Under the INC Giving project, the Ecclesiastical District of New Zealand held clean-up drives on January 27 and 28, 2024 in various areas in the country.

Ministers, ministerial workers, and Church officers led the brethren in places such as Shakespeare Beach in Whangaparāoa, New Brighton Beach in Christchurch, Oreti Beach in Invercargill, among other venues.

Brother Dennis Dahunan, district supervising minister, spearheaded the socio-civic activity of the brethren in Auckland at Ngati Ora Park, Ōtara. Before the clean-up, he explained that such an activity “not only helps their fellowmen and the environment but also unites them with the Church Administration as they fulfill their duties to God.” He acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of the brethren who participated in the event.

Brother Edgar Hernandez, district Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer, and Paul Pagulayan, district Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN) president, gave instructions to the brethren regarding safety.

“It’s fantastic to show people in the community picking up rubbish in the beach and this can be done as a group or as individual,” Cecilia, a resident of New Brighton who noticed the activity, remarked.

Brother Jonas Medrano, assistant district supervising minister, who led the activity at New Brighton Beach, said, “As members of the community, we show concern and care for our environment, such as parks and beaches, which are frequented by many. We also get to express to the community that the Church Of Christ is one with them when it comes to looking after the environment.”

Rolando Espinosa, head deacon, narrated, “Everyone was filled with enthusiasm and utmost eagerness to undertake the said Church activity. Despite the inclement weather and gusty winds, we carried out the cleaning and collection of debris and rubbish at the beach area.” Together with other brethren from Invercargill and Invercargill South local congregations, he was present at the clean-up drive activity in Oreti Beach.

“The INC Giving project aims to fulfill our Lord God’s command, as written in the Bible, to love our neighbor, become lights to the world by doing good works, and remind once more the brethren the importance of helping our fellowmen,” said Brother Glenn Mergas, minister of the gospel who led the activity in Invercargill. – With reports from Derrick Vivas of INC News Section