Blood bags are transported to the PNRC blood bank where these are stored, preserved and processed into blood components for transfusion to save or prolong lives. Among those who benefit from the blood donation program are cancer patients, individuals who suffered from considerable loss of blood due to accidents, when giving birth or during major surgeries.

Apart from the recipients, blood donors also gain health benefits from this program. When relevant amount of blood is released, the body reacts by producing new blood cells which will result to better functioning of the organs and thus reducing the risk of critical illnesses. Aside from this, the donor receives a Blood Donor Card which they could present at any PNRC facility nationwide come the time that they would need blood. This entitles the card holder to withdraw one (1) bag for a minimal fee charged for the processing and screening of blood for infectious diseases. This processing fee may even be waived for every two (2) donor cards presented. The Interval for blood extraction is every three (3) months. Snacks and refreshments were served to donors after the process.

The Church Administration and the program organizers want to thank our church members as well as Gov. Wilma Amoranto-Sarino, second to the PNRC Chairman Richard Gordon, for being instrumental to this program’s productivity. The blood donation program not only helped save lives but also promoted the act of volunteerism within our church. This reflects our intention to give without expecting something in return but simply because we love, just like what Christ did.

“May the Spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts.”

How often do we come across those lines? Even as kids, we have been made aware on the true meaning of Christmas. We were made to understand why giving is a norm during the Christmas season. It is because Christmas is the occasion when we celebrate the act of God giving His own Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the world. This He did out of love, and as Christians, we should follow His example.

A tradition was established at Jesus Christ to God Be the Glory Church International (JCTGBTG) in which every year, a Christmas Sunday Service Special is being held and themed: “Pasko Sa Atin”. At which time, each family is given the chance to share their blessings to our less fortunate brethren. Grocery items like canned goods, rice, noodles, bread, etc. are packed into bags and distributed so that our brothers and sisters in faith can have something on their tables to partake on Christmas Eve.

Last October 25, 2009, the lines we hear were put into action without waiting for the Christmas season to start. Due to the recent typhoon “Ondoy”, JCTGBTG held a Sunday Service Special in Cuneta Astrodome meant for the victims of the typhoon. This was an extension of Operation Tulong to reach out to more people not only through material blessings but to care for their spiritual needs as well. Both Gospel and relief goods were given to them. Two Sundays before the event, Bishop Luis R. Santos enjoined church members to donate grocery items and reusable clothes. It was an overwhelming surprise how the church members heeded to the simple instruction and has resulted into overflowing bags containing grocery items and clothes. It was a picture reminiscent of an early “Pasko Sa Atin” celebration. More than three hundred (300) visitors came and were blessed. The distribution of goods was done after the Sunday Service and the blessings shared by the members of JCTGBTG were sufficient for all our visitors.

Basic necessities and Salvation – enough to put the smiles on their faces.

Above: Bishop Luis R. Santos during the Altar Call.

Above: The stage overflowing with relief goods donated by church members for the typhoon victims.

Above: Faces, Comrades and Security teams took charge in the distribution of goods to the visitors.

After two years of planning, the most awaited construction of the church center has finally begun.

To formally start the construction, a Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on March 24, 2009 led by Bishop Luis R. Santos, Head Pastor of the church, and was witnessed by Ambassadors for Christ who helped financially support the project. A prayer was offered to bless the church construction and to ensure the safety of the workers. Bishop Luis R. Santos was so overwhelmed as he said: “This is such a great accomplishment. I believe that this will allow the church workers, members and extension churches to benefit from an enhanced church center. The church will surely have better means now to spread the Gospel throughout the world.”

“The construction started last March 28 this year to be exact,” said Pastor Boy Navarro who is the main contractor of the church center. He wholeheartedly exerted effort and dedicated his time to oversee the construction. “This responsibility is just a privilege that God has given me. I am delighted to become a part of this huge process.” According to Pastor Boy, the remaining tasks are painting, tiling and installation of electrical and plumb lines. So far, no cause of delay has been mentioned except for some heavy rains.

The two-level center will include a baptistry area, a multi-purpose hall and three function rooms that will accommodate church functions such as prayer assemblies, meetings, worship team rehearsal, contemporary dances, theater plays and workshops. It will also include an improved and spacious office for the church administration to strongly support every detail of the operations. Sis. Leslie Santos, the church administrator and ID04 worship leader said, “Now that the construction is nearing its completion, I feel extremely excited because finally, we will have function rooms where all practices of different teams will be held in preparation for the concert. We used to rent different venues every year for rehearsals due to area limitation in the old mission house, but now we are assured that in 2 months time, we are out of this predicament.”

The center will also have rooms to accommodate the full-time church personnel. And of course, everybody is excited to hang out at the St. Louis Park Café & Restaurant situated at the roof deck where anyone can chill while spending time with friends.

“I feel privileged to be used by the Lord Almighty in spearheading this particular project – our church centre,” Sis. Leslie added. “I am so thankful to all the wonderful people who supported Project GCCOTE and likewise grateful to those who still support this endeavor to the very end. Our gracious God, the Rewarder of good deeds, acknowledges our ministry of financial support whether big or small. He has appointed that “pay back” time to recompense our noble works. Rest assured that Philippians 4:19 — ‘And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus’, stands true and firm in our lives.”

To Bishop Luis R. Santos, the appreciation to all church workers, members and extension churches that supported this project comes as “a proof that we can unite together and achieve this dream despite the economic crisis the country is facing”.

The construction of the church center is expected to be finished this coming October. There may be a significant change in the façade of the center but its purpose and mission will remain the same.

Demolition of the old Mission House.

Left: Groundbreaking Ceremony held on March 24, 2009 at 10:30 am in Calamba St. where a prayer was led by Bishop Luis R. Santos to formally commence the construction.

Middle: Bishop Luis R. Santos and Pastora Norma with family, Elders, Ambassadors for Christ and other church members signed up as witnesses of the ceremony.

Right: Bishop Luis R. Santos and Pastora Norma (right) with Pastor Boy Navarro (left) implanting the capsule underground. The capsule contains the church center floor plan signed by the witnesses.

Photos of the church center’s construction which officially started on March 28, 2009. Taken last May, 2009.

The church center, at its fourth month of construction. “It is 80% completed” according to Pastor Boy.

Ground floor: (left) Multi-purpose Hall, formerly the Gilgal, (right) function rooms.

Second Floor: church office where all transactions will soon take place.

The Roof Deck: soon to be St. Louis Park Café and Restaurant.

The construction of the church center is still on-going; your donations for PROJECT G-CCOTE are most welcome. For inquiries, please send email to: project-gccote@jc-tgbtg.com.