police appreciation – INC Giving Project

Recognizing Local Heroes

In the early morning of July 2nd, the officers and brethren of the Local Congregation of Christchurch, New Zealand are gathered in the parking lot of the house of worship, currently, in its last stage of construction.

At around 9am, Constable Li’Ying Cai, a New Zealand Police Officer, pulled up into the parking lot. She was greeted with the smiles and cards of the members of the Children’s Worship Service. She accepted the cards wholeheartedly and stated that she would also give them to her colleagues who were not able to come because of another assignment on that day.

She sat and listened to the Introduction to the Church Of Christ, listened to the Storybots – Police Officer song, and then, gave a short talk about safety. After her visit, she brought back to the police station some gifts of appreciation, given to her and her colleagues for their work as police officers.

After she left, the brethren waited intently for the coming of the Fire Fighters. They were delayed in their arrival because of two emergencies that they needed to attend to first. But as the fire truck turned the corner, the brethren began to smile. As the truck backed into the parking lot and came to a stop, the children immediately went and greeted the firemen as they came down from the truck. They gave them their cards and said their thanks to the firemen.

They too listened intently to the Introduction of the Church Of Christ, as they sang the Storybots – Firefighter song. Then they gave a short talk about safety and using fire alarms. Afterwards, they were presented Gift Hampers by the Local Congregation, and in return, they gave the children a tour of the fire truck and let them come on board.

They educated the children on what firefighters do. The firefighters took their time, staying to talk to the brethren and taking pictures until they had to go. They thanked the members of the Church Of Christ for appreciating their efforts. Just like the police officer before them, they were invited to the chapel dedication and other events of the Church.

It was a truly blessed day for all. A day to remember as the members of the Church of Christ in Christchurch, New Zealand were able to give to those who risk their lives to take care of them. We thank the Lord God and the Lord Jesus Christ for blessing us with success in this endeavor. We also thank the Church Administration, through the leadership of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, for approving this activity, which strengthened the bond between the members and the community.

Contributed by: The Local Congregation of Christchurch, New Zealand

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: INC of North Atlanta Honor Policemen of Gwinnett County

In a time where the media sensationalizes crime and is full of anti-police messaging, the members of the Church of Christ in the Gwinnett County area of Georgia took time to appreciate those that keep our community safe and secure.

Approximately 43 INCGiving volunteers of all ages from the North Atlanta Congregation visited the West Precinct of the Gwinnett County Police Department. Their purpose was to show care and concern for real-life heroes.

It took several days of intense preparation and prayer before presenting the final gifts to the precinct. The children in the congregation spent hours hand-writing and drawing ‘thank you’ cards to give to each officer. The older brethren and parents also put together over 90 goodie bags full of healthy snacks preferred by the police force. The brethren took these tokens of appreciation, along with a special certificate of recognition, to present to the officers in the West Precinct.

Upon their arrival, the precinct station manager and Crime Prevention Sergeant Greene met them. These two were surprised by the overflow of smiles, handshakes, and even hugs as the brethren eagerly greeted them. After a quick set up of the INCGiving goodie bags and several group pictures and selfies with Sgt. Greene, the brethren were surprised to hear that the officers were also excited to be visited!

Sgt. Greene then took all the brethren on an informative tour of the station, educating the awed children on the many aspects of keeping the community safe.

The big moment arrived when the day and evening shifts began to transition. The volunteers were again delighted to witness the shift role call that prepared all the officers for their assignments for the evening. They were able to see firsthand the great importance these officers gave to keeping the public safe.

Near the end, Brother Edgar Caba was introduced as the minister assigned in North Atlanta. Along with the other INCGiving coordinators, he introduced the officers of the Church and the purpose of the visit – to show sincere appreciation for the men and women who put their lives on the line to ensure our safety.

The children then gave each officer their goodie bag, shyly at first, but then the officers opened up to the children making them feel comfortable and laugh. As the officers met with the brethren, who continuously thanked the precinct for all that they do, they learned more about the local congregation and its different INCGiving activities in the community. In fact, the brethren were visiting the exact precinct that would be responding in the event of an emergency at the place of worship.

Although the visit lasted a little over an hour, the INCGiving volunteers continued to show their appreciation and enthusiasm – practicing a reflection of the INCGiving Project’s motto to “whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it”.

The most rewarding part of it all, however, was to see the smiles on the officers’ faces as met with the brethren, hugged the children, and once again headed out on their duty – to protect and serve the community.
Contributed By: Brother Phillip Toledo – Local Congregation of North Atlanta, Georgia, Ecclesiastical District of Southeastern Seaboard

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.