Neither distance nor disaster cramped the Members Church of God International for three days of worldwide worship and thanksgiving to the God of Israel, October 2-4, 2009.

In the Philippines where the bulk of members are, brethren sailed raging seas and tramped heavy mud to reach the Church’s central worship house in Apalit, Pampanga. Typhoons Ketsana and Parma were then pummeling the island of Luzon where the ADD Convention Center is sited, but they were nothing compared to the spirit of gratitude felt across the globe.

Elsewhere in the Pacific, three rounds of earthquakes and tsunamis rocked the Samoas and Indonesia but tremors were not felt in the Philippines.

The tri-day celebration was euphoric as congregants sang and shouted with cheer whenever upbeat music played one after another.

Foreign brethren staged their heart-warming productions. Papuans performed the propaganda theme ‘Itanong Mo Kay Soriano’, translated as ‘Yu Askim Soriano’ in their tongue, while the Portuguese presented a pure Filipino song, to the delight of the global crowd.

New topics were dished to the Congregation. Many verses which were ordinarily read were given new perspectives by Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon. Loud applauses ensued each time pristine biblical wisdom was revealed.

As part of Bro. Eli’s commitment to the spiritual wellness of the Congregation, sets of consultations were held. Bro. Daniel participated in easing up queries. The consultation is a Church custom wherein members’ problems are met and decided on. It became instrumental in alleviating the emotional burdens of members brought about by life’s trials.

Brethren who sought livelihood assistance were relieved through the Munting Pangarap (Small Dream) project of Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel. This is done to help poor brethren who wish to live decently, and in turn, return the favor by helping other indigents.

On the Internet, Facebook was drowned with comments, passages, and other read-ons by bloggers who posted fresh items of the thanksgiving occasion from day one until day three.

‘Thanks be to unto God for His unspeakable gift!’ was the prominent and echoing cry of every congregant as the festivities ended.