Truth to be told

People may not recall the intricate details of your facial features, although it's often a concern for many. What they do remember, however, is your smile, the warmth in your eyes as they engaged with you, and the way you made them feel. They remember your kindness, your gentle demeanor, and the comfort your words provided. Your willingness to listen, understand, and offer compassion leaves a lasting impression.

While physical beauty may capture attention, it's the beauty of the heart that truly resonates with people. A beautiful face may mask an ugly heart, but a beautiful heart radiates genuine warmth and kindness. Whether others perceive this beauty depends on what they seek and value. Ultimately, it's the goodness within that leaves a lasting impact on those around you.

Why you can't please anyone no matter how much effort you make?

It is impossible to please everyone since different people have different expectations, tastes, and points of view that frequently clash. No matter how hard you try, it's difficult, if not impossible, to please everyone for the following reasons:

Diverse Preferences: People's interests, values, and tastes vary widely. What makes one person happy might not make another one happy. For instance, one person may love a given musical genre while another may not.

People frequently have expectations that are in conflict with one another. Attempting to satisfy one individual's demands may result in falling short of another's. This is especially true when there are conflicting interests or priorities at play.

Subjectivity: Perceptions and preferences are personal. Something pleasant or fulfilling to one person may not be to another. It is challenging to produce anything that appeals to everyone because of this subjectivity.

Changing Tastes and Preferences: Over time, tastes and preferences might vary. Something that made someone happy in the past might not make them happy now. Because of this, it is difficult to continuously satisfy everyone over a long period of time.

Limited Resources: Time, money, and energy are examples of limiting resources. Due to the limitations of these resources, it might not be possible to satisfy everyone's tastes.

Contradictory Feedback: Individuals offer a variety of sometimes incongruous comments. What is considered a stride forward by one person may be considered a regression by another. It's difficult to bring these disparate viewpoints together.

Unreasonable Expectations: There are those who hold unreasonable or unrealistic expectations. It could be impossible for you to live up to these expectations, no matter how hard you work.
Personal Bias: People frequently have preconceived notions that color their opinions and views. Even in cases where attempts are made to unbiased satisfy everyone, this prejudice can give rise to disputes and discontent.

In conclusion, even though it's normal to desire to satisfy other people, it's critical to understand the complexity and inherent restrictions involved. Doing what feels right for oneself and one's principles, along with sincerity and integrity, can lead to more significant and rewarding outcomes than aiming for universal approval.

Unveiling the philosophy of history: exploring Plato's allegory of the cave

Deep within the confines of a cave, dwellers are ensnared in a world of shadows, their backs turned to the flickering light emanating from the entrance. To them, these fleeting shapes—of animals, people, and objects—are the only reality they've ever known, their true forms obscured by the darkness.

Yet, one fateful day, a soul breaks free from the cave's grasp, emerging into the blinding brilliance of the outside world. Initially overwhelmed by the radiance of truth, this seeker's eyes struggle to adjust to the newfound clarity.

As time unfolds, the veil of illusion begins to lift, revealing the shadows for what they truly are: mere reflections, devoid of substance or authenticity. Armed with this newfound understanding, the enlightened soul returns to the cave, eager to share the revelation with fellow captives.

However, met with incredulity and resistance from those confined within, the truth-bearer's attempts at illumination are met with hostility. Like Plato's allegory, this timeless tale serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle to convey enlightenment to those entrenched in ignorance.

Even in our modern era, this metaphor rings true, reflecting humanity's propensity to embrace only what lies within the bounds of comprehension, rejecting that which lies beyond.

Indeed, the courage to confront the blinding truth—to step out of the shadows and into the light—is a rare and daunting endeavor. Yet, it is through this brave confrontation that liberation is found, and true enlightenment attained.

May we all find the courage to venture beyond the confines of our own caves, embracing the light of truth and the boundless freedom it offers.

Mass indoctrination starts on Monday, May 20th, 2024

For the month of May 2024, once again, the Members Church of God International (MCGI) invite fellowmen around the globe to attend the Mass Indoctrination sessions. It is scheduled to commence on Monday, May 20th, 2024 at exactly 7:00 pm in the Philippine standard time.

Upcoming mass indoctrintaion this May 20th, 2024 at 7:00 pm in the Philippines

The whole indoctrination consists of 15 sessions that discuss the pure doctrines of our Lord Jesus Christ based in the Bible. These are available on Social Media channels like Facebook and on YouTube. Also, the whole sessions are available in different Philippine languages including international languages like English, Spanish, French and other foreign languages like Portuguese, Bahasa Malaysia, etc.

For further information, visit the website www.mcgi.org. You may contact the following hotlines:

Philippines

• Viber +63 943 254 5930
• Globe +63 915 189 7007
• Smart +63 918 438 8988
• Sun +63 943 411 8001

Brazil

• Ligação gratuita: (0800-8373233)
• WhatsApp: (11) 91117-7770
• WhatsApp: (21) 96740-0507

Latin America

• Argentina +54 114 066 7317
• Bolivia +591 6 771 6949
• Chile +56 971 208 341
• Colombia +57 313 753 0124
• Costa Rica +506 8418 7208
• Cuba +53 5629 8984
• Ecuador +593 99 078 0181
• El Salvador +503 6180 0492
• Guatemala +502 4531 7079
• Honduras +504 9567 6889
• Mexico +52 55 4394 3135
• Nicaragua +505 7533 8956
• Panama +507 6200 6161
• Paraguay +595 972 119 547
• Peru +51 992 616 038
• Republica Dominicana +1 809 837 6690
• Uruguay +598 9511 6370
• Venezuela +58 412 545 4489

Europe

• Germany +49 172 8959193
• Spain +34 608 366 398

Africa

• Ghana +233 50 489 9174

Ocenia

• Papua New Guinea +675 7171 6929

Subject: Reconnecting across time and differences

Dear Portales and Yabes relatives,

I hope this message finds each of you well, wherever you may be in the world. It has been far too long since we last spoke, and my heart feels heavy with the weight of all the moments we've missed together.

As the years have passed, life has taken us on separate journeys, and in the busyness of it all, we have grown distant from one another. But today, I am reaching out with an earnest desire to bridge that gap, to rekindle the bonds that tie us together as relatives.

Though we may have differing political views and beliefs, and our paths may diverge in countless ways, I believe that the love and kinship we share transcend these differences. Our relatives are a tapestry woven from the threads of our shared history, laughter, and tears. It is a bond that cannot be broken by time or distance, by disagreement or discord.

Life is too short to let our differences keep us apart. Let us set aside any grievances or misunderstandings that may have arisen between us and embrace the opportunity to reconnect. Let us celebrate the gift of relatives and cherish the moments we have together, for they are precious and fleeting.

I long to hear your voices, to see your faces, and to share in the joys and sorrows of life once more. Please know that my door is always open, and my heart always ready to welcome you back into my life.

May we find the courage to let go of the past and embrace the beauty of the present, united in love and solidarity as relatives.

With all my love,
Gerry

Mother's day is everyday

Great are mothers for humanity, they should not only be remembered for one day.” — Bro. Eli Soriano

Mother's day holds a special place within the Members Church of God International (MCGI), where the reverence and appreciation for mothers transcend a single day of celebration. In the heart of MCGI, mothers are cherished, honored, and loved not just on Mother's Day but every day of the year.

Within this congregation, Mother's Day becomes an occasion to amplify the love and gratitude towards mothers. It's a time when members come together to express their deep appreciation for the invaluable role mothers play in their lives and in the community.

During Mother's Day celebrations in different communities, heartfelt messages of love and appreciation flood the congregation. Brethren and children alike take the opportunity to convey their gratitude to God for blessing them with the presence of their mothers. These expressions of love go beyond mere words; they reflect the profound impact mothers have on shaping the faith, values, and character of their families and the Church.

Each message shared on Mother's Day reflects not only the bond between a child and their mother but also the spiritual connection within the community. It's a time for reflection, celebration, and thanksgiving for the love, sacrifices, and guidance that mothers provide.

In the church, Mother's Day isn't just about honoring biological mothers; it's also about recognizing the nurturing spirit that extends to spiritual mothers within the congregation. Elderly women who have mentored and guided younger members in their faith journey are also celebrated and appreciated.

Ultimately, Mother's Day in the congregation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maternal love, care, and wisdom in the lives of individuals and the spiritual growth of the Church as a whole. It's a day to honor the embodiment of selflessness, strength, and grace that mothers exemplify, not just on one designated day, but every day of the year.

City of Ilagan Hymn

Lyrics by Nilo Agustin

Music by Ato del Rosario

Vocalist: Samuel Acosta

I
Hail! Our beloved homeland
The City of Ilagan
Bestowed with the bounty of the rivers and the streams
Shielded by the mountains of Sierra Madre

You are the heart of our noble farmers
The abode of our culture and traditions
The home of loving and gentle people
That lives proudly with dignity

II
You will always be our peaceful home
The cradle of Ilagueño’s home
You shall blossom, flourish for our vision
As the Liveable City of Ilagan

God bless the City of Ilagan
The cherished legacy of our forefathers
Our home, our land, our beloved homeland
The Liveable City of Ilagan!

The "City of Ilagan Hymn" is a poignant musical homage crafted for the esteemed Ilagueño populace and their dynamic urban center. Infused with verses that echo the storied past and vibrant traditions of Ilagan, this hymn encapsulates the profound pride and communal ethos that characterize the city. Through its stirring lyrics and melodies, it exalts the splendor of Ilagan, its breathtaking landscapes, and the genuine warmth of its inhabitants. Serving as a unifying anthem, it fosters a profound sense of unity and belonging among Ilagueños while nurturing a deep respect for the city's rich heritage and enduring legacy.