INC to hold evangelical mission in Pasay today

MANILA, Philippines - The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) will be holding a special worship service and relief and medical mission today at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City, in commemoration of the first anniversary of its evangelical and relief mission dubbed “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko” or “My Countrymen, My Brethren.”

Tens of thousands are expected to attend the event that will start at 6 a.m. The event also serves as one of the pre-centennial activities of the Church which will be celebrating its 100th anniversary on July 27.

A “Lingap sa Mamamayan” or medical-dental and relief mission will follow shortly after the worship gathering. Bags of goods will be distributed to INC members and non-members alike.

There will also be a photo exhibit showcasing the activities of the Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko.

The project was launched by INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo on April 13, 2013 at the P. Guevarra Elementary School in Binondo, Manila. Since then, the activity was done almost weekly, reaching out to millions of people who benefited from the event that features relief distribution, a medical and dental mission, as well as an evangelical mission. 

INC general auditor minister Glicerio Santos, Jr., said the project, which aims to “extend brotherly love and care for all,” is spearheaded by the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, INC’s charitable arm. 

To date, the Kabayan Ko Kapatid Ko program has been conducted all over the Philippines, as well as in other countries, earning the admiration of local officials here and abroad.

The website www.kabayankokapatidko.org was unveiled to formally introduce to the world the outreach project’s mission, vision and activities.

It features the highlights of the Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko humanitarian mission and other programs of the INC.

Photos and videos of outreach activities can also be found in the site’s homepage.

Even before the launch of Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko, the INC stressed that relief-giving and medical and dental missions had been done by the Church not only in the Philippines, but also in different parts of the world, in accordance with biblical teachings.

This was done through the Lingap sa Mamamayan or Aid for Humanity project, as part of the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s socio-civic activities and in its effort to extend a helping hand to those in need, especially during times of calamities and natural disasters.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo had also conducted relief missions abroad, such as those held in the aftermath of the quake in Japan in March 2011, Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey in October 2012, the floods in Bundaberg, Australia in early 2013 and the series of tornadoes that hit Oklahoma in June last year.