled to God, and found refuge in the comfort of their brothers and sisters in the faith.

Why it made the list: This type of natural disaster is absolutely terrifying. Seeing the fire engulfing entire communities would make one do a double take, Certainly this cannot be happening? The blazes look too much like what is forewarned to happen on the day of judgment.

But these stories of survival and gratitude are real. And the effort to help victims is heart-warming and in high volume.

There’s real faith in action – from the reaction of the survivors to the efforts of the INCGiving volunteers to come to their aid.

photo_2017-01-04_17-03-20 — #1: “INCGiving Project Launched in South Dakota” (Season 3 –Episode 2)

Read the post here: incgiving.org

View the full Feature here: YouTube or incmedia.org

The gist: The INCGiving Project in South Dakota was launched on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near the Local Congregation of Scenic. Along with winter items, see how residents of Kyle, South Dakota received the words of God to warm their souls.

Why it made the list: All eyes have been on Scenic, South Dakota since 2011, when it made major news that the town was purchased by the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

The INCGiving Show got to deliver the beautiful news first of the first worship service and Bible studies held in Scenic, South Dakota earlier in 2016. The curiosity and excitement of the INC members was evident, this was the most shared and most watched episode in 2016.

We are inspired especially by the faith and intentions of volunteer Fred White who is working hard to do good in the town and neighboring towns of Scenic:

“Rural America knows nothing about the [Church of Christ]. So [INCGiving] is a great tool to propagate all over the world let alone in a rural area that can say yeah, we’re ranchers and farmers 20 miles from civilization and we know about the Church of Christ.” –Volunteer Fred White, Scenic, South Dakota

2016 has truly been a blessed year full of many milestones and accomplishments. For the first time INCGiving reached out to those in need in Milan, Italy. We partnered with more organizations to provide the volunteers. We appreciated many neighborhoods throughout North America.

As we move onward to further victories in 2017, we are grateful for all the INCGiving coordinators, volunteers and partnering organizations that help us each continue to do good to those who need it.

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

Thank You To My Teachers

As soon as I arrived at my school, I told all my invited teachers not to forget that it was Teachers Appreciation Day! After school, I got dressed in a clean uniform and I felt excited that I would be able to perform in front of my teachers. I went to the house of worship, where the event would be held, and I was surprised that Ms Gillooly, Ms. Balendran, Ms. Mac and Mrs. Cox were already there.

I went straight to them and warmly greeted my teachers. I saw people at the chapel gallery, while some were busy preparing the refreshments. Overall, it was a great place to be – everyone was smiling and teachers were entertained by the students. Finally, it was time to settle down because the program was about to start. I felt nervous and waited patiently with the other kids.

For the opening number, we sang the song ‘Never Turn Away’. I saw my teachers’ facial expressions, and they seemed happy and impressed with our performance. That gave me a feeling of relief and joy because we sang with all our hearts!

There were a few more songs performed by the older children. All were meaningful songs because they were taken from our Church music albums. I think it also helped that the lyrics were shown on the TV monitor because I could see teachers reading them at the same time. When we were not performing, we would either clap or dance along to the music. It was fun!

Another great part of the event was playing a game where we would guess some Filipino words that made it the Oxford Dictionary. The teachers watched a short video about these words that were flashed up along with their meanings. Whoever answered the correct Filipino terms would win an INCGiving bag! I was impressed by how attentive the teachers were during the game, kind of how we must look when they are teaching us!

“When Jordan invited me to Teacher Appreciation Day I was both humbled and honored. The confidence and dedication shown by the children as they performed was inspiring. It’s moments like these that remind me why I chose to go into teaching in the first place. Having an impact and making a difference in the lives of young people is what teaching is all about, and these children really did make me feel appreciated. What a special and worthwhile event! I can’t wait for next year!” – from Georgina, Teacher

For our finale number, we danced with excitement to the tune of ‘All Around The World’. Then, it was time to hand-out certificates to our teachers for helping us with our education. Before receiving the certificate, each student got to meet their teacher at the front and give them their very own ‘No.1 Teacher’ badge as a souvenir. Then, we had our pictures taken, and I think we all felt very proud that day! When the event was over, I was happy with myself that I was able to give something back to my teachers in my own special way.

Thanks to the Church and INCGiving for making it happen!

Contributed by: Jordan Sison, UK

Love For Our Teachers

It’s June and the school year was almost over. As many youngsters and students were already thinking of their summer plans and eagerly anticipating the upcoming months of sleepovers, no homework, and fun in the sun, it’s easy to overlook the staff and teachers who took care of our children for the last ten months. However, this was not the case for the Church of Christ, Iglesia Ni Cristo, in Winnipeg, Ecclesiastical District of Central Canada. Church members organized a Teacher’s Appreciation Day for the teachers, workers and school trustees for the different school divisions in Metro Winnipeg.

This was the very first event of its kind in this Region. And members from the Winnipeg congregations were eager to show their love and appreciation to the school teachers in attendance.

“Teachers were very important to me because they’ve allowed me to really change my community and help me shape my identity in a way where I can contribute,” says Renato Mamucud, from the Local Congregation of Winnipeg South who graduated with a Law degree from The University of Manitoba. “Teachers are one of the few kinds of people that kids see every day, that is a positive influence.”

The event featured food and entertainment, including musical performances by the children and youth of the local congregations of Winnipeg. Certificates and flowers were also given to the many teachers in attendance to show the heartfelt appreciation and gratitude the brethren had for them.

“It was just such a pleasure to be here! Just the fact that the kids wanted to include us in the event, it’s just very humbling!” says Lauree Kopetsky, a high school teacher from St. James Collegiate in Winnipeg.

When asked about his experience at the event, high school teacher Steve Halbert responded: “To be part of this was just very flattering, greatly appreciated. We had so many kids that come from families that are members of the Church. We are just very happy to be part of the festivities!”

Contributed by: Jeb Javier, Winnipeg, Canada

A Box Of Hope

One by one, I watched the students walk into the dimly lit room and one by one I watched them exit with an armful of snacks and smiles on their faces. The snack closet volunteer revealed that this school, located about a half hour outside of Oklahoma City, is one of many schools across the state that have a food pantry available for their children. For many of these children the only complete meal they eat is at school from the free lunch program making the weekends difficult and often uncertain when it comes to food. Teachers identify students that come to school hungry and they are given items from the food pantry before they are sent home over the weekend.

This was my first exposure to the rural Oklahoma school system and it seemed a world away from Oklahoma City, the state’s capital where I lived for over half of my life. It presented me with two new understandings about the state: these are the farms that people picture when they think of Oklahoma and poverty is a very real problem even for the very young.

As I played through in my mind the cycle of poverty and hunger considered normal for these children, I found that one piece of the cycle was still a little unclear: a source. Perusing past the snack closet, “The Regional Food Bank” was posted across each box. I looked it up. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma website boasted:

They are the largest non-profit food bank in Oklahoma,
They have over twelve hundred feeding programs across the state from homeless shelters, soup kitchens, to school food pantries much like the one I was at.

Everything started making more sense and ironically our local was set to volunteer at the food bank a few Saturdays later. The murky waters of this food supply was being unearthed and quickly brought into the light.

Early on a Saturday morning, I rolled out of bed clad in my INCGiving shirt and closed-toed shoes ready for the unknown. The information we received in our emails said we’d be “bagging and boxing food.” Upon arriving, I checked in our local congregation for our shift and geared up for our station. After a demonstration from one of the coordinators we took off sorting crates of donations, boxing, weighing, labelling.

Our group was definitely the loudest of the hundreds of other volunteers and groups there that Saturday. How, you ask? How can you be loud in an assembly line of bagging and boxing? Our station was filled with laughter, chatter and smiles. The spirit of brotherly love shining through the early Saturday morning fatigue and the local congregation united for a cause that was close to the community, close to home, and close to my heart.

The recurring theme throughout the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the various programs they lead is “Fighting Hunger…Feeding Hope.” I have heard about the Regional Food Bank, I have seen their posters, I have even volunteered previously; but this year I had the opportunity to see the direct line of who these efforts are helping. It’s more than a tray of cookies or a box of cereal. It really is hope. In that same hope I have a new-found trust in something I cannot see. It is with that hope united with faith and love that we continue to reach out, an endeavor that is always guided by the Church Administration. I can only hope to be an instrument in good works to shine as a light anywhere, from the “big” city buzz to even the slower-paced regions like here in rural Oklahoma.

Contributed by Sharron Vaughn, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma