Bro. Eli Soriano of MCGI turns 49 in service to God

A scene no less than that of last week’s thanksgiving of the whole congregation, members of the Church of God International again fills  the ADD Convention Center and all its locales abroad in worship to the Creator for, among many others, one great reason. Bro. Eli Soriano, MCGI Presiding Minister, turns 49 in service to God and the people.

The Music Ministry International and the Teatro Kristiyano, MCGI’s chorale and theatrical groups, perform during the International Thanksgiving to God.
Photo courtesy of Rovic Balunsay

2:00 pm — The congregational singing of hymns starts led by the Music Ministry International.

2:10 pm — A song of thanks and praise to God for giving His Church a leader like Bro. Eli, the Music Ministry International and the Teatro Kristiyano, MCGI’s chorale and theatrical groups, perform Bigay ng Dios (Given by God) to open the thanksgiving presentation part of the program.

2:20 pm — Locales and Church groups in the Philippines are off to the stage for their song number, Pagpapasalamat (Thanksgiving). A video of birthday greetings from brethren in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao plays on TV monitor.

3:00 pm — Moving from Philippines to countries worldwide, brethren from Asia and Oceania, North and South America, Canada, Europe, and Africa divisions sing A Chance to Praise our God.

A glimpse of Members Church of God International offering songs of thanks and praise to God. Similar view is seen during MCGI’s regular thanksgiving gathering held every Saturday.
Photo courtesy of Rovic Balunsay

3:20 pm — Video clips of Remember When concert recall an exciting night with The Platters‘ soulful and rock and roll music. Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel Razon, sang live with the ’60s popular vocal group. Remember When was Bro. Eli’s birthday concert held at ADD Convention Center in Pampanga, Philippines.

During the concert, brethren especially those from locales abroad went frantic when Bro. Eli sang live their song requests. Dubbed Bro. Eli sings your song, Live by request, fun times on this event are happening again today.

3:50 pm — “Feliz Aniversário Irmão Eli,” South American brethren greet Bro. Eli.

4:00 pm — Another song number from Filipino brethren echoes around MCGI locales.

4:20 pm — In a video, brothers and sisters express how grateful they are to God for His diverse works to them. They are especially thankful for His works of salvation through Bro. Eli. Their song Dalangin sa Dios (Prayer to God) tells all their gratefulness and praises to the Almighty One.

4:45 pm — Newly baptized from Brazil, South America sing a Portuguese version of Tapat na Mangangaral (A Faithful Preacher). It was in the early months of 2009 when Latin America has started hearing Bro. Eli’s preaching. From 263 natives forming the first ever locale in the continent, MCGI in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries has grown significantly.

4:55 pm — Hundreds of converts from the Philippines say they heard Bro. Eli’s bold preaching and were enlightened. So they are giving thanks to God for a Tapat na Mangangaral (Faithful Preacher). The song speaks of God’s servants gratefulness to Him for the preachers He sent to His people since the early times.

5:00 pm — Also very grateful to God, Bro. Eli’s household offers a song of thanks.

5:10 pm — From South America, Bro. Daniel utters how much he thanks the Father for the life He gives to Bro. Eli.

“Salamat sa Dios sa buhay na ibinibigay Niya kay Kapatid na Eli…sa pagbibigay sa atin ng isang kaibigan, isang kasamang laging umuunawa sa ating lahat, at mangangaral na umaakay sa atin sa kaligtasan. Dalangin po natin sa Dios na sana ay lagi siyang maingatan (Thanks be to God for the life He’s giving to Bro. Eli, for giving us a friend, a companion who always there to understand us all, and a preacher who leads us to salvation. We pray to God that Bro. Eli will always be cared).”

5;30 pm — Congregational singing of hymns resumes followed by the congregrational prayer.

6:00 pm — Bro. Daniel welcomes to the Church the newly-baptized brethren. He invites guests for a Mass Indoctrination this Monday, April 8.

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