While others were busy preparing for the celebration of their Christmas, on December 23, 24 and 25 the Members of the Church of GOD International (MCGI) celebrated the 4th Quarter International Thanksgiving to GOD. This event is being celebrated not only in the Philippines but also in other countries across the globe. There have been a total of more than 4,000 chapters, both local and international that participated in this glorious event.
On December 20, the Philippines has been struck by Tropical Storm Sendong that caused flash floods and landslides. This disaster caused the death of nearly 1,000 people and more than 100,000 people were left stranded. Those in the Visayas and Mindanao regions are the ones who have been affected by the storm particularly in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities.
There are also members of the Church of GOD International who have been affected but this catastrophe did not stop them to participate in the event to pay tribute and thanksgiving to the LORD.
Bro. Eli Soriano was also delighted and very thankful to GOD for the continuous growth of the International religious congregation. Just for the last quarter of this year 2011, there have been more than 4,000 souls that were baptized and became members of the Church of GOD International. Meanwhile, the Bible Studies and Expositions and the broadcasts run continuously in different parts of the globe at different time zones.
During the celebration, the Vice Presiding Minister of the congregation officially announced his intent to build an orphanage for abandoned babies. He said, there are many babies who are being abandoned and he would like to provide decent shelter for them. He would like to nurture and raise them in accordance with the Holy Scriptures.
Also, during the event, the future activities of the congregation have been announced. And one of the events that many look forward to is the dinner concert of Bro. Eli Soriano that will be held on January 1, 2012. Also the first scheduled Bible Exposition that will be held for the year 2012 will be on January 6. While on January 22, 2012, the marathon will be held at the grounds of SM Mall of Asia in Metro Manila Philippines for runners in the country’s capital.
Moving forward 