MCGI's quarterly thanksgiving schedule for 2024

ILAGAN, Isabela - On December 30th, 2023

23 just a day before the year ends, the overall servant of Members Church of God International, Bro. Daniel Razon announces the schedule for Quarterly International Thanksgiving schedule this 2024. The International Thanksgiving is a 3-day event being held every quarter of the year, at least three months in between schedule. This is an international gathering of all brethren, including visitors, friends, and relatives.

For the first quarter, it will be on March 22, 23, and 24. Then followed by second quarter which will be on July 12, 13, and 14. The third quarter will be on October 4, 5, and 6. The last quarter is on December 20, 21, and 22.

Usually the venue will be held in Apalit, Pampanga where the church headquarters is located. It will be broadcast live via satellite so other members who cannot travel to Apalit can still attend the event.

The International Thanksgiving is also called Special Pasalamat ng Buong Bayan (SPBB). The schedule is being announced as early as December 30th, 2023 for all members to be prepared in advance especially to those who are working, just to plan for filing of personal time off to attend these quarterly events.

Meanwhile, the MCGI Mass Indoctrination sessions already started last Monday, January 1st, 2024. And the sessions are expected to end on Friday, January 19th, 2024. It will also be the mass baptism.

For regular church services, live Prayer Meetings usually starts 4:30 a. m. every Wednesday. Live Worship Service is live on Saturday at 4:30 a. m. Lastly, live regular Thanksgiving at 5:00 p. m. in the Philippine time zone.

My thoughts about SIM registration

When the SIM registration enacted into law in October 10, 2022 in the Philippines, there are only few people or groups who are against it. Let's try to dig some thoughts about this social issue.

Benefits of having SIM cards registered:

• Crack down on mobile phone scams and other crimes
• Aims to use SIM cards responsibly

Some issues being raised by some groups who are against this law

• Right to data privacy
• Violation of freedom of expression and access to information
• Spoofing of a registered SIM card
• Could be use to mass surveillance

Since the deactivation was recently in force on July 26, 2023, I am still in the gathering of valuable information if the issues raised above are true.

Meanwhile, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), one of the largest banks in the Philippines, is being true to its commitment in fight versus scams. Most of these frauds are done through phone users. BPI is spending at least 500 million pesos to defend such fraud. The SIM registration is crucial as this will help to lessen, if not, eliminate scams in the country.

Let me know what you think by sending your comments below.

When you feel like giving up....

1. This is a Phase.

Tough times are just a phase. They don't last forever. Life is a cycle of highs and lows. Remember, this too shall pass. You're in the middle of the storm now, but clear skies are ahead. Hold on.

2. You Are Stronger Than You Think.

Never underestimate your resilience.

- You've survived 100% of your bad days.

- Inside you, there is an inner strength.

- Your potential is greater than any problem.

Remember, you're stronger and more capable than you believe.

3. Small Steps Count.

Progress isn't always a leap forward. Sometimes it's tiny, almost imperceptible steps. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal. Celebrate every bit of progress. Slow and steady can still win the race. Keep moving forward.

4. Remember Your 'Why'.

Think back to the reasons why you started. Reconnect with your motivation and your goals.

5. Failure is a Stepping Stone.

It's okay to fall but it's important to rise again. Every setback brings learning opportunities.  Remember, every great success story involves overcoming obstacles. Keep going. Your story is being written.

6. Practice Self-Care.

Self-care is essential, especially during tough times.

- Eat nutritious food

- Exercise regularly

- Get adequate sleep

- Connect with loved ones

- Engage in activities that bring joy.

It’s not selfish, it's survival. Your well-being matters.

7. It's Okay to Ask for Help.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey.

- Reach out to friends, family, or professionals

- Open up about your struggles

- Seek support when you need it

Strength isn't just about enduring in silence. It's also knowing when to ask for help.

To my friends and readers, Fight for yourself. No matter how difficult it becomes, never let yourself give in. After some time, your spark will eventually return. You will come out happier, healthier, and wiser. We are in this together.

Ocean of wisdom

A poor man always think the rich man made his wealth out of luck.  

And the rich man believes the poor is poor because he is lazy. 

A young lady who married very early  thinks ladies who are finding it hard to get married have bad character. 

A man who just graduated and get a job immediately thinks he is smarter than others. 

While a woman who just got married and start giving birth sees "barren" women as people who lived a wayward life. 

If only the poor knew the price the rich paid to get to top and if only the rich knows the battles, challenges that the poor is going  through, none will ever form a theory about each other. 

If the poor can't appreciate the rich man's success let him mind his business if it is easy to be rich he wouldn't have been poor. 

And if the rich won't help the poor grow at least they should not kill the spirit of a struggling man. 

If only you know what people endure or fight behind the scene you will always thank God for your life. Until you walk in people's shoes,  You will never know how hard the journey is.

Help each other grow!!! 

Mock less, envy no one. 

and love one another.

Repost from Realtalk ni Mel on Facebook.