OCTOBER 25, 2018 (WINNIPEG) – As the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) continues its humanitarian and outreach efforts throughout the world, they were recognized today in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as “the embodiment of hope.”
Cindy Lamoureux, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Burrows, addressed the Legislative Assembly about the impact of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in Manitoba and across Canada: “An organization that is so huge that they are established in 147 countries, including here in Canada. The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) is a committed group of individuals who have decided to fulfill their pledge in extending help through aid and services, promoting education, socio-economic well-being, environmental awareness and health improvement. They do this through partnering up with local governments, community establishments, Aid for Humanity programs and through Christian Family Organizations of the Church Of Christ.”
Lamoureaux spoke of the INC events that she and colleague Judy Klassen, MLA of Kewatinook, have participated in, including the Worldwide Walk to Fight Poverty: “This event occurred simultaneously in 44 countries across 18 time zones on May 5th [2018]. 1,140 Manitobans joined the walk, which happened right here on our Legislative grounds.”
Lamoureaux also made reference to more recent efforts, including the Aid To Humanity event in Winnipeg’s North End on September 28, “where over 3000 care packages that they prepared were handed out to nearby residents, clients of local shelters, and those who may be homeless.”
The INC’s response to the urgent call for blood by Canadian Blood Services was also recognized: “The care INC provides extends across Manitoba. For example, when there was a shortage for blood donations this past summer, INC assisted in the Canada-wide blood donation drive.”
She also noted “when there was a need for evacuees of Garden Hill and St. Theresa Point during last year’s forest fire, they fed Manitobans who were arriving by air from affected areas.”
“Madam Speaker, in closing, it is organizations like INC and individuals like the nine who have joined us in the gallery today, one all the way from Toronto, that are the embodiment of hope,” Lamoureaux
expressed. “They work to serve others, and I am hoping that, today, my colleagues will join me in showing appreciation to INC service to our province.”
One of the INC members witnessing this historic speech from the gallery was Sidney Santos, District Supervising Minister of Canada 3, which includes local congregations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan: “It was indeed an honour and privilege to be present. For the first time here in Canada, the Iglesia Ni Cristo was recognized before elected officials in a legislative assembly. The acknowledgement received from Cindy Lamoureux is certainly appreciated, and the INC is all the more determined to continue to hold activities and events that will help our communities and our neighbours.”
Currently in the Third Session of the Forty-First Legislature, the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba represents the people of Manitoba through 57 elected members, each of whom are elected in single-member constituencies.
In light of this recognition, the INC repeats what its Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo declared, “To God be the praise.”
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About the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church Of Christ
For more about the Church and its activities, please visit www.iglesianicristo.net.
Photos Courtesy of Iglesia Ni Cristo Public Information Office
