.5M flock to MOA for Iglesia fete

MANILA, Philippines—Nearly half a million people gathered at the open grounds of the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City on April 26 to mark the first anniversary of the “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko” (My Countrymen, My Brethren) project of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

It was one year ago that INC Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo launched the project aimed at reaching more people worldwide not only by helping with their material needs, but also by preaching to them the “truth” about salvation as written in the Bible.

Propitious, providential

The project combined the INC’s evangelical mission called GEM or “Pamamahayag” with its regular charitable activity which is a medical-dental and relief mission known as “Lingap sa Mamamayan” (Aid to Humanity).

The INC is celebrating its centennial on July 27 this year.

The idea of combining the two INC activities proved propitious, providential even, the organizers said.

From an initial 10,000 who heard the “message of salvation” in the first “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko” on April 13, 2013, at the Pedro Guevarra Elementary School in Binondo, Manila, the number of people who have heard God’s words through the undertaking has reached 50 million worldwide.

This was announced by Manalo in his homily to INC members and their guests at the MOA grounds on Saturday.

From that initial mission, the project gathered momentum and spread to 65 sites around the world in just one year, according to INC general auditor Minister Glicerio B. Santos Jr.

Last Saturday, 150,000 “goodwill bags” were distributed by the church through its charitable arm, the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation Inc., which spearheads every “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko” campaign.

A medical-dental mission was held simultaneously with some 150 doctors, 90 nurses and 60 dentists rendering their services for free.

Santos said that in May, “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko” will be conducted at 11 more sites, including one abroad. These are in Iloilo, Palawan, Pangasinan, Davao, Samar, Bataan, Oriental Mindoro, Bacolod, Nueva Ecija, Calamian and abroad in Hong Kong.

He said that this year, to mark the INC’s centennial, the church is intensifying its propagation activities as it believes that it is racing against time to have the true gospel preached in all parts of the globe “before judgment day.”—Donna Cueto/Contributor