INC Continues Humanitarian Efforts Worldwide

INC Assists Families in Need Worldwide 

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RICHIE FERRERA: This week on a special episode of INC News World: we continue our Aid to Humanity coverage in Florida, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Canada, and Europe. Your INC News World starts now. 

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NAOMI DE LA CRUZ: Welcome to this special episode of INC News World. I’m Naomi De La Cruz. 

RICHIE FERRERA: And I’m Richie Ferrera coming to you from the INC Media studios in Los Angeles, California. In today’s special episode we’ll be looking at the worldwide Aid to Humanity events that happened recently. The recent worldwide Aid to Humanity events weren’t just held in 3rd world countries or where poverty is apparent. 

NAOMI DE LA CRUZ: It might not seem obvious to some, but even here in America, and in our nation’s capital there are families struggling. 

RICHIE FERRERA: The government agencies and poverty relief organizations that are operating in major U.S. cities are acutely aware of the struggles in this part of the world, a supposed first world nation. Alyssa Gene Deato has more details from Washington, D.C.. 

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CEDRIC DIAKABANA (CONSULTANT – ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT): Love your neighbor as yourself. So this is about loving your neighbor. If someone’s hungry, we’re hungry, you know? So that’s kind of how I look at it.

CORA CLARK (COMMUNITY NETWORK MANAGER – ARBOR VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER): This area here is very low income to no income. A lot of people are on public assistance. And so they don’t have the funds. 

ALYSSA GENE DEATO: Cora and Cedric work hand in hand by bringing services to low income communities. 

CORA CLARK (COMMUNITY NETWORK MANAGER – ARBOR VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER): Since I’ve been in this area, I haven’t found a lot of churches that come out and participate actually in a neighborhood. To come out and do outreach in the community is very low here in our area. 

ALYSSA GENE DEATO: And because of the work that they do, they both learned about the Church Of Christ through an Aid to Humanity event held at the Arbor View Community Center in Washington, D.C.. 

CEDRIC DIAKABANA (CONSULTANT – ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT): It’s good to have this kind of event for our seniors. And especially good for communities of color, the lower to moderate income, yeah. I think it’s important. 

ALYSSA GENE DEATO: Those in attendance were welcomed through a video presentation introducing them to the Church Of Christ; provided spiritual upliftment through the study of God’s words, followed by the distribution of care packages, giveaways, and live entertainment.

CORA CLARK (COMMUNITY NETWORK MANAGER – ARBOR VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER): Services like this for our community is to bring them closer to God. God wants us to serve and help the people that are poor. God wants us to serve and help the people that need the help.

ALYSSA GENE DEATO: This same love for fellowman was shown in New York. Each site did their part in reaching out to community centers and residents in need. Members in Manhattan donated winter coats and all season apparel, while those in Woodbury donated to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. All residents in attendance at the different sites received relief goods while being introduced to the Church Of Christ. 

JUANA DELACRUZ (RESIDENT – NEW YORK): Oh, I think it’s beautiful because you don’t see this too often. And wow, it’s amazing. It really is. I’m in shock myself. I never thought I’d find a Church like this. I’m gonna start coming here more often myself.

FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ JR. (RESIDENT – NEW WORK): I want to thank you guys for inviting me and accepting me and feeding me. And I had a great time.

RONALD MCHENRY (RESIDENT – LONG BEACH, NEW YORK): My heart is filled with joy seeing my community members come in, receive not only the word God, but to be fed, right? And to be given supplies. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s beautiful, and something I’m looking forward to happening again and again.

EDNA CHIMHAU (SOCIAL WORKER – EASTMAN COMMONS – ROCHESTER, NEW YORK): I think what the Church is doing is wonderful and it will touch, hopefully touch hearts, you know, throughout not just at Eastman Commons, but wherever you guys are spreading the love.

ALYSSA GENE DEATO: Multiple sites up and down the east coast also held this event, including Union County, New Jersey; the Hampton roads region, Virginia; and even across the Carolinas where guests were welcomed to a free market, providing various relief goods, clothing, and food for all to enjoy. After watching a video presentation that introduced them to the Church Of Christ, entertainment was provided, and more. By the end of the event, members and guests felt the love of the brotherhood, and most importantly the love of God.

CEDRIC DIAKABANA (CONSULTANT – ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT): I think it makes a huge impact. It makes it easier for the residents here not to have to travel to access different services. It brings incredible resources here at their backyard. 

CORA CLARK (COMMUNITY NETWORK MANAGER – ARBOR VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER): And right now, because of the situation and the things that are going on in this world, everybody needs Him. You know, they don’t realize they need Him until something happens. But for the Church Of Christ, I honor you, and I thank you for bringing us to this neighborhood again. And I’m very, very humbled for that. I really, really appreciate it.

ALYSSA GENE DEATO: The Aid to Humanity and the My Countrymen, My Brethren campaign and events have opened doors within communities throughout the world, to receive help through the charitable arm of the Church Of Christ, but additionally, and most importantly, to help others come to the knowledge of the truth. To find a local congregation near you and speak to a Minister of the Gospel, log on to incmedia.org. Alyssa Gene Deato; Iglesia Ni Cristo News Network; Washington, D.C..

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NAOMI DE LA CRUZ: It’s obvious that so many people are in material need, and naturally, that’s what they gravitate towards immediately: how to make today’s survival easier. 

RICHIE FERRERA: But we all know that the Aid to Humanity project series is much more than that. It’s about feeding their souls too, introducing people to what they need most: true faith and the true Church. 

NAOMI DE LA CRUZ: So we catch up with Angeli Baltazar in Florida who found a mother and daughter duo that really just wanted to find a church, but realized through their search that a Christian and giving community awaited them. 

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BEATRICE ZELWEIGER (RESIDENT – JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA): I love what y’alls doing. I love how you’re helping the community. You don’t find that in many churches.

ANGELI BALTAZAR: While visiting her daughter in Duval County, Florida, Beatrice found herself here on a Sunday afternoon amongst residents who received fliers advertising an outreach in the community of Arlington here at this building. Both she and her daughter had a chance to experience something new.

BEATRICE ZELWEIGER (RESIDENT – JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA): Because my daughter has not asked me to go to church in years. I’ve been praying and praying to God that I could go to church with my daughter. I love the service here.

ANGELI BALTAZAR: A service provided by the Church Of Christ through the Aid to Humanity project in answering the needs of residents in the Arlington area. Many living in subsidized housing and some living off government assistance. For some, it’s still not enough and they’re looking for help, like Beatrice.

BEATRICE ZELWEIGER (RESIDENT – JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA): I get disability. 

FAYE TAYLOR (INC MEMBER – JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA): It’s hard. It’s expensive to live. It’s hard to maintain a roof over your head if you’re not working and even if you are working, it’s still hard to make ends meet. 

BEATRICE ZELWEIGER (RESIDENT – JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA): It’s about where you can get help and your Church really touched me today.

ANGELI BALTAZAR: And Beatrice, along with other residents, found the much needed help through care packages containing canned goods and supplies along with a hot meal and most importantly food for the soul.

BROTHER OLIVER VILLANUEVA (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): The Aid to Humanity we are doing actually is world-wide. So we are helping out those who are in need. But we are not only giving the immediate need that they have but most of all, to teach them the words of God so that they will be able to understand the purpose of the Church Of Christ in inviting people.

ANGELI BALTAZAR: Worldwide in places like Texas that took part in holding their Aid to Humanity for underserved communities. And in Latin America with countries like Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Chile, assistance was provided to impoverished areas as part of the ongoing campaign of the Church Of Christ in fighting against poverty with a noble purpose, giving people like Beatrice who experienced for the first time a Bible study inside the Church Of Christ.

BEATRICE ZELWEIGER (RESIDENT – JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA): He picked the Bible up and he spoke out of the Bible. For everything he spoke, he referred to the Bible. 

ANGELI BALTAZAR: Even for Katia, this event brought her closer to the truth.

KATIA (GUEST – JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA): The Bible study was very interesting and very important because it talks about the truth. It was good because this event brings us closer to God.

BROTHER OLIVER VILLANUEVA (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): Many showed their interest they’re even giving their phone numbers, their addresses and they’re asking how we can do the Bible studies and through that they will learn more about the Church Of Christ.

ANGELI BALTAZAR: A lasting feeling for Beatrice and the community of Arlington.

BEATRICE ZELWEIGER (RESIDENT – JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA): I feel great. This place made me feel great.

ANGELI BALTAZAR: The Church Of Christ has been continuing its efforts in providing aid in numerous venues throughout Florida and Latin American regions. Seeing the different demographics of people as well as their needs, Aid to Humanity continues to provide a solution to the ongoing increased poverty and most importantly the spread of the truth. To find out more about the humanitarian efforts of the Church Of Christ visit us at incmedia.org/incnews world and learn more about the Church Of Christ. Angeli Baltazar; Iglesia Ni Cristo News Network.

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NAOMI DE LA CRUZ: We’ve been across the mainland United States and now it’s time to head across the Pacific to the islands of Hawaii. 

RICHIE FERRERA: Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Tourism brings in a lot of money, undeniably. But that doesn’t mean the local population isn’t in need. We catch up with Shannon Santamaria to see what kind of Aid to Humanity was set up for residents in Hawaii. 

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JACQUIE ESSER (GUEST – AIKAHI, HAWAII): I’m a public defender and I work with a lot of people from the Waianae coast and I know a lot of the reasons why they get involved in the criminal justice system has to do with reasons of poverty and needs.

SHANNON SANTAMARIA: Jacquie understands how hard it is for families to make ends meet. And residents like Sally witness them firsthand.

SALLY KEAU (GUEST – WAIANAE, HAWAII): Some families that are, their financial needs, they don’t have it all. 

SHANNON SANTAMARIA: This is the case for many families even in the most beautiful places like this. But there was something in store for these families who are trying to make ends meet. Aid to Humanity projects took place around the world including Hawaii where they gave aid to those in need by providing backpacks, food parcels, clothes, blood pressure checks and hygienic supplies. 

JACQUIE ESSER (GUEST – AIKAHI, HAWAII): I think it’s really important that things like this are going on and supplies for school are being provided for the children here so they can go to school without worrying about having certain things and they can focus just on school and things like that.

SHANNON SANTAMARIA: Aid to Humanity projects were being done in places like Micronesia where they held an Aid to Humanity giving guests food parcels and also an introduction about the Church Of Christ through an Evangelical Mission. In New Zealand, residents received good will bags after listening to the truth. In Australia, residents received blood pressure checks, care packages and the inspiration to learn more through the preaching of God’s words with an Evangelical Mission. And in Hawaii, residents were surprised with the help they received.

JACQUIE ESSER (GUEST – AIKAHI, HAWAII): I first came, I was shocked by how many people I wasn’t expecting it to be this big. But it’s a beautiful setting. There’s so many people here, everyone is super gracious. I just felt welcomed from the moment I got here. And there’s good food. And yes, it’s all love and aloha here.

SALLY KEAU (GUEST – WAIANAE, HAWAII): I love it because it’s helping other people. And like, if you’re in need this, this is the program.

TIANA WILBUR (GUEST – WAIANAE, HAWAII): I feel like this definitely can impact and has impacted families. Just knowing that people care. 

SHANNON SANTAMARIA: But guests also received something more.

ALLAN OAMIL (GUEST – HONOLULU, HAWAII): From the videos that you guys showed, it shows the different activities and the different things that you guys did in the community. 

TIANA WILBUR (GUEST – WAIANAE, HAWAII): And to see an outside church come into the community and want to serve and spread God’s word and love here I mean, I feel truly blessed. Thank you for it for your guys’ support and this outreach here. I think it’ll be a really positive thing going forward.

BROTHER FREDDIE INOT (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): We firmly believe that we could be able to encourage them, not only to receive material things that they need in this life, but above all, for them also to listen to the teachings of God, that will all the more guide them to seek the truth. 

JACQUIE ESSER (GUEST – AIKAHI, HAWAII): I think it’s amazing. I want to learn more about the Church. I am so happy for the community in Waianae that there’s something like this that cares so much about the community here.

SHANNON SANTAMARIA: These Aid to Humanity projects continue to help those in need while introducing more people to the Church Of Christ. To see the latest projects log onto incmedia.org. Shannon Santamaria; Iglesia Ni Cristo News Network; Maili, Hawaii. 

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RICHIE FERRERA: On the opposite end of the weather spectrum from Hawaii and other Pacific Islands, the Church Of Christ has 7 Ecclesiastical Districts across Canada, where it is very cold this time of year. 

NAOMI DE LA CRUZ: But of course one thing those 7 districts have in common with Hawaii is that, like Hawaii, they too held their Aid to Humanity events recently. It might be cold but it’s never too cold to accept a friend’s invitation. Brother Steven Advincula has all the details. 

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DANIELLA BOATENG (GUEST): At first I was nervous, but it was very welcoming. 

BROTHER STEVEN ADVINCULA: Daniella was invited by her best friend Jacqueline to attend the Aid to Humanity event of the Church Of Christ in Toronto, Ontario.

DANIELLA BOATENG (GUEST): My best friend, Jacqueline Valdez. We’ve been best friends for nine years now. 

BROTHER STEVEN ADVINCULA: And just like Daniella, Paimaan was also invited by his high school classmate, PJ Bradley, who became a member back in 2018.

PAIMAAN YOUSSEFI (GUEST): The Church really did impact him and made him a lot more mature. I see that he looks like he has much more of a purpose. And honestly, that is one of the reasons I came to see how it influenced him.

BROTHER STEVEN ADVINCULA: Upon arriving to the Aid to Humanity event at the midtown congregation, Paimaan saw first hand how much love the brethren had for their neighbours and friends.

PAIMAAN YOUSSEFI (GUEST): Very welcomed, very loved. Everyone here is super friendly. Everyone just seems so happy to have me here.

BROTHER STEVEN ADVINCULA: The event consisted of a special gathering led by Brother Jeremy Robles, a Minister of the Gospel in Greater Toronto. And at the end of the service, guests with their family and friends were escorted to receive care packages which contained essential everyday needs.

PAIMAAN YOUSSEFI (GUEST): The event had me captivated. But most of it was the surprise at the end. I didn’t expect that how generous everyone in the community was. 

BROTHER GLENDO BAITAN (DISTRICT SUPERVISING MINISTER): The activity that we are having today is Aid to Humanity. Another project that the Church Of Christ is doing under the banner project, My Countrymen, My Brethren. And right now this activity is being done simultaneously in different parts of the world by the Church Of Christ.

BROTHER STEVEN ADVINCULA: Including other districts all over Canada. Southern Ontario held the Aid to Humanity event in 3 different locations: the Albion-Bolton Community Center, in London and Windsor. In the Ecclesiastical District of Ottawa, the Aid to Humanity event was held in multiple locations. Calgary donated to two different food banks: the Red Deer Food Bank and the Calgary Food Bank. In Manitoba, legislative leaders Kevin and Cindy Lameroux came to show their support for the members of the Church Of Christ in handing out the prepared essentials for those in need. Edmonton held their event at Hope Mission and Boyle Street Community. And in the Ecclesiastical District of British Columbia, brethren donated to multiple food banks and shelters throughout the province. 

BROTHER JEREMY ROBLES (MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL): A lot of the brethren invited their friends and loved ones, coworkers, their fellow students, and a lot of the members of course, they invited their family members who are not yet members of the Church. It is our hope that the visitors that came would not only benefit from the material things that were given to them, but most of all, such as the ardent desire of the Church Administration, that they come to the knowledge of the truth. 

DANIELLA BOATENG (GUEST): What I learned, and what I’ll take from this is to always give to others and always care for others and always share. Yeah, definitely I would like to learn more and come back again.

BROTHER STEVEN ADVINCULA: Because of this Aid to Humanity event happening in every corner of the world, many lives are being touched by the Church Of Christ. To learn more about the different events taking place in the Church Of Christ log on to incmedia.org. I’m Brother Steven Advincula; Iglesia Ni Cristo News Network; Toronto, Canada. 

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RICHIE FERRERA: We have literally been around the world but we still have one more continent to visit to witness this worldwide Aid to Humanity series. 

NAOMI DE LA CRUZ: That’s right, the event continued across Europe. 

RICHIE FERRERA: Let’s head to the Northern, Southern, and Western districts of Europe. Ronald Mendoza has more details on their events. 

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NASER SALEM (GUEST – NYON, SWITZERLAND): It’s very interesting what is being done by the Church Of Christ. It helps the people, the world today, in Africa and others. 

RONALD MENDOZA: Naser is among many others who were moved by the great impact of the humanitarian efforts of the Church Of Christ that they saw in a special video presentation shown during the worldwide Aid To Humanity events conducted across Europe. 

NASER SALEM (GUEST – NYON, SWITZERLAND): This is good. This is very interesting and this is how it should be because the world today is not good.

RONALD MENDOZA: Attendees not only witnessed the inspiring stories, but also experienced first hand the love and care of the Church Of Christ. The same love and care was shown to their guests by members of the Church Of Christ from the Ecclesiastical Districts of Southern Europe in their Aid to Humanity event conducted in multiple venues. In Western Europe, the officers and members in the Christian Family Organizations reached out to their neighbors and handed out care packages to the community. 

FRANCIS GARCIA (GUEST – MARSEILLE, FRANCE): Well I can see that there is a spirit of friendliness, cheerfulness, hospitality, joy, that you can see in everyone’s expression. 

RONALD MENDOZA: Across Europe, the needs of people are different from one community to the other. But greater than any of the material things prepared for these Aid To Humanity events is the hope given to all the attendees: a hope provided by the true words of God, found only in the Church Of Christ. With more Aid To Humanity events being conducted regularly, there are more opportunities for people to receive the help that they need and the hope they can only find inside the Church Of Christ. Through activities like this, brethren and volunteers were able to help their community, and introduce them to the truth inside the Church Of Christ. For more stories like this visit incmedia.org. Ronald Mendoza; Iglesia Ni Cristo News Network; Marseille, France. 

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RICHIE FERRERA: As we’ve seen in the Aid to Humanity events around the world recently, members of the Church Cf Christ, when united under projects like Aid to Humanity, can do a world of good. Well that does it for us on INC News World, tune in every Friday for new episodes of INC News World on incmedia.org. I’m Richie Ferrera. 

NAOMI DE LA CRUZ: And I’m Naomi De La Cruz and on behalf of the entire INC News World team, thank you for joining us. Have a great weekend and God bless!