SF Post INC Centennial Special Supplement
Transcription
SF Post INC Centennial Special Supplement
WWW.SF-POST.COM The San Francisco Post Special Supplement July 10, 2014 - July 16, 2014 CENTENNIAL GREETINGS TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO Praise be unto God Iglesia Ni Cristo PAGE 2 July 10, 2014 SF POST SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Brother Felix Y Manalo God’s Messenger in these Last Days O n May 10, 1886 Mariano Ysagun and Bonifacia Manalo was blessed with a child whom they named as Felix Y Manalo. His name literally means “happy victor.” As he was growing up, he apprenticed in a photography studio owned by his uncle Manuel Manalo in Manila. At 14 years of age he began the interest of reading the bible and several years after joined the Methodist Church. When he entered the Methodist Theological Seminary he became one of the youngest pastor at age 18. In his pursuit of truth he eventually joined the Presbyterian Church. As he learned the doctrines of the church, he left the Presbyterian Church and joined Misyon Kristiyana and was designated as an evangelist. Later on he joined the Seventh Day Adventist. In May of 1913, Brother Felix married Honorata de Guzman. In November of the same year, for three days and three nights he stayed in his room and studied the words of God. He then began preaching about the Iglesia Ni Cristo at the Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Compound in Punta Sta Ana, Manila. His preaching bore fruits and conducted the first baptism in Pasig River and conducted the first worship service at the residence of Engracia and Apolinario Ramos. On July 27, 1914, he officially registered the Iglesia Ni Cristo in the Philippines concurrent with the outbreak of World War 1. Earlier that year saw the birth of his first child and named her Pilar (who eventually became the first choir directress of the Church). He then established the local congregations of Punta, Sta Ana and Tipas. The Iglesia Ni Cristo proceeded then with a lot of firsts. The first Iglesia Ni Cristo main office was established at Deodato St, Tondo, Manila. The first propagation missions were held in the province of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Pampanga. The first house of worship was built at Gabriela St, Tondo and was made of bamboo, sawali and pawid or cogon. The first Children’s Worship Service was conducted with an easy question and answer method. He also instituted the first committee prayer for Iglesia Ni Cristo household. He was also the first editor-in-chief of the Pasugo publication. On January 2, 1925, the fifth child was born and was named Erano G Manalo and was eventually elected as successor to Brother Felix Y Manalo. During all those years, he made pastoral visitations all over the country and formed several ecclesiastical districts. The second ecclesiastical district of the Church was launched Tarlac and in 1928, he established the third ecclesiastical district in Laguna. IN 1948, the first concrete worship building of the Church in the local congregation of Washington, Sampaloc, Manila was dedicated to God. The Church continued to construct concrete and large houses of worship with the unique architectural design, which he himself conceptualized. In October 31, 1955 gave birth to the eldest son of Brother Erano and Brother Felix’s grandson Eduardo. On his sickbed, Brother Felix sent for his grandson, Brother Eduardo, and placed his hands over the child’s head and blessed him in front of several witnesses. Before he passed away, he approved and instructed the plan to build the worship building of Bago Bantay in Quezon City, Philippines. He also established the Buklod organization which are the married members of the Church. Brother Felix Y Manalo passed away on April 12, 1963. Brother Erano G Manalo Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo April 12, 1963 – August 31, 2009 B orn on January 2, 1925 to Brother Felix Y. Manalo, the messenger of God in these last days, and Sister Honorata de Guzman-Manalo, Brother Erano G. Manalo was their fifth child and their third son. Each of Brother Felix’s children had a special significance to their name. For Bro. Erano, who was born after New Year’s day, his name was a play on words “new era”. His name was a first to its kind and eventually became unique to children who were named after him by parents who are members of the Iglesia nI Cristo, especially if the child was also born on the 2nd of January. His older siblings were Sister Pilar and Avelina, and Bro. Dominador and Salvador. His youngest sibling is Brother Bienvenido. As a young boy, Brother Erano loved to read with his father, and hence was introduced to the Holy Bible at an early age. This love of reading and of knowledge was something he would carry with him as he grew older. He received elementary education in San Juan, Metro Manila, starting school at six years of age. He also completed high school at the same institution. Once, Brother Erano aspired to become a lawyer, and entered a university in Manila to pursue his studies. However, he ultimately sacrificed that dream to join the ministry, and was ordained a minister of the gospel at the age of 22, by Brother Felix himself, on the 10th of May, 1947. Brother Felix Manalo had trained Brother Erano as a public speaker and debater, once introducing him before a bible exposition saying, “Ang susunod na magsasalita ay mas mahusay pa sa akin (The one who will speak after me is more skilled than I am.)”. Even after Brother Felix Manalo passed away, Brother Erano, his mother and his siblings remained very close. Not only did they dearly love Brother Erano as family, but furthermore greatly honored calling passed on to him by Brother Felix. They sought his advice and consulted him for guidance especially in matters concerning the church. Brother Erano G. Manalo married Sister Cristina A. Villanueva on the 17th of January, 1955. They had six children, Brother Eduardo, Sister Lolita, Erlinda, and Liberty, and Brother Felix Nathaniel II and Marco Erano. Brother Erano’s nurturing and loving nature was clearly felt by each member of his family, down to his children-in-law and every single grandchild. He knew each one very well, imparting lessons and values to them both directly and indirectly. Brother Erano’s surviving family are firmly convinced it is God’s blessing that they were among those able to witness first-hand how guided the Executive Minister was by our Almighty God in his actions and decisions. On the 18th of January, 1953, Brother Felix Manalo called a meeting of INC District Ministers (Then also called Division Ministers). Brother Erano then the Church General treasurer, was elected Brother Felix eventual successor to the office of Executive Minister. He also was appointed District Minister of Manila a few years prior to the passing of Brother Felix Manalo on the 12th of April, 1963. After the interment eleven days later, Brother Erano G. Manalo assumed the duty of Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni cristo. Throughout the 46 years of Bro. Erano G. Manalo’s leadership, the INC saw the membership continuously grow in number, the proliferation of its houses of worship, and its expansion in six continents of the globe. The Executive Minister built on the own legacy of Brother Felix by formalizing the education of ministerial students and continuing to refine church procedures as the number of brethren flourished. Under the same divine guidance, he wrote not only lectures and worship services but also books. Among these were the compilation of lessons taught to bible students regarding fundamental beliefs of the church. He also wrote the official ceremony for marriage in the INC, first implemented on the wedding day of his eldest son, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. The executive Minister also wrote “And mabuting kawal ni Cristo”, a guide with biblical verses intended for ministers of the Gospel and “Ang Salita ng Diyos: Ang tanging Lunas”, for the edification of church members—these two books were made into audio CD’s with verse reading and original hymns, in 2003. He was the inspirational force behind the Church administration’s projects utilizing technology in reaching out to members and nonmembers alike. But then on the 31st of August, 2009, National Heroes Day in the Philippines, Brother Erano passed away at the age of 84. Despite the grief that we, brethren in the Church of Christ, it is indeed a fitting date to remember, since to all of us, he is more than a hero. Brother Erano dedicated his long and blessed life to carrying on the divine mission of the messenger of God in these last days, caring for the entire Iglesia ni Cristo in serving our Almighty God. Pasugo Sep 2009 Issue Brother Eduardo V Manalo Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo B rother Eduardo Villanueva Manalo was born in Manila, Philippines on October 31, 1955. He is the eldest son of Brother Eraño G. Manalo, who was Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) from 1963 to 2009 and of Sister Christina Villanueva. It was his grandfather, Brother Felix Y. Manalo, the Sugo or God’s Messenger in these last days, who named him “Eduardo,” which means “guardian.” As witnesses recounted Brother Felix was already on his sick bed when one day he sent for his grandson, “Eddie,” who was barely seven years old and at the time, was playing in the yard. When Eddie entered the room, Brother Felix asked his grandson to kneel, and then he placed his hands over the child’s head and blessed him. Afterwards, he had his grandson rise and allowed him to return outside to play. He held the office of row leader in the children’s worship service (CWS) before he began attending classes CWS Teachers under Brother Benjamin Santiago Sr., a senior minister of the gospel. Inheriting the Sugo’s passion for photography, he would contribute pictures for the Pasugo, the Church’s official magazine, and at age 16 began submitting articles to it, the first of which was titled “Ang Mga Kagutom, ang Bagyo, at Sumpa” (“The Famines,the Storm, and the Curse,” September 1972). Having a natural love for books, he started his own library, most notable being his still-growing collection of Bibles, since Brother Eraño once told him, “The best collection that a Minister should have is a collection of Bibles.” It was the wish of the Sugo for Brother Eduardo to study philosophy in college and so he majored in it as an undergraduate and continued studying it at the graduate level, both at the University of the Philippines– Diliman, Quezon City. As an undergraduate, he joined the UP Christian Brotherhood (UPCB), the Church’s official student organization for the brethren enrolled in UP. He became its vice president for external affairs prior to becoming its president in his sophomore year. While pursuing his undergraduate studies in UP, he undertook his ministerial studies at the Evangelical College (EVCO), where in a single academic year, he completed courses for both the fourth and fifth years of the program. He graduated from UP in 1978, and from EVCO in 1980. After graduating from EVCO, Brother Eduardo’s first area of assignment was in the local congregation of Cubao in Quezon City whose pastor at the time was Brother Cesar Pedrozo. Brother Eduardo was ordained as a minister on May 9, 1980 at the Iglesia ni Cristo house of worship in Tondo, Manila. After a week of being assigned to the local congregation of Project 4, he was assigned as a Instructor of Evangelical Studies and as Assistant Dean of EVCO. He would bring along evangelical students from outside the Philippines, like Brothers Steven Kroll and Edward Maranan, to different provinces, especially in propagating God’s words, to supplement their experiences in the ministry. He was also assigned by Brother Eraño to host a religious radio program in DZEC and to be one of the first panelists on the TV program Ang Iglesia Ni Cristo. As a panelist, he would receive advice and constant guidance from Brother Erano G Manalo, which he would also share with his students. In 1984, Brother Eduardo was designated as a Coordinator at the Metro Manila Office of the Church, where he served with pioneering ministers, such as Brothers Benjamin Santiago Sr., Aniceto Bunag Sr., and Pedro Almedina. He was also involved in numerous projects, the most notable being Project Tambalan, which was initiated for the Sugo’s Centennial. In order to document the worship services being officiated by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo initiated the use of sound and video facilities. He also founded theSociety of Communicators and Networkers (SCAN) for brethren with a common interest in radio communication. Because the internet was technically non-existent in the Philippines during that time, he began and maintained a popular Bulletin Board System (BBS) and further developed his skills in computer programming. He organized the Data and Network Management (DNM), which allowed computerization of the entire Central Office. He also sponsored Internet seminars for ministers in various ecclesiastical districts of the Church. A day after Eduardo was elected unanimously by the Church’s Executive Council, he was sworn in as Deputy Executive Minister by Brother Eraño on May 7, 1994. That blessed and historic occasion was witnessed by brethren all over the world by means of video conferencing technology. In 1994, he was entrusted by the Executive Minister with the historic task of registering the church officially in Rome, Italy. Two years later, he along with 11 ministers, joined Brother Eraño in restoring the Church in Jerusalem, Israel and In 1997 visit to Athens, Greece. In 1998, he was tasked to make a pastoral visit to the United States, specifically in the states of Hawaii and California, for the 30th anniversary of the Church of Christ’s establishment in the West. In the year 2000, Brother Eraño once again sent Brother Eduardo on a pastoral visit to 10 US states and Washington, D.C. in 2006, he was sent by the Executive Minister to visit brethren in countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Brother Eduardo met his wife, Sister Lynn Ventura, when as a minister, he officiated a committee prayer of the UPCB. They were married on January 2, 1982, the 57th birthday of the Executive Minister. That was also the year when Brother Eraño devised the “Gabay sa Pagkakasal,” a minister’s manual in counseling couples to be married and in solemnizing the wedding service. Brother Eduardo and Sister Lynn molded their children early in their youth to value Church offices which, up to now they fulfill faithfully. Their three children began studies at New Era University (NEU) before entering at University of the Philippines. Sister Dorothy Kristine graduated at UP with Bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Law and has been teaching at NEU since 2005. She took and passed the Board Exam in 2006 and is currently head of the Church Legal Department. She is married to Brother Theoben Jerdana Oroza, a lawyer and son of Brother Dan V Orosa. Sister Gemma Minna, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and in Choral Conducting. She was a music teacher at the New Era University and is currently Over-All Choir Directress of the Church. She is married to Brother Antonio “Jojo” de Guzman, a Harvard graduate and a Minister of the Gospel. The youngest sibling is Brother Angelo Eraño and the only son of Brother Eduardo. He was ordained Minister of the Gospel in January 2011 in Tondo, Manila and has major studies in European Languages. He got married to Sister Janica Mae Mangunay on September 7, 2013 while Brother Eduardo was doing Pastoral Visitations in the United States and Canada. He is currently President of Christian Era Broadcasting Services Incorporated or CEBSI and is the Over-All adviser for the Christian Family Organizations. Now on his fifth year as Executive Minister he is described by elder ministers as humble as he has always been respectful of others ministers, especially those older than he. To Brother Eduardo, most prominent among the many advices his father imparted to him is to have selfless love and concern for the Church. For this reason, he has also been described as “compassionate” and a “good listener,” although very firm and meticulous in implementing Church rules and discipline. Now that the mantle of over-all Church administrations rests on Brother Eduardo, he has untiringly led all of us to fight for our faith and to always seek the help of our Father in Heaven through our Lord Jesus Christ. Iglesia Ni Cristo SF POST SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PAGE 3 July 10, 2014 Iglesia Ni Cristo PAGE 4 July 10, 2014 SF POST SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT A project conceived by Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, Executive Minister of the Iglesia NI Cristo (Church of Christ) Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko (My Countrymen, My Brethren) was launched in Tondo, Manila, Philippines last April 13, 2013. In his pastoral letter, he stated: “It is important that we inform our own countrymen that the Church Of Christ has the true brotherhood.” The message resonated to the whole church all over the world. He admonished the brethren to further propagate the faith and share the message of salvation to all humanity, especially to their countrymen. With a biblical passage, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39 NIV), the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo made a positive response to this Church endeavor and a lot volunteer their precious time and effort in extending help to people regardless of their religious affiliation. Armed with the mandate from the Executive Minister and with Divine Intervention, Brother Glicerio B Santos, Jr, Auditor General of the Iglesia Ni Cristo and Director of the FYM Foundation, incorporated immediately went into work and mobilized the entire Church in extending a helping hands not only to members of the Church but to all needy. The activity is now held regularly in different parts of the world. Kabayan Ko Kapatid Ko made its presence felt in the United States when parts of New York and New Jersey was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. On November 20, 2012, Brother Glicerio B Santos, Jr., more popularly known in the Church as Ka Jun Santos or Brother Jun, led members of the Church in the East Coast to provide gift bags to homeless people as well as those who suffered. The Church donated $50,000 to the New York Police Department Foundation, Inc; $50,000 to the New York Fire Department Foundation, Inc. and another $50,000 to two other hospitals in New York. This was all held in the middle of the busy Times Square, New York. He also led the brethren in the Southern Midwest to help those devastated by EF5 rated tornado in Moore, Oklahoma on June 22, 2013. The Church provided again relief bags and presented a $50,000 each for the Fire Department, Police Department and the Office of Mayor plus 250 IPads for 2 other schools. The Church continues to reach out to our fellowmen in the United States even without disaster. Kabayan Ko Kapatid Ko was also instrumental in introducing the Church, its beliefs and doctrines to the residents of California as they hold their My Countrymen, My Brethren in the City of Mountain View with about 20,000 in attendance and then in StubHub Center in Carson City. Similar activities were also held in the City of Oxnard and Milpitas City. The mission was also held at the Tacoma Dome, Seattle Washington. All participants to the events were introduced to the Church and receive gift bags as a token of appreciation for their participation. In other parts of the world, Kabayan Ko Kapatid Ko was similarly held in Europe particularly in Milan, Italy and in the seat of the Roman Catholicism in Rome, Italy. In the Australian Oceania region, the activity was held at Bundaberg, Queensland Australia. In La Romana, Dominican Republic while in the Asia Pacific region was at Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia on and very recently in Hong Kong, China on June 2, 2014 held at the Kowloon Bay Trade and Exhibit Centre with an estimated 9,000 people in attendance. In the Philippines were a more elaborate Medical and Dental Mission is held by the Iglesia Ni Cristo, millions and millions of people have been invited and benefited to the outreach programs. Through the project “Abundant Fruit Bearing,” many of the invited guests as well as beneficiaries of Kabayan Ko Kapatid Ko have enlisted as bible students. The historic number of bible students have soared to new heights and Church membership have drastically and dramatically increased. In the website of Kabayan Ko Kapatid Ko (kabayankokapatidko.org) the number of people who have thus participated in this activity are as follows: In Davao is about 2,500,00 people; in Bulacan is about 2,150,000 people; in the province of Albay is about 1,600,000 people; in Laguna about 1,500,000 people and in La Union and in Batangas was about 1,400,000 people. The website also serves as a resource for all who are interested in learning about the humanitarian project of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Every time you asked about the unprecedented growth of the Iglesia Ni Cristo through Kabayan Ko Kapatid Ko, Ka Jun Santos will echo what Brother Eduardo V Manalo have been preaching; “ THIS IS A WORK OF GOD. THE PARADE OF VICTORY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS ALL FOR THE GLORY OF OUR ALMIGHTY GOD.” ccd SIX GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS MOST NUMBER OF DENTAL HEALTH CHECK Held on July 7, 2012 at Parola, Tondo, Manila Guinness adjudicator Tarika Vara certified the feat at the close of Iglesia Ni Cristo’s Lingap Sa Mamamayan with 4,128 beneficiaries. MOST NUMBER OF BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS IN EIGHT HOURS On that same occasion Guinness also announced a record of 8,026 BP readings beating the record previously held by Kuwait Heart Foundation MOST NUMBER OF BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL TESTS IN EIGHT HOURS The third record achieved by the Iglesia NI Cristo on the same date and on the same location registering a whopping 3,573 beating the record set forth by Novo Nordisk Education Foundation in Bangalore, India LARGEST CHARITY WALK IN A SINGLE VENUE Achieved during the launch of the Iglesia Ni Cristo Worldwide Walk for those affected by Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan which was held in Manila, Philippines that was partici- pated in by 175,409 members on February 15, 2014 LARGEST CHARITY WALK IN 24 HOURS MULTIPLE VENUES Held on the same date, the feat was staged in 55 different sites worldwide with 34 in the United States; 10 in Australia and New Zealand; 6 in Europe and 5 in Asia and all over the Philippines with 519,521 participants as attested by Guinness adjudicator Kirsty Bennet THE MOST NUMBER OF HUNGER-RELIEF PACKS DISTRIBUTED IN EIGHT HOURS ON A SINGLE VENUE This was achieved on February 22, 2014 at Barrio Maligaya, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines confirmed by Guinness adjudicator Seyda Subasi-Gemici with 302,311 hunger relief packs distributed in the Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko event Iglesia Ni Cristo PAGE 5 July 10, 2014 SF POST SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Iglesia Ni Cristo Building Landmarks All Over the World All for the Glory of God A few days from now the most ambitious, the most biggest and the grandest construction project of the Iglesia Ni Cristo will open its doors to the world. The US$213 Million (P9.2 Billion) Philippine Arena will be inaugurated in time for the Church’s Centennial Anniversary on July 27, 2014. With a capacity of 55,000, it is considered the world’s largest indoor arena located in Ciudad de Victoria in the municipality of Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines. The Philippine Arena is situated on a 75-hectare tourism mecca that will also feature the EGM Medical Center ( Erano G Manalo), the Bocaue Campus of the New Era University which will have columns of school buildings and the Philippine Sports Complex and Stadium with the latter being readied for use on the Church’s momentous occasion. The Arena was architecturally designed by Populous, structurally designed by Buro Happold and constructed by Hanwha Engineering and Construction. During its groundbreaking ceremony held last August 17, 2011 Brother Eduardo V Manalo, Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo said that the Arena will be available for use to everyone including non-members and to the international community. He added that the Philippine Arena was built for the Church’s Centennial Anniversary and more importantly “ For the Glory of God, In Honor of our Country and for the benefit of humanity.” But the Church did not just build the Philippine Arena. They continued to shepherd the flock and went on building houses of worship in the belief that building the House of God will give Glory to his Holy Name. In fact prior to building the Arena, the Iglesia Ni Cristo Engineering and Construction Department has 642 houses of worship built and dedicated to God for the first decade of the new millennium. A total of 98 houses of worship was built just in the year 2009 alone. In the first two quarter of year 2013 more than 70 houses of worship have been dedicated to God. This does not include those built outside the Philippines. The Iglesia Ni Cristo have been relentless. It is their belief that building houses of worship is for everyone. To prove this, in Santo Tomas, Eastern Pangasinan, Philippines the only 5th and lowest class municipality and the smallest town in that part of the province of Pangasinan it has the biggest structure of the Iglesia Ni Cristo as non-members look in awe at its splendor and its magnificence. In Quezon City were you will find the Iglesia Ni Cristo Central Temple which was built in 1984 has remained the biggest place of worship in the Philippines as it can accommodate at least 11,000 people. It recently upgraded to a 3,162 pipe organ to enhance the sound during the singing of hyms in their worship services. Looking around you will find the on going construction of the Eduardo V Manalo Convention Center and the renovation of the bigger and better INC Museum. They recently dedicated to God the 8th level Pilar Manalo Danao Multimedia Center in honor of her 100th birthday last March 10, 2014. It has 2 basement and has 200 rooms intended for all the artistic works of the church. The state of the art building houses the INC Music Department. Also, recently dedicated was the Eagle Broadcasting Corporation Building, the College of Evangelical Ministry Building and the 5 level parking inside the compound. Go further north and you will find the year old Commonwealth chapel and the soon to be dedicated Capitol house of worship. Outside the Philippines in North America which comprises Canada and the United States the Iglesia Ni Cristo has 323 locations 36 of which is in Northern California while 40 is in Southern California. In Europe there are a total of 122 local congregations of which 36 are in the United Kingdom. The Iglesia Ni Cristo have 93 locals in Asia and 77 locations in Australia and Oceania. A lot of the Church abroad were historic churches that was renovated and rebuilt by the Church. As friends and acquaintances asks me, is the Iglesia Ni Cristo rich? My usual answer to the question is in the negative. I just tell them that we have a Church Administration all the way from Brother Felix Y Manalo to Brother Erano G Manalo and to the present Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V Manalo that has always showed genuine love and edifying the brethren and manifesting the handiwork of God. The Iglesia Ni Cristo and its numerous worship buildings all over the world is the testament of its enduring commitment to fulfill God’s purpose in calling His people: To honor and praise His name. Indeed this sacred edifices, this houses of worship are built – and will be built continuously for the noblest purpose: “And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.” (II Chr. 2:5, ibid). The Iglesia Ni Cristo. Building Landmarks all over the World All for the Glory of God. PAGE 6 July 10, 2014 Iglesia Ni Cristo SF POST SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17) have acknowledged the contributions of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in California. On June 7, 2014 he stood on the floor of the United States Congress and extended his greetings to all the members of the Church worldwide. Congressman Honda has San Jose, Milpitas and Fremont congregations under his congressional district. The link to the Congressman’s Extension of Remarks (EOR), as it is placed in the Congressional Record: http://beta.congress.gov/crec/2014/06/02/CREC-2014-06-02-pt1PgE901-3.pdf Assemblymember Rob Bonta, the first Filipino American elected on the California State Assembly have sent his greetings to all the Iglesia Ni Cristo members especially those from Alameda, Oakland & San Leandro. Third District County Supervisor Dave Cortese of Santa Clara County have greeted and sent a plaque of commendation honoring the 100 years of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Iglesia Ni Cristo SF POST SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PAGE 7 July 10, 2014 In the City of San Jose, California (Capital of Silicon Valley) Mayor Chuck Reed and Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen and the whole City Council commended the Iglesia Ni Cristo and the leadership of their Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V Manalo. Receiving the award are Minister of the Gospel Noel Gasmen and IC Cruz, Head Deacons Brian Avery, Menar Adriano and Abe Gorgonio. This pic was taken at the Office of Mayor Michael Sweeney of Hayward extending his Centennial greetings commending the officers of Hayward headed by their Resident Minister Ronald Carlos. Filipino American Mayor Jose Esteves of Milpitas has declared Iglesia Ni Cristo day in the recent City council meeting held inside Milpitas City Hall. Receiving the plaque and proclamation is Ramil Cortez and Ehmir Mora both are Head Deacons of the local. Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith who recently reached out and visited the Iglesia NI Cristo in San Jose on their Evangelical Mission has commended the Iglesia Ni Cristo on their Centennial anniversary. She is scheduled to present the award next week. Iglesia Ni Cristo PAGE 8 July 10, 2014 SF POST SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT The Light Of Salvation and the Christian Family Organization in fruits and thus doubled the number of believers during the first decade of the new millennium. Today, as the Church reaches its 100th year, Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo has intensified the mission tenfold as he initiates extensive Pastoral visitation from the far flung countryside of the Philippines to all the four corners of the globe. He recently launched the Project: “Abundant Fruit Bearing (Masaganang Pagbubunga)” aimed to further strengthen the missionary work. E very member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo is a part of the Christian Family Organization as well as the Light of Salvation. Both are institutions meant to safeguard the members and ensure that on the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, all will be worthy to receive eternal life in heaven. Prior to the official establishment of the Church on July 27, 1914, the Iglesia Ni Cristo has embarked on a mission to evangelize and propagate the true words of God. The late Brother Felix Y Manalo, the messenger of God in these last days has spent his entire life in leading the entire Church on this undertaking. He has dedicated his life and traveled all over the country to disseminate to each and everyone the message of salvation. He encourage all members to participate and help in this gargantuan task of missionizing and be a part of the Light of Salvation. Even the late Brother Erano G. Manalo has echoed this and started to propagate overseas. He personally saw to it that this mission of salvation has to continue. His untiring effort resulted they are normally at the ages between 11 to 18 years old. The importance of the Christian Family Organizations in the role of propagation and edification was mirrored by Brother Eduardo V. Manalo has he always given emphasis to the future leaders of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in the Kadiwa and Binhi organization in most of his homily. He recently placed his only son, Brother Angelo Erano V. Manalo, a minister of the Gospel to oversee the activities of the Buklod, Kadiwa and Binhi. To edify the members of the Church and a year before he passed away, Brother Felix Y. Mana- To date, Brother Angelo Erano has provided the lo established the Christian Family Organiza- Christian Family Organization the kind of leadertion. In December of 1962, he established the ship that provides additional vigor and strength, Buklod organization. Buklod is an organization spiritual inspiration with an unparalleled work within the church for married members. Buklod ethic, which he learned from his father. All of serve as another layer of spiritual overseers to this is for the Glory of God. assists the ministers and church workers as well BEST WISHES ON THE 100TH YEAR OF as church officials to THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO edify the members and their participation to all the Church activities launch by the Church Administration. In 1973, Brother Erano G. Manalo established the Kadiwa and Binhi organization completing the Christian Family Organization of the Church. The Kadiwa are church members who are single and not married that are 18 years of age or older. On the other hand, the Binhi are comprised of the younger members who have been baptized inside the Church and Greetings from… Edna Navarro of Oak Hill Memorial Park (408) 794-9336 ednaplansfuneral.blogspot.com/ Which direction would you turn tomorrow… If you lost your loved one today? Savings? Loans? Friends? Church donations? Can life insurance make the many decisions at time of death?