Should we celebrate CHRISTMAS?

Many says, "So what, if Christmas is unbiblical and man-made? The point here is the church made a date for us to celebrate Christ's birthday! And on that celebration we are happy!"

This is really an ignorance. They sacrifice god's teachings doing their will, on the way they will feel joy and etc. Its hard for the Christmas-celebrators to leave this occasion, especially here in the Philippines, it becomes a tradition and culture even they discover that it is unbiblical. If you will just hear their point, maybe its correct, that in that occasion, they become happy and also to celebrate "Christ's birth".

But, what really did Christ said BIBLICALLY in his remembrance? Is it to celebrate Christmas?

Let us read I Cor. 23-25, it is stated:

"For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

See? The one that is BIBLICAL, words came from our lord JESUS CHRIST, in remembrance of HIM is through the Holy Supper (Whereas, in the RCC, when there is mass they fall in line and eat the bread, but the priest is the only one who drinks the wine;oD)! Through this, they also remember all his sufferings and sacrifices for his Church.


Why should we need not to celebrate "Christmas"? Click the link.

My question to you, what will you do to be saved, doing your own will (happiness and etc.) or GOD'S WILL?

Church News: Dec. 2010

75th Anniversary of the Ecclesiastical District of Quezon West Commemorated by the brethren

The preaching of the Church of Christ reached the western part of Quezon in 1935. From the first local congregation established in Tiaong, the church quickly spread in the various towns in the province until it was established as an ecclesiastical district in the same year.

The members of the Church of Christ in the ecclesiastical district of Quezon West held a musical program in celebration of their district’s Diamond Anniversary. Among those who attended the said program at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City were some pioneer members who helped ministers and church workers in propagating the words of our Lord God in various parts of the province.

Through the different Christian songs, the brethren who participated in the program manifested their thanks and praises to our Lord God.

Within 75 years and counting, the members of the Church of Christ in the ecclesiastical district of Quezon West continue to feel the help of our Lord God which is why they wholeheartedly offered all the glory to Him.

Four houses of worship, simultaneously dedicated

On November 20, 2010 the Executive Minister of the Church of Christ, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, lead the dedication of a new house of worship to the Lord God in the Local Congregation of Taguig, Ecclesiastical District of Metro Manila South. In this special gathering he emphasized that it is the commandment of our Lord God to construct a house of worship because this brings Him glory. According to the District Minister of Metro Manila South, Brother Israel U. Flores, the continuous construction of houses of worship in various places is the manifestation of the unceasing help of our Almighty God bestowed upon the Church Administration.

On that same day, the brethren and church officers witnessed another dedication of a house of worship in the Local Congregation of Sabangan, Pangasinan West.

In the Ecclesiastical District of Bataan, just over a month after the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Balanga was dedicated, another house of worship was also dedicated on November 20, 2010 in the Local Congregation of Samal which is now one of the landmarks in the said area.

In order to continually provide for the spiritual needs of a rapid growing number of brethren in the Local Congregation of San Rafael, in Pampanga, the Church Administration constructed a larger house of worship for the brethren. This is another house of worship dedicated to our Lord God on that day.

These four houses of worship that were simultaneously dedicated on November 20, 2010 were just a part of the thirteen houses of worship that were dedicated in that particular month.

BROTHER EDUARDO V. MANALO OFFICIATED THE DEDICATION OF THE NEW HOUSE OF WORSHIP OF THE LOCAL CONGREGATION OF BASECO IN THE ECCLESIASTICAL DISTRICT OF METRO MANILA WEST

BASECO (Bataan Shipyard and Engineering Company) community now, when compared to its status years before, has greatly changed and progressed From being a slum area, there is a nice housing community now in the Baseco neighborhood.

Concurrent with the progress of Baseco is the rapid development of the Iglesia ni Cristo or Church of Christ in this part of the city of Manila. In order to provide for the spiritual needs of the fast growing number of Church members, the Church Administration decided to build a larger house of worship in this area.

The brethren, together with the church officers eagerly waited for the dedication of their new house of worship.

On the day it was offered to God, the brethren temporarily left their daily personal activities and gathered together in the new place of worship to thank and praise our Lord God whom they believe continues to care for their welfare through the Administration He placed in the church.

For the brethren, both their new house of worship and their first gathering in it officiated by Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister, are great spiritual blessings.

The brethren were further inspired in their services to our Lord God and in propagating the faith because of the abundant spiritual blessing they received,

Just a couple of days after the dedication of their new house of worship, the brethren held a Bible Exposition of God’s words.

from Gemnet.tv

July 27 is "Iglesia ni Cristo DAY" in the Philippines

Republic Act no. 9645

AN ACT DECLARING JULY 27 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL NATIONAL WORKING HOLIDAY IN RECOGNITION OF THE FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY OF THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO IN THE PHILIPPINES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 26, CHAPTER 7 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987, AS AMENDED...

Here is the copy of the letter declaring every July 27 is a special non working holiday in the Philippines,


Behind the glorious achievements of the Iglesia ni Cristo from its humble beginnings, still in its early years and up to now experience persecution from nonmembers. Even this holiday, given by the government in recognizing the INC in its incredible and being phenomenal, they still malign these things. From the very fact that the INC do not, in any way, REQUEST this in the government. Even there's no holiday and etc about the INC, it will still exist for the need of the lost souls.

This, and also the "renaming of roads to Bro. Erano Manalo" were the favorite topics of these nonmembers as they malign the REASONS of the politicians who suggests and whatsoever about such things. This is just one of hundreds article about those, from Mr. Quirini Sugon Jr. author of the blog Monk's Hobbit, here is his article.Government should not force Catholics to observe Muslim and Iglesia ni Cristo holidays. Please click the link.

His point:

Read Me,
To declare an INC holiday as a non-working holiday is to force Catholics to observe the holiday.

We argued about this, and at last, i said...

Posted by read me on November 16, 2009 at 8:31 pm

Quirino M. Sugon Jr,

may i ask something, is it a BIG DEAL to our catholic friends specially you to do that?
do Catholics will do something just to observe that non-working holiday?
Do they sacrifice something and everything huh? why is it for you take it a so BIG DEAL?

Then, he didnt replied. All things in the INC were always criticize by other faiths, why???

ONE WORD.

JEALOUS!

There are many feasts and holidays in the Catholic CHurch yet we didnt complain about it, we are not so rude (like them) to comment and comment that the INC does not deserve it!

By the way, do the INC deserve it?

Simple answer. YES! Why?

It came from in 3rd world country, and most members were poor.

BUT,

in less than 40years it came from atleast 80 countries and territories around the world.

Big chapels can be seen around the nation.

You can also see chapels around the world amounting millions and millions.

The members increase so fast, becoming the biggest INDEPENDENT church in ASIA.

The leader's efforts in molding not just the its members but also to the citizens in the country.

It has many public works helping poor families not just its members but also nonmembers.

How about the government?

“Likewise, the President wishes to thank the INC for the very active and significant roles its leaders and members have always played not only in the spiritual and moral formation of our people over the past several decades, but in nation-building as well,” the Palace said.

And the important thing is, we did not in any way, REQUEST IT FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND COMMAND THEM FOR DOING SUCH, because even the government doesnt give those recognizes, the INC will STILL EXIST!

So, why is it so hard for you to accept that the INC is growing and the from its humble beginnings it has been persecuted a lot by the nonmembers, but now, it is recognizing not just officials from the Philippines but also in other countries!

Was Bro. Felix Manalo a rapist?

The most raised issue, and most often attack by Catholic defenders, ADD members and other faiths, is about Bro. Felix Manalo. They conclude that Bro. Felix is convicted, others say guilty in the case of him and Sis. Rosita Trillanes.

Well, lets find out what really is the story, si Bro. Felix a “rapist”?? I found an answer from the bearens.net forum, from a member and here, it is stated (Ill also try to translate it in English^_^):

Quote from: Teddy Lejero

Isa ito sa pinag-aralan kong mabuti at ayon sa aking pagsusuri, may tatlong tao na itiniwalag si Felix Manalo. Isa sa tatlong ito ay kamag-anak ni Rosita Trillanes. Na-convince nila si Rosita na gumawa ng sulat para pagbintangan si FYM na humalay sa kanya para lamang makaganti sila sa pagtiwalag sa kanila.

Pumayag naman si Rosita. Kumalat ang sulat na ito sa mga tao at sa mga pahayagan. Kaya idenemanda ni FYM si Rosita ng libelo. Nanalo si FYM. Ngunit nag-apela si Rosita hindi sa kasong rape or paghahalay kundi upang baligtarin ang unang desisyon na libelo.

(This is one of those ive studied, and based on my examination, there are 3 inc members expelled in the church. One of them where relatives of Sis. Rosita. They convince Sis. Rosita to write a testimony and accuse Bro. Felix that he was harassed by him just for them to repay from the expulsion in the church.

Sis. Rosita was convinced. The letter/testimony spreads from the people and from the newspapers. That’s why Bro. Felix charge her of libel. Bro. Felix won the case, but Sis. Rosita appealed not in the case of rape or harassment but to reverse the 1st decision of libel.)

Ngunit natauhan si Rosita. Gumawa siya ng affidavit na hindi totoo ang mga una niyang salaysay ukol sa panghahalay.

(But Sis. Rosita regain consciousness. She make an affidavit that her 1st testimony were not true about the harassment.)

Republic of the Philippines
City of Manila S.S.

AFFIDAVIT

I, ROSTIA TRILLANES, Filipino, of legal age, married a resident of and with a postal address at 639 Piy Margal, Manila, upon being duly sworn according to law depose and say:

1. That I am the same ROSITA TRILLANES who was accused of libel by Mr. Felix Manalo before the Court of First Instance of the City of Manila, in the month of September in the year 1939;

2. That I was convicted by the Court of First Instance for that crime upon my failure to prove the truth thereof, said conviction having been published by the Taliba, on January 4, 1941;

3. That I appealed from the decision of the said Court of First Instance to the Court of Appeals because of my fear that upon my failure to pay the fine imposed threat that I would be imprisoned;

4. That concerning that libelous letter I wrote and for which I accused by Mr. Felix Manalo, I hereby state and so declare, that all matters therein stated and written are all false and pure fabrications without any truth whatsoever;

5. That the letter and all those matters stated therein was fabricated by Messrs Raymundo Mansilungan, Tedoro Briones and Cirilo Gonzales who induced me to sign the same upon their representation that it would be shown only to the brethren of the Church of Christ (IGLESIA NI CRISTO) to convince them to revolt against the administration of Mr. Felix Manalo, in retribution against him for expelling us from the Church;

6. That together with Messrs Raymundo Mansilungan, Tedoro Briones and Cirilo Gonzales, we were expelled from the Church for Acts and behaviors contrary to the doctrines of the Church;

7. That contrary to my expectation, my companions above mentioned not only showed the letter to the brethren in the Church, but published the same in a Pampango Newspaper, entitled “Ing Cawal”, whose editor at the time was Salvador Tumang, and as a consequence thereof, Mr Felix Manalo filed a libel suit against me and against Salvador Tumang and Cirilo Gonzales, resulting in our conviction,

8. That after my conviction I appealed the case to the Court of Appeals and by claiming that I was motivated by good intentions I was able to acquit myself (see Official Gazette Vol. 1, July 1942 – No. 8180, April 21, 1942), although, since then and up to the present time, I have been bothered continuously by remorse and a guilty conscience;

9. That I have therefore executed the foregoing affidavit to confirm the truth of all I haves stated above and for such other purposes for which the same could be availed of to right the wrong and injustice I have committed against Mr. Felix Manalo about whose integrity and character I have the highest of regard and respect. Furthermore, I have executed the same without any consideration whatsoever, without having been induced by any one, except for the reasons I have stated, and without mental reservation whatsoever.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this affidavit, and affixed my right hand thumb mark below that of my signature at the left margin of the first pageand at the bottom hereof, to remove any doubt about the authenticity of this instrument, this 21st day of November 1952, in the City of Manila, Philippines.

(signature)
Rosita Trillanes
Right hand_________Thumb mark

Signed in the presence of:

(Signature of witness) (signature of 2nd witness)


Subscribed and sworn to before me this 21st day of November, 1952, at Manila, Philippines; affiant exhibited to me her Residence Certificate No. A0385178 issued at Maila, on November 7, 1952.

(signature)
(Notary Seal) Frolian Tafalla
Notary Public
Until December 31, 1952
Doc. No. 118
Page No. 97
Book No. II
Series of 1952

Si Rosita Trillanes ay bumalik at namatay na Deaconess sa loob ng Iglesia ni Cristo.

(Sis. Rosita Trillanes came back in the church and died as a Deaconess.)

Here is the scanned retraction:

This affidavit of Sis. Trillanes were also the SUMMARY of what really happen, that she was only convinced by other people to do it because they were EXPELLED from the church. However, still these nonmembers ask many questions regarding this, because they cannot accept the truth, that they malign and made such LIES saying Bro. Felix is a “rapist” however, when it is about the case of their priest ABUSE children and etc, they are SILENT, when it is about Mr. Soriano, who have many cases being thrown to him, not even FACE the accusations on him, his members says that all those were only ACCUSATIONS and not true.

But when it is about Bro. Felix Manalo, they even adulterated pictures of him, make blogs/sites discussing that the court favored Sis. Rosita and that the court said that Bro. Felix is “a MAN OF LOW MORALS”, this is their source:

1. Citing the case of People versus Trillanes, published in the Official Gazette, Volume I, No. 1, July 1954, p. 394, docketed as Case No. 8180, April 21, 1942. The Court of Appeals where Trillanes was acquitted. The appellate court upheld Trillanes and categorically called Manalo “a man of low morals” (“un hombre de baja moral’).

2. Further more: “…Manalo, took advantage of his position as head of the Iglesia ni Cristo, and …employed religion as a cloak to cover his…immoral practices; that he pretended to be the Messias sent by God; and that to persuade his victims, he cited the example of Solomon and his many wives”

Here is the retraction of Bro. Ismael to the church, in his letter he also tackled and PROVE that the issue about Bro. Felix is a “rapist” is not but a big LIE!

“…One of those things I say on air was the issue concerning Rosita Trillanes. They say in their program that we (Iglesia ni Cristo) do not dare touch that issue. We've (InC) already responded to that, a while back. Not just me, but even Bro Paul Guevarra answered that. Even Maximo Bularan. Even then, when they we're forcing me to say those things, I refused. I told them 'I know that case'. She (Trillanes) was sued by Bro Felix Manalo and they were convicted, she and her accomplishes. There even came a time when she (Trillanes) retracted. Why would I repeat something that's not true?...”

Let us clear this issue step by step. Many questions were raised in our minds about this issue because of the LIES of nonmembers to the Church of Christ.

By the way, who are those MEMBERS that were expelled from the church?

from examineiglesianicristo.com

Teofilo Ora leaves Church of Christ
In May 1922, former members of the Philippine-based Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), Teofilo Ora, Januario Ponce and Basilio Santiago gather some members of the Iglesia ni Cristo formally separating from the church. Several months later, they name the Church Iglesia ng Diyos kay Kristo Hesus (English Translation: Church of God in Christ Jesus). That same year, Nicholas Perez became a member and preacher of this group at Maragondon, Cavite.
source: wikipedia

So now its clear, those are the three members expelled in the church and made their own churches. It is where the church founded by Eliseo soriano rooted, like protestantism.

Many will ask, why then only ten years or whatsoever Sis. Rosita retracted?

Just see the sequence of the events above, because she was bothered by her guilty conscience. And after realizing that, that is why she wanted to come back in the church!


Why the church accept her and became a deaconess while she is a "PERJURER"?

If a member is expelled in the church, he/she has the chance to come back in the church, its called "balik loob" where there is also a process if the expelled member regretted to his/her mistakes/sins which he/she cause to be expelled. That's the only time when he/she can come back in the church. Like Sis. Rosita, she also have the chance to be back on the church especially, she was forgiven by Bro. Felix Manalo.

Some says, why is that the suspect(Bro. Felix) is the one who charge the victim(Sis. Rosita)?

That should be the thing for NONMEMBERS to think!
What really happened, is that Bro. Felix is the victim here, read the affidavit of Sis. Rosita for the events. He filed libel because Sis. Rosita and other make such lie to Bro. Felix saying that they were harassed by him.


Nonmembers argue,we thought that an INC member should not file a suit in a co-member?

In those times, Sis. Rosita and others were already EXPELLED in the church before the issue spreads.


They say, Why Bro. Felix Manalo did not appeal to the court in its decision saying about his "immorality"?

That's the thing that shows the humbleness of Bro. Felix, he knows that the accusation is not true and the members know it. Many persecution came around on the church especially to Bro. Felix, this is just ONE of those!

The decision dated April 1942 and the retraction was made November 7, 1952. Therefore, the decision of the court before the retraction was made is nothing but wrong!


Bro. Felix Manalo: A REAL MAN vs. Eliseo Soriano: pretending to be a MAN

Bro. Felix Manalo is a real man, because even though there were heavy accusations about him, he FACED IT. Even those are published in newspapers, he is there and ready to defend himself. There are also documented events about the threats to his life by hukbalahaps, but he doesnt hide.

While a boastful uneducated televangelist Eliseo Soriano, who have many charges in the Philippines is nowhere to found because he is abroad to escape on those charges. One of those were the rape cases from a former member of his founded church. He also claims to be "brave" as how he "challenge" Bro. Erano and Bro. Eduardo on a debate, but we all know that executive ministers of the church would not, in any way, give any attention to his "challenge" because if that happens, they will be accused as CHEAP. Because Mr. Soriano is a cheap preacher and debater.

If only Bro. Felix is still living, he would defend the church to the church of soriano, and this preacher will be embarrassed on the result of their debate! A debate between Bro. Felix and Soriano, so that INC members who joined his church will be enlightened and his church would perish!


CONCLUSION: If the accusation is true, that Bro. Felix "raped" many, and Sis. Rosita is one of them, she will probably would not, in any way, wanted to come back in the church. If you were really raped, would you want to go back to the "rapist"?

Dont say Bro. Felix or the Church of Christ INFLUENCED her and etc. because in those times, INC is not that HUGE and influential. Sis. Rosita Trillanes came back in the church and died as a DEACONESS.

Therefore, it just proves, that the accusations about "immorality" on Bro. Felix Manalo were all, but a LIE! Meaning, all those written in the NEWSPAPERS like bombshell and official gazzete were published BEFORE the retraction made, meaning, NOT UPDATED IN THE TRUTH.

CASE CLOSED!

Children of "Manalo's" how they're living?

Many detractors of the INC always do stories and think something just to attack the INC. Non members always MALIGN the INC, and its members not knowing the TRUTH. As they alledged, that the INC is only govern by the "manalo family" as Dynasty. They are not INC members that's why they doesnt know about it! They didnt know that Bro. Erano and Bro. Eduardo had been Executive Ministers because of "VOTING" by the elders of the church. (Click the link for more info).

And now that they forget about that accusation, being embarrassed to the truth, they have a new created issue and its about the "children" of they called "Manalo family".

Catholic defender of lies (Mr. Catholicdefender2000) is one of those accusation-creators, here is what he said:

[Important: Had anyone of the Iglesia ni Cristo members knew where the children of the Manalos are studying? And how they’re living? What lifestyles do they have?]

If someone is asking about it, let YOU KNOW! (This is about the children of Bro. Eduardo Manalo)

Their three children began studies at New Era University (NEU) before matriculating at UP.

Dorothy Kristine graduated at U.P with Bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Law and has been teaching at NEU since 2005.

Gemma Minna, having graduated with a bachelor's degree in Music Education and currently pursuing a second degree in Choral Conducting, teaches music at NEU and is a choir member.

Angelo Eraño is a senior majoring in European Languages and is also a fifth-year Bachelor of Evangelical Ministry (BEM) student at the College of Evangelical Ministry (CEM).

Pasugo october 2009 issue

Just this year,


In the oath-taking of Bro. Angelo Erano, As assistant evangelical worker in the local congregation of V. Luna, he is also entrusted with the duty of Christian Family Organization (CFO) coordinator for the Metro Manila districts (East, North & South).
Pasugo June 2010 issue


There is no such a big difference between the lifestyles of YOU to their LIFESTYLES, because they are also a normal and ordinary persons like YOU. A big difference is that they are INC members and duty officers, and YOU? Trying hard nonmember who wants and PLEASURED if the INC is being criticized by other people, somehow those "OTHER PEOPLE" doesnt know the truth inside the INC that's why they just making GESTURES!

to be continued...

Biography of Bro. Eduardo Manalo

Brother Eduardo Villanueva Manalo was born in Manila, Philippines on October 31, 1955. He is the eldest son of Brother Eraño G. Manalo, who was Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) from 1963 to 2009 and of Sister Christina Villanueva. It was his grandfather, Brother Felix Y. Manalo, the Sugo or God's Messenger in these last days, who named him "Eduardo," which means "guardian."


Childhood

Brother Felix was already on his sick bed when one day he sent for his grandson, "Eddie," who was barely seven years old and at the time, was playing in the yard. When Eddie entered the room, Brother Felix asked his grandson to kneel, and then he placed his hands over the child's head and blessed him in front of several witnesses. Afterwards, he had his grandson rise and allowed him to return outside to play.

Eddie's grandmother, Sister Honorata Manalo, whom he called "Lola Ata," would constantly teach him and his cousins to kneel while praying, and never to waste any of God's blessings.

As a young boy, Eddie would get Brother Eraño's books, bring them to his own room, arrange them on one side of the table and begin preaching. Only later did he realize that his father was actually listening through an intercom system. So precocious was Eddie that his father trained him to type his worship service lessons for him with anitalicized typewriter.

He started his elementary education in Jose Rizal College (now Jose Riza lUniversity) along Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, and transferred during his fourth grade to Jose Abad Santos Memorial School (JASMS) in Quezon City.

Adolescence

He continued his high school in JASMS, wherein he had the opportunity to dabble in all sorts of fields, including Citizen's Military Training. He was also the guitarist of a singing group in his school and was active in dramatics.

He held the office of row leader in the Pagsamba ng Kabataan (PNK) or children's worship service (CWS) before he began attending classes for PNK Guro or CWS Teachers under Brother Benjamin Santiago Sr., a senior minister of the gospel. Inheriting the Sugo's passion for photography, he would contribute pictures for the Pasugo, the Church's official magazine, and at age 16 began submitting articles to it, the first of which was titled "Ang Mga Kagutom, ang Bagyo, at Sumpa" ("The Famines,the Storm, and the Curse," September 1972). Having a natural love for books, he strated his own library, most notable being his still-growing collection of Bibles, since Brother Eraño once told him, "Ang pinakamabuting collection ngmanggagawa ay mga Biblia" (The best collection that a Minister should have is acollection of Bibles).

Young adulthood

It was the wish of the Sugo for Brother Eduardo to study philosophy in college and so he majored in it as an undergraduate and continued studying it at the graduate level, both at the University of the Philippines– Diliman, Quezon City. As an undergraduate, he joined the UP Christian Brotherhood (UPCB), the Church's official student organization for the brethren enrolled in UP. He became its vice president for external affairs prior to becoming its president in his sophomore year. As his contemporaries would recall, Brother Eduardo was not unaccustomed to debating with members of other religious organizations, speaking in either Filipino or English, as the situation necessitated.

While pursuing his undergraduate studies in UP, he undertook his ministerial studies at the Evangelical College (EVCO), where in a single academic year, he completed courses for both the fourth and fifth years of the program. He graduated from UP in 1978, and from EVCO in 1980.

Early Ministry

After graduating from EVCO, Brother Eduardo's first destino or area of assignment was in the local congregation of Cubao in Quezon City whose pastor at the time was Brother Cesar Pedrozo. Brother Eduardo was ordained as a minister on May 9, 1980 at the Iglesia ni Cristo house of worship in Tondo, Manila. After a week of being assigned to the local congregation of Project 4, he was assigned as a Tagapagturo or Instructor of Evangelical Studies and as Assistant Dean of EVCO. He would bring along evangelical students from outside the Philippines, like Brothers Steven Kroll and Edward Maranan, to different provinces, especially in propagating God's words, to supplement their experiences in the ministry.

He was also assigned by Brother Eraño to host a religious radio program in DZEC and to be one of the first panellists on the TV program Ang Iglesia Ni Cristo. As a panellist, he would receive advice and constant guidance from the Executive Minister, which he would also share with his students.

As Coordinator of Metro Manila

In 1984, Brother Eduardo was designated as a Coordinator at the Metro Manila Office of the Church, where he served with pioneering ministers, such as Brothers Benjamin Santiago Sr., Aniceto Bunag Sr., and Pedro Almedina. He was also involved in numerous projects, the most notable being Project Tambalan, which was initiated for the Sugo's Centennial. Project tambalan, a brainchild of Brother Pedro Jaraza, also a senior minister of the gospel, was a system of inviting non-members that yielded an unmatched record number of converts into the Church.

In order to document the worship services being officiated by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo initiated the use of sound and video facilities. He also founded the Society of Communicators and Networkers (SCAN) for brethren with a common interest in radio communication. Because the internet was technically non-existent in the Philippines during that time, he began and maintained a popular Bulletin Board System (BBS) and further developed his skills in computer programming. He organized the Data and Network Management (DNM), which allowed computerization of the entire Central Office. He also sponsored Internet seminars for ministers in various ecclesiastical districts of the Church.

Based on an article entitled "RP marks7th year on the Internet", printed in the magazine Computer world Philippines in March 2001, Brother Eduardo is recognized by Filipino information technology enthusiasts as belonging to the "group of pioneers that brought the nation into the Internet Age."

As Deputy Executive Minister

A day after Eduardo was elected unanimously by the Church's Executive Council, he was sworn in as Deputy Executive Minister by Brother Eraño on May 7, 1994. That blessed and historic occasion was witnessed by brethren all over the world by means of video conferencing technology.

In 1994, he was entrusted bythe Executive Minister with the historic task of registering the church officially in Rome, Italy. Two years later, he along with 11 ministers, joined Brother Eraño in restoring the Church in Jerusalem, Israel. In 1997, he accompanied the Executive Minister in a pastoral visit to Athens, Greece.

In 1998, he was tasked by the Executive Minister to make a pastoral visit to the United States, specifically in the states of Hawaii and California, for the 30th anniversary of the Church of Christ's establishmentin the West. He officiated at special worship services at the Neal Blaisdel lHall in Hawaii and San Jose Arena in California, both ofwhich were filled to capacity. In his homilies, he preached not only in Filipino but also in English for the benefit of all the brethren.

In the year 2000, Brother Eraño once again sent Brother Eduardo on a pastoral visit to 10 US states and Washington, D.C. in 2006, he was sent by the Executive Minister to visit brethren in countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

Brother Eraño took every opportunity to hold klase with his son. Even simple moments like taking a brisk walk would turn into precious mentoring sessions. Advice and guidance from the Executive Minister were extremely important to Brother Eduardo that during pastoral visits outside the Philippines, he always made sure his line of communication was always open to and for the Executive Minister. In fact, each time the plane he boarded had barely landed, Brother Eduardo would already be reaching for his phone to report his whereabouts to Brother Eraño. It had always been very characteristic of Brother Eduardo to consult constantly with the Executive Minister.

The ideals of the Executive Minister have always been the inspiration of Brother Eduardo's project. He sponsored workshops in writing and and translations and seminars for ministerial students, as Brother Eraño wanted ministers trained in all fields beneficial to the Church. Such learning activities culminated in projects like the Eye 'N See Life photo exhibit and Christian Music Video Festival (CMVFest), which were under not only Brother Eduardo's sponsorship but also his artistic direction, given his knowledge of photography, filming, and video editing.

Because Brother Eraño wanted good values to be prompted especially among the youth of the Church, Brother Eduardo launched a children's exhibit entitled "Values 101." He also released animated documentaries about the Sugo and Brother Eraño to help the youth understand and value their compassionate labors for the Church. In addition, he initiated the digital restoration of older issues of the Pasugo.

As a composer and arranger himself, Brother Eduardo has continuously encouraged brethren to compose music for the Church. He has produced and released CD's of contemporary Christian music and "audio books" featuring Bible-verse reading paired with original INC hymns, which are all based on the books and lessons of the Executive Minister.

Family life

Brother Eduardo met his wife, Sister Lynn Ventura, when as a minister, he officiated a committee prayer of the UPCB. They were married on January 2, 1982, the 57th birthday ofthe Executive Minister. That was also the year when Brother Eraño devised the Gabay sa Pagkakasal, a minister's manual in counselling couples to be married and in solemnizing the wedding service.

Brother Eduardo and Sister Lynn molded their children early in their youth to value Church offices, which, up to now they fulfill faithfully. Brother Eduardo's constant advice to them is "Don't let the world influence you, you should influence the world," for by doing good, others will do the same. They also instilled in their children the value of studying hard so that they can use their God-given gifts in the service of the Church.

Their three children began studies at New Era University (NEU) before matriculating at UP. Dorothy Kristine graduated at U.P with Bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Law and has been teaching at NEU since 2005. Gemma Minna, having graduated with a bachelor's degree in Music Education and currently pursuing a second degree in Choral Conducting, teaches music at NEU and is a choir member. Angelo Eraño is a senior majoring in European Languages and is also a fifth-year Bachelor of Evangelical Ministry (BEM) student at the College of Evangelical Ministry (CEM).

Radio communication and other current hobbies and interests

In his early teenage years, Brother Eduardo became interested in radio communication when he began tinkering with his father's unused ham radio units and antenna, eventually becoming aregular Short Wave Listener (SWL). He formed the Citizens Band Radio Group (Special Forces), and later on progressed to become a licensed amateur radio operator. He learned the Morse code, and has used voice, RTTY, and various other radio communication modes, which have afforded him the chance to communicate with people all over the world. Along with the computer technology, he is currently interested in astronomy and astrophotography.

Brother Eduardo is also fond of animals as he has had dogs for pets and currently own cats. He enjoys witty jokes, especially those that involve puns and word play. He is an aficionado of good movies and appreciates them not just because they are entertaining but they can also be instructive.

Principle of Leadership and Administration

Elder ministers have described Brother Eduardo as humble. According to them, although he is the son of the Executive Minister, he has always been respectful of others ministers, especially those older than he. When it comes to the Executive Minister's instructions, his principle is to "always obey and never complain" even if it entails sacrifice, no matter how great, since such derivatives are biblical.

To Brother Eduardo, most prominent among the many advices his father imparted to him is to have selfless love and concern for the Church. For this reason, he has also been described as "compassionate" and a "good listener," although very firm and meticulous inimplementing Church rules and discipline.

Now that the mantle of over-all Church administrations rests on Brother Eduardo, he himself hasemphasized:

"Wala akong iibahin sa sinimulan ng Sugo at itinaguyod ng Tatay (Iwill not change anything from what the Sugo began and what my father continued to uphold),"

because all that they laid down for the Church have always been based on Church doctrines and regulations, in accordance with God's teachings written in the Bible.

from: Pasugo October 2009 issue

Belated Happy Birthday Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo!

We greet Iglesia ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo a Happy Birthday

October 30, 2010, 9:43pm

OCTOBER 31 is an important day for officials, members, followers, and supporters of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC). On this day, its Executive Minister, Eduardo Villanueva Manalo, is celebrating his 55th Birth Anniversary. He is the son of the late Executive Minister Eraño G. Manalo and Cristina Villanueva Manalo.
Before he took over from his late father, “Ka Ed” was Deputy Executive Minister of the INC. He was ordained last May 7, 1994, at the Central Temple in Quezon City. He pursued pastoral activities in July-August, 1998, including a visit to Hawaii, United States, to participate in the celebration of the 30th year of the Church of Christ in the West. Other pastoral visits were made to various places in Europe and in Asia in April-May, 2006.
As Executive Minister, “Ka Ed” is shepherd to his flock. He continues the legacies left by his distinguished father and his esteemed grandfather, Minister Felix Y. Manalo, who founded the INC on July 27, 1914, in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila. The church has since grown tremendously with millions of followers. It now has over 5,400 local congregations in 90 countries. Apart from spiritual enhancement, the INC pursues relevant and meaningful projects, not only for its members, but also for communities nationwide. It has outreach programs, environmental advocacy, food and nutrition projects, and educational campaigns such as computer literacy and adult education. The officials and members of the INC look up to him as a guiding light and inspiration, especially on vital spiritual and moral issues.
“Ka Ed” is an expert on information technology (IT). He ran a local radio frequency bulletin board service at a time when Internet had not yet been introduced in the country. He helped established the Association of Christians in Information Technology, an INC-affiliated organization composed of IT experts who assisted the INC in its myriad tasks. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of the Philippines-Diliman. He is married to Lynn V. Manalo and they have three children – Dorothy Kristine, Gemma Minna, and Angelo Eraño.
We greet Iglesia ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo a happy birthday and wish him all the best and success in all his endeavors.

from: mb.com.ph

A message of hope and inspiration from Ka EVM during the INConcert held last July 27, 2010 at the Araneta Coliseum in celebration of the INC 96th anniversary.

Again, Belated Happy Birthday Bro. Eduardo!

Church News: Nov. 2010

• Fulfilling God’s will and purpose

• Making good use of precious time in the service of the Lord

• Making the service of the Lord the delight of heart and soul

• Providing Christian morals and values

• Molding the youth in Christian discipline

• Educating the youth in Christian ways and instructions

• Teaching the brethren to live orderly lives while earning a living

• Uplifting the lives of the members of the church

• Strengthening the bond of brotherhood

• Uniting the Christian youth in the different parts of the globe

• Keeping the brethren in one spirit

• Giving the brethren the opportunity to enhance their talents and skills

• Providing entertainment and enjoyment in a Christian context

• Utilizing the technology for the welfare of the church

INC LIVE Oct.31, Nov.1, & 2 at SMX Convention Center (Hall 4,) Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines.

Some of the Photos in the event

More Photos click here.

from: Gemnet.tv