MCGI Holds International Thanksgiving to God

Bro. Jason Consigo readied himself for a six-hour trip from Baguio City, where he works as a Metallurgical Engineer, to participate on the three-day International Thanksgiving service of MCGI (Members Church of God International). He talked to his boss for a leave of absence which the latter generously approved.

On Thursday night, he was already at Apalit Pampanga, all set for the three-day service to God from July 5 to 7.

"I went to work Saturday last week so that I'll have a two day leave this week. I'm just happy to be here." he said.

Jason is just one of the thousands of congregants gathered at ADD Convention Center, Apalit Pampanga to attend the  three-day thanksgiving service to God.

MCGI brethren flocking at the ADD Convention Center during the 2nd Quarter
International Thanksgiving to God.
(Photo courtesy of Abel Suing entitled 'People in the House')

According to him, attending the Thanksgiving of the Body (Pasalamat ng Katawan) is such a wonderful experience.

"It is really remarkable when all brethren are standing up, the whole congregation singing, and seeing our leaders singing with us."

When asked about the importance of this event to him, he said that it is the chance to express his gratitude to God. 

"I'm just thankful that I was called to the Church. While I sing praises, so many things that happened in my life flashes back in my mind, all the good things I receive from God. I owe Him everything. "

The first of the three-day celebration was already concluded. God wiling, more songs of praises to God and a lot of biblical wisdom is expected from Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel for the remaining two days of the International Thanksgiving.

A brief look on the first day

The first of the three-day celebration was filled with a festive atmosphere yet the day passed with peace and calm. 

International Thanksgiving of MCGI during the 1st quarter 2013.
(Photo embedded from mcgi.org)

Solemn songs of praises to God constitutes the early part of the program. The hymns were sang in languages such as Portuguese, Spanish, English, and in Filipino.

After the singing, the opening prayer was led by Bro. Daniel Razon followed by the welcoming remarks of Bro. Eliseo Soriano. He explained the biblical bases of the activities for the thanksgiving service.

"We have undertakings to do as part of our thanksgiving to God, brethren. We have songs of praises, prayers, pronouncement of God's greatness, and each one of this will require time."

(Mayroong mga gampanin sa haing pagpapasalamat mga kapatid. Mayroong pag-awit , mayroong pananalangin, mayroong pagpapahayag ng kadakilaan ng Dios, kaya ang lahat ng gampaning ito ay mangangailangan ng oras. )

Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel finished two biblical topics for the first day.

Even during breaks, Bro. Eli gave the time for brethren to consult him regarding their questions about faith and verses of the Bible.

As the day ended, Jason meet with his friends who are also brethren in the Church. Some of them he only see during quarterly thanksgiving such as this one.

They chat for a while but they sleep early, all of them just like Jason, anticipating what the remaining two days of the thanksgiving will bring.