The Positive Impact of the INC Giving Project
Lois Paula Riturban: What is the INC Giving Project? It’s a project of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) that encourages its members to volunteer to go out into our communities and share our faith through acts of kindness.
Through outreach efforts, community service projects, and voluntary contributions, volunteers around the world have joined together to make a positive social impact by offering time and resources for the well-being of those in need.
Let’s a take a short look back at how this project got started, almost a decade ago, and its life changing effects since then.
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“Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.”
Proverbs 3:27 TEV
Speaker 1 (Rodeo, California): Churches are coming out, not just staying indoors. Coming out to help people in their need.
Speaker 2 (Cocoa Beach, Florida): You guys did great today. It was a pleasure to have you out here. Volunteering is really important because…
Speaker 3 (Rodeo, California): You guys bring all the energy today.
Speaker 4 (Los Angeles, California): Thank you so much I appreciate it. It sounds like I’m going to cry. It’s hard not to.
Speaker 5 (Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada): The best thing I can say to any of the volunteers that have come out is, “Thank you, so much.”
Lois Paula: “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.” Such a simple statement, yet there are a million ways to respond. Whether an organized group event, or an individual making their mark in their own special way, giving is a way of life, giving is an opportunity to share with others our Christian spirit—who we are as members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ).
Lois Paula: In 2011, the INC Giving Project was launched by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. From its humble beginning—a simple, yet unique Neighborhood Appreciation Day in Los Angeles—it has grown to be a massive, worldwide volunteer force. And thousands of volunteers have contributed to its global success—whether it was singing to the elderly in care homes to brighten their day, or write get-well cards to sick kids, or partnering up with cities across the world to build homes or simply to help other families. The INC Giving Project is helping change lives.
Neighborhood Appreciation days continue to sweep across the continents—from Australia to the United States, the INC’s presence is felt in towns and cities.
Speaker 6 (Heathrow, United Kingdom): You know, it’s just really nice to know that people are actually doing something for their faith.
Speaker 7 (Orlando, Florida) The Church Of Christ has been wonderful. All their members have been so supportive. They’re definitely a Church that is community-minded.
Speaker 8 (Heathrow, United Kingdom): I was really moved and it was really touching to see all these students showing their appreciation verbally, and I loved it.
Lois Paula: Educators, fire fighters, police officers, [and] community leaders were honored by INC Giving volunteers. We salute and thank those who give so much of their own lives to protect and serve their countrymen.
Speaker 9 (Bayonne, New Jersey): This is perfect. We need people to reach out to each other and do positive things and helpful things.
Speaker 10 (Woodbury, New York): We’re so happy your doors are open for us and trust me, we will come and visit.
Speaker 11 (Bayonne, New Jersey): The one little girl put a smile on my face I won’t wipe off my face for hours. To the oldest people that are here and the leaders of your Church to come all at once, it’s just tremendous.
Lois Paula: Local congregations also thought of unique ways to express kindness; adopting a portion of a highway or establishing a library in an underfunded school.
Alan Wang (KGO 7 San Francisco, California): Members of a Church in Fremont provided a variety of free services to their community today. It offers everything from clothing giveaways to medical screenings.
Speaker 12: The effort today was the nationwide program to help families during challenging economic times.
Speaker 13: For people to come here—all these children and everything—it’s something to be proud of. You should be proud.
Lois Paula: Numerous events have been held in provinces throughout the Philippines and even reaching cities throughout Africa.
Sister Thandiwe Songwaxa (INCTV Correspondent, South Africa) We are having My Countrymen, My Brethren and we are going to be sharing the words of God with the people of South Africa and after that, we’re going to give them food parcels.
Speaker 14: The project of the Church Of Christ; what it’s doing, that’s giving something to them.
Lois Paula: The INC’s Aid to Humanity events distribute thousands of food bags, and provide free medical and dental to those in need. Relief missions, giving immediate aid to those struck by calamity are another continued effort as well. There are no ten established, self-sustaining communities all over the Philippines with plans to continue to work to end poverty.
Discover the powerful force of acts of kindness. For inspiration, visit incgiving.org and find the INC Giving Project on Facebook and Twitter.
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Lois Paula: As you saw, 2011 is when this wave of kindness that we’re riding now in 2020, actually began! And now, nine, almost ten years later, we were able to catch up with someone who was on the ground when the project first began. Take a look.
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In 2011, the first district approved to hold an INC Giving Project was Southern California.
Brother Billy Fermin (Former district INC Giving Coordinator): I remember the day that I was asked by our District Minister to be the INC Giving Coordinator for the district. I had no clue what that meant. I didn’t even know what INC Giving was.
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And the launching event would be the Neighborhood Appreciation Day.
Brother Billy Fermin: There was this big stigma that chapels always had enclosed walls. And so the Neighborhood Appreciation Day was really to show the community that these walls wasn’t a barrier between the Church and the community. We wanted to try and make and collaborate a partnership within the community that is a two-way street.
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The INC Giving Project because a two-way avenue of collaboration with the community, rooted in faith.
Brother Billy Fermin: But it was a more soft approach, soft-sell approach, an inviting way to bring them in. And then get them to see that, hey we are part of the community and as part of your community, come learn more about who we are and what our organization is, and ask questions.
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After the success of that historic first Neighborhood Appreciation Day, the INC Giving Project gained momentum.
Brother Billy Fermin: I remember so clearly, back in 2011: “Is this going to be something that evolves into something huge and great?” Where you hear “INC Giving” and the members just correlate projects and giving back and to be able to see where it started—I remember it was one desk, one pencil, into what it is now where it’s a full oiled running machine with its own show, with its logo. We have branded gear that when people see INC Giving and you go into the community and see that red and white logo—something clicks for them.
It is a heartfelt thinking that we were part of something that was so not mature and delicate into something now that’s just taken off. By all means, you can really see God’s work at hand. How He started it and developed it and now it’s really just taken off to even the larger projects that we encompass. Mind blowing, just mind blowing.
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Brother Johnny Martin: Have you heard about the INC Giving Project? Do you know the positive impact that it’s had on the lives of many people in different parts of the world? No? Well, that’s what we’ll share with you today on The Message.
[Show open]
Brother Johnny Martin: Hello, I’m Brother Johnny Martin and with me here in our studios, in the San Francisco Bay Area, is Brother Joe Velasquez. Hi, Brother Joe.
Brother Joe Velasquez: Hi Brother Johnny.
Brother Johnny: It’s wonderful to see you once again.
Brother Joe: It’s nice to see you, too.
What is the INC Giving Project?
Brother Johnny: Thank you, Brother. Now dear friends, for almost ten years the INC, which stands for Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), has held what is called the INC Giving Project. Our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, was the one who initiated this project where we, Church Of Christ members, give services or volunteer to extend help in various ways to our fellowmen, members and non members alike.
Brother Joe: For example, helping those whose lives were adversely affected by the disasters and calamities that take place in the world, as well as those who are serving courageously as frontliners during this time of the pandemic. Now you can go to incgiving.org or incmedia.org and watch the INC Giving Show which features the activities of the INC Giving Project.
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Brother Johnny: And Brother Eduardo Manalo continues to lead and guide us in holding such activities around the world, not just in the Philippines.
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THE MESSAGE
Brother Johnny Martin
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny: Now you might be wondering, “Why does he do that? What is the reason that the Executive Minister of the Church Of Christ continues to lead the members in holding the activities of the INC Giving Project?”
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The Positive Impact of the INC Giving Project
Brother Johnny: Brother Joe, what is the biblical basis for the Church Of Christ in doing these activities?
Brother Joe: Well, Brother Johnny and dear viewers, we can read the answer stated here in Matthew 19:19. And this is what it says:
“…respect your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
[Matthew 19:19 Good News Translation]
Brother Joe: Now, the biblical basis for the Church Of Christ in conducting all of the activities of the INC Giving Project is the command of God that was taught by our Lord Jesus Christ.
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THE MESSAGE
Brother Joe Velasquez
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Joe: Our Lord Jesus Christ taught: love your neighbor as you love yourself. And so as members of Christ’s Church, what we truly want to do is to obey this command and express our deep love for others. That explains why our Executive Minister leads us in conducting the activities of the INC Giving Project, not only here, but also in different parts of the world.
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The positive impact of the INC Giving Project
Brother Joe: And you know, Brother Johnny, recently the Church held a week-long worldwide campaign: Make Kindness Contagious.
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MAKE KINDNESS CONTAGIOUS
Help your neighbor
Day 2: Leave a positive note for someone
Appreciate an essential worker
Donate
Brother Joe: And that is where many members of the Church Of Christ around the world were able to show their love and care for our fellowmen, especially to those who are in need. My wife and I were very fortunate to also have a part in that campaign, and we can say that it is truly a very heartwarming experience.
Brother Johnny: Well thanks be to God, Brother Joe. And dear friends, some might be wondering, “Why is it that when we hold the activities of the INC Giving Project, we’re able to follow this command of God, which was taught by our Lord Jesus Christ, that we love our neighbor as we love ourselves?” What does the Bible say about doing good to others, and how do we show and prove our love for our fellowmen?
Brother Joe: Well, Brother Johnny, we could read the answer stated here in the Holy Bible, in Galatians 6:10, and this is what we can read:
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
[Galatians 6:10 New International Version]
Brother Joe: So dear viewers, when the Church Of Christ conducts activities for the INC Giving Project, we are able to follow the command of Almighty God that we love our neighbor.
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The Positive Impact of the INC Giving Project
Brother Joe: Because through such activities, we’re able to do good to all people. Now to the members of the Church Of Christ, the apostles taught: as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people. Doing good to all people is what we are doing, indeed, through the INC Giving Project.
When the Executive Minister leads the Church in providing food, clothing, medical services, housing, work opportunities, and other forms of aid or assistance to those who have been adversely affected by disasters and calamities, poverty and even this current pandemic, he leads all of us in showing our love for our neighbors, and in doing good to all people, which is what both our Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ expect Their servants to do.
Why is it important to help others in your community?
Brother Johnny: You know, dear friends, others may not be aware that doing such humanitarian activities is not a new thing for the members of the Church Of Christ. We’ve been doing this for years, and the Church continues to do such work, which is why we have our ongoing INC Giving Project. Now, though Church Of Christ members have also had to adjust to the new normal and deal with living in these difficult and uncertain times, why do the members of the Church Of Christ still continue to reach out and extend help to our fellowmen?
Brother Joe: Well, Brother Johnny, the answer is clearly stated here in 1 Timothy 6:18, and this is what we can read:
Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others.
[1 Timothy 6:18 Good News Translation]
Brother Joe: And so, Brother Johnny and dear viewers, though members of the Church Of Christ have also had to deal with living in these difficult times, we still find the time and make the effort to continue reaching out to help our fellowmen, to show our deep love for them, because the apostles taught us: be rich in good works.
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THE MESSAGE
Brother Joe Velasquez
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Joe: And so, in obedience to what the apostles taught here, our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, leads the members of the Church Of Christ, all around the world, in abounding in doing good works as an act of love for our neighbors or our fellowmen. Now, our neighbors may or may not be the same faith as us. They may not be our brethren in faith, but the Church’s assistance, or help regarding good things to them, can always be expected.
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The positive impact of the INC Giving Project
Brother Joe: The Church Of Christ does not discriminate against anyone, especially in a time of need.
Brother Johnny: So, dear viewers, you can see that the INC Giving Project is about helping people, doing good to people, and this is in obedience to the teaching of Holy Scripture that we love our neighbor, do good to others, and be rich in good works. Now, why are members of the Church Of Christ even more mindful right now of these biblical teachings?
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THE MESSAGE
Brother Johnny Martin
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny: What do many people experience today, which is why many people need to be shown love and given help? What is the reason for that,
Brother Joe?
Brother Joe: Well, Brother Johnny, we can read the answer stated here in the Holy Bible, in 2 Timothy 3:1, and this is what it says:
Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days.
[2 Timothy 3:1 Good News Translation]
Brother Joe: Dear viewers, what many people are experiencing today, which is why many need to be shown love and given help the best way we can is this: we are living in difficult times in the last days. And so, what should people realize? We are living in the last days or the time when the end of the world is already near. Now, when the end of the world comes, the Bible teaches that this world will be destroyed by fire, and all wicked people will perish (and that’s what we can read in 2 Peter 3:10 and 7). But in the time when the end of the world is near, the apostles pointed out there will be difficult times.
Brother Johnny: So, when you think about it, do we need anyone to convince us that what the Bible said right here is true? No, we don’t. We can all see and testify that life in this world is very hard. For example, right now, many people are suffering, struggling, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences. During this pandemic, people have died. People have lost their means of livelihood. People are struggling with being able to pay rent and provide adequate food for their families. And others are feeling lonely, isolated, grappling with anxiety and depression. Life is hard. We are indeed living in difficult times.
Brother Joe: And Brother Johnny, our Executive Minister knows this. And so, motivated by his fervent desire that all Church Of Christ members fulfill God’s command that we love our neighbor, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo guides us in holding the INC Giving Project and indeed many have benefited from it.
Brother Johnny: Now, Brother Joe, [aside from] what we’ve discussed already, what else—what else do many people in different parts of the world experience and suffer from?
Brother Joe: Well, we can read the answer stated here, Brother Johnny, in Matthew 24:6-8. This is the pronouncement of the Holy Scriptures, and this is what we can read:
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
[Matthew 24:6-8, New King James Version]
Brother Joe: Dear viewers, our Lord Jesus Christ taught about the things that would happen when the end of the world is already near. For example, there would be world wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and sorrows. We can see that these things have already happened. In fact, so many today are suffering from hunger, disease epidemics, devastation brought [about] by earthquakes and other disasters or calamities, as well as poverty. Now, in response, our Executive Minister leads the Church Of Christ in helping to alleviate in some way the sufferings that people are going through, and this is through the INCGiving project.and other humanitarian efforts of the Church.
Brother Johnny: You know, Brother Joe, at this point, some might be wondering also, “Why does our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, together with the rest of the members of the Church Of Christ respond like that when people are affected by calamities?” What’s the reason that the Executive Minister guides the Church to hold activities of the INC Giving Project to help our neighbors who are suffering from various problems in life?
Brother Joe: Brother Johnny and dear viewers, the Bible gives us the answer stated here. In I Peter 3:8. Notice this is the teaching of the Holy Bible and this is what is recorded:
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
[1 Peter 3:8 New International Version]
Brother Joe: Dear viewers, our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, leads the members of the Church Of Christ in holding INC Giving Project activities to help relieve the suffering of others in these difficult times because of what the Bible says here. The apostles taught us to “…be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate…” Now, when we can clearly see that our neighbors or fellowmen are suffering from hardship in this life, of course, our hearts are filled with sympathy and compassion. We want to do what the apostles taught us to do which is be sympathetic and be compassionate.
Brother Johnny: Now, Brother Joe, how are we able to express that sympathy, that compassion we have as members of the Church Of Christ for our fellowmen, our neighbors who are struggling, they’re suffering in this life. And why is it that we, as members of the Church Of Christ, have such love and concern for our fellowman who are victims in unfavorable circumstances?
Brother Joe: Well, let’s find out what the Bible says, Brother Johnny. Here in Proverbs 3:27-28. And this is the pronouncement of the the Holy Scriptures:
Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.
[Proverbs 3:27-28 Good News Translation]
Brother Joe: Dear viewers, the Church Of Christ has and expresses much love and concern for the victims of unfavorable circumstances and calamities because the Bible teaches us: “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.” And that’s how we’re able to express our love, our sympathy and our compassion for our neighbors or our fellowman who are suffering from hardship in life. In fact, this particular verse is always very visible on INC Giving related materials. Now, what else motivates the Church to take action as quickly as possible to do good to those who need it? [Because] the Bible also teaches us: “Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.” Thus, the noble and holy intention of the Church Of Christ is to be of help to people. It does not withhold or postpone the giving of needed assistance to those who deserve to be helped. It gives to these deserving people much needed help and boosts their morale at the earliest possible time.
Brother Johnny: So, Brother Joe, all the projects and activities of the INC Giving [Project], they are based on the teachings of the Bible. Dear friends, the Bible says we should love our neighbor. Be sympathetic and compassionate. Be rich in good works and do good to those who need it. Our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, continues to lead us in holding such activities for the benefit of our neighbors. We, members of the Church Of Christ, are quick to respond and give such activities our full support.
Brother Joe: Now, Brother Johnny, why is there no hesitation on our part to do that? What is in the minds and hearts of every member of the Church Of Christ that motivates [us] to keep following these teachings of the Holy Bible to love and help others?
Brother Johnny: Well, Brother Joe and dear friends, to answer that question, let’s turn to the Bible and read what the BIble says here in Proverbs 14:21and 31:
It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy…Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
[Proverbs 14:21, 31 New International Edition]
Brother Johnny: Dear friends, the Bible shows us here what God reserves for His people who are kind and helpful to their neighbors in need. The BIble says, “…blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.” So, God grants blessing, God gives blessing to those who are kind to the needy, and He has poured His many graces upon the Church Of Christ—His people in these last days who have followed His teachings on loving their fellowmen. Why does God bless them? Because the Bible said, “…whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” And that is what this Church is all about: giving honor, giving glory to the Lord our God.
Brother Joe: Dear viewers, the Church Of Christ, through its well-known humanitarian efforts—which include the INC Giving Project—has earned the respect of many. And with our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, leading and guiding us, the concern of the Church Of Christ for the welfare of our fellowmen is known all around the world.
Brother Johnny: To see more of the activities that the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) has done over the years through the INC Giving Project, we again invite you, dear friends, to go to incgiving.org or incmedia.org and watch the INC Giving Show. And, dear viewers, [for] all the successes and victories that the INC Giving Project has had—we want to make it clear: we keep no glory to ourselves. We give all the thanks, glory and praise to our Almighty God.
On behalf of all of us here at The Message, we would like to thank you, dear friends, for joining us today in our study of God’s message. We hope that you’ll continue to watch this and the other programs of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. But, before we go, please join us for a short prayer.
Brother Joe: Our most gracious and almighty Father in Heaven, we thank You from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to receive this timely message today from the Holy Scriptures which serves as a biblical basis of the Church Of Christ in good doing to our fellow man. We return all the praise and honor unto Your most Holy Name.
It’s true that so many of our fellowmen, our friends and our loved ones are in need, especially because of the difficulties and trials that we are facing in the world today. Inasmuch as we are able [to help them] with their material needs, You can see also their spiritual needs, dear God. May You kindly use the members of the Church Of Christ, through the leadership of our Executive Minister, as Your instruments to help all of our fellowmen; to strive to do good for each and everyone of them, so that they may receive not only Your blessings here in this life, but most importantly, the salvation that we are all hoping for.
Jesus Christ our Lord, we call upon You, because You are the closest to our Father in heaven. May You kindly mediate on our behalf. Bring our prayers unto Him. Grant [un]to us always the good qualities that we need. We will have care and compassion for all of our fellowmen, not only by helping them with their needs here in this life, but most importantly, guiding them to become members of the Church Of Christ for the salvation of their souls.
Father, we thank You so much for the inspired leadership of our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, who guides all the members of the Church Of Christ all around the world in performing humanitarian acts for the sake of our fellow man. It is because of his leadership that we were able to hold activities through the INC Giving Project, which serve to help those who are in need. May You continue to empower him with Your Holy Spirit. Grant unto him the life and the strength that is coming from You, that under his leadership all of us will be brought to the perfection of our faith.
It is our confidence, O God, that You’ve heard this prayer. That You will bless also all of our dear friends, fellowmen, and loved ones who have received this message today. For we [humbly] beg all of these things in the name of Your Son, our Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Study Questions
- Whenever you possibly can, do good to those ___.” (Proverbs 3:27 Today’s English Version)
- What year was the INC Giving Project launched?
- Love your neighbor as you love ___. (Matthew 19:19 Good News Translation)
- Remember that there will be ___ times in the last days. (II Timothy 3:1 Good News Translation)
- Name 2 things that will happen when the end of the world is near
- Be ___ and humble (I Peter 3:8 New International Version)
- Never tell your neighbors to ___ if you can help them now. (Proverbs 3:27-28 Good News Translation)
