INC aids PNG quake-hit survivors

The Iglesia Ni Cristo congregation of Lae City in Papua New Guinea extended assistance to those affected by a 4.6-magnitude earthquake that struck the northeastern part of the ASEAN country.

Under the Care for Humanity event, survivors of the earthquake that claimed at least 21 lives, received relief packages from the INC congregation.

Towns in Morobe Province reeled from the impact of the quake also felt in Lae City, Morebe's capital.

Papua New Guinea is within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region that sees frequent earthquakes and volcanic activities.

Survivors of the recent quake underwent a stress-debriefing seminar led by Brother Edmark Velasco, the resident INC ministerial worker, during which they received Bible-based encouragement.

During the seminar, Velasco taught the victims ways to cope with their fears whenever calamities strike.

"We thank God for using our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, in extending His love to the people here in Papua New Guinea," he said.

Outreach

"Not only were we given prompt help through the relief packages but, most importantly, we were taught the word of God that serves as our inspiration in upholding our services to God despite the calamities," he added.

The Care for Humanity, formerly known as Aid to Humanity, is an outreach program of the Iglesia ni Cristo that has provided immediate assistance to multitudes of people, from calamity victims to indigents and indigenous peoples, and all others who are in need.

Through its implementing arm, the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, the Church seeks to give aid to the needy in all parts of the world.

Last August, hundreds of care packages that included food items and school supplies were also given out to the residents of Washington, D.C. by the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

Among those who attended the event were representatives from the office of Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Metropolitan Police Department, and community members.

Iric Arribas, Philippine Consul General in Washington, said he felt proud as a Filipino when he attended the socio-civic activity.

"When I came here as a guest of this activity, I felt proud to be a Filipino because we can see how the Iglesia Ni Cristo — being a predominantly Filipino organization — is now spreading acts of kindness to other nationalities, to other people," Arribas said.

During the event, at least 500 care packages were given out to the people, of which 250 were filled with basic food items, and another 250 with school supplies.

WITH REPORTS FROM IGLESIANICRISTO.NET