The Ambassador of Israel visited the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC or Church Of Christ) Central office last week. His Excellency Effie Ben Matityau arrived at the INC Central office complex and was welcomed by INC Executive Minister, Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo.
Ambassador Matityau said that he was “overwhelmed with the outpouring of friendship” that he experienced with his visit to Brother Eduardo and to New Era University (NEU) and the INC School for Ministers.
“I must admit, I’m overwhelmed. I was expecting some sort of professional meetings, I ended up here with outpouring of friendship,” Ambassador Matityau said.
“I want to thank Brother (Eduardo) Manalo and the Iglesia ni Cristo with its incredible hospitality, (and) friendship,” said the Ambassador who visited the INC Central Office for the first time.
He said the meeting with the INC Executive Minister was “positive” and “really moving” and that they discussed issues where they can cooperate with each other.
According to Bro. Joel V. San Pedro, INC minister, Matityau initiated the visit. He said this strengthened the relations of the INC with the state of Israel. Last March 31, 2016, Brother Eduardo led the celebration of the 20th year of establishment of the INC in the Jewish state in a special worship service and ordination at the Zion Hall of the Inbal Jerusalem Hotel.
Ambassador Matityau said he is looking at the structure of the INC’s social outreach and philanthropy outreach. He also discussed the ways by which Israel can help in the INC’s eco-farming communities. Presently, the INC has 18 eco-farming sites all over the country which are meant to help local folks in the area to be self-sustainable.
“We will be happy to create room in our system of training in Israel for experts on those eco farms. We will be happy to explore together what we can do in order to support those farms,” the Ambassador said.
Matityau said that Israel would also want to help the New Era University (NEU), one of which is by providing trainings and knowledge transfers, especially since his country is very interested in capacity building.
The Israeli ambassador also said he was “very impressed” with the increasing presence of the INC, not only in the Philippines, but around the world.
“It’s amazing to see how widely the Church is positioned,” Ambassador Matityau said.
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About the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ)
The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church Of Christ is a global church comprising of more than 5,500 local congregations in over 100 countries and territories worldwide, with membership of at least 110 nationalities. Its Central Administration is in Quezon City, Philippines.
