ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER than words. Showing their unity with the Church Administration, hundreds of Deaf brethren attended the Christian Society for the Deaf (CSD) kick-off event for their fifth-year commemoration. Coming from 39 ecclesiastical districts in Luzon, Philippines, the Deaf brethren, together with their friends and families, gathered on January 13, 2018 for activities where they were able to socialize with their fellow CSD members.

The first part of the occasion was held at the New Era University main campus. Church officers and Sign Language interpreters, including ministers, and ministerial workers, from Metro Manila ecclesiastical districts conducted a get-together to give the Deaf brethren a warm welcome. Brother Regie E. Dulalia, a minister of the gospel and a Sign Language interpreter, shared, “As preparation for this event, we conducted meetings with the Social Development and Services Committee of each Christian Family Organizations (CFO) within the Manila Ecclesiastical District and made plans for the activities. We visited and invited the Deaf brethren and their families in each local congregation. Most importantly, we held devotional prayers to our Lord God for His help and guidance.”

After exploring activity booths in the university grounds and getting acquainted with one another, the brethren headed for their INC Museum & Gallery Tour. Through the informative museum exhibits, CSD members gained deeper insights into the rich history of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) from its humble beginnings since the time of God’s Messenger in these last days, Brother Felix Y. Manalo, to the growth and overseas expansion of the Church during the time of the late Executive Minister, Brother Eraño G. Manalo, and its global reach today under the stewardship of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo.

Brother Kim M. Espinas from the Local Congregation of Silangan, Ecclesiastical District of Rizal, expressed in Sign Language, “The things I saw during the tour were wonderful. I saw photographs of Brother Felix Manalo preaching the words of God to many people. When the beginnings and growth of the Church were shown, I was further motivated to hold on to my membership in the Church Of Christ.”

Another feature of the occasion was the visit to the Embrace Café, which the Church Administration opened last year for the purpose of giving employment opportunities to differently-abled brethren. The café crew, who are also members of the CSD, prepared delectable meals for the attendees.

The occasion was truly momentous and memorable for the CSD members and their loved ones because it was the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, himself who initiated and approved these activities. They expressed their gratitude to God and to the Church Administration for the love and concern for them, through Sign Language.

Brother Alexander V. Castillo, minister of the gospel and CSD spiritual adviser, stated, “The Christian Society for the Deaf was established by our beloved Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, through the Christian Family Organizations Coordinator, Brother Angelo Eraño V. Manalo, on October 31, 2013; so that the brethren with special needs would be catered to with programs and activities intended for their livelihood, education, socialization and above all, for their spiritual life. The Church Administration decided to assign Sign Language interpreters in worship services so the Deaf brethren could also attend.”

Through the CSD, the Church Administration is able to create a cordial community for Christians whose actions speak of their decisiveness to serve and worship the Lord God Almighty.