#inc forever

Photo Courtesy: Sean Miranda

In Vince Lombardi’s words... he once told that “A Leader is made, they are not born”. This is the primary reflection of the leadership of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, but how did Ka Eduardo became a leader? How did he become one of the most beloved person of the members of the Iglesia ni Cristo? Ka Eduardo’s training began when he was still a child, he will often borrow the Bible’s and references from his father’s collection the late Executive Minister Bro. Eraño G. Manalo. He will bring those books, arrange those in his table and practice preaching, little did he know that his father was listening through an intercom system. Because of this Brother Eraño tasked Ka Eduardo of typing the lessons of the Children’s Worship Service that were outlined by Ka Erdy.  As time grew, Ka Eduardo studied Philosophy in the University of the Philippines while also studying in the ministry in the School for Ministers then called EVCO (Evangelical College). And after he graduated in EVCO, he was assigned to the Locale Congregation of Cubao, Quezon City. 

Brother Eduardo was ordained as a minister on the 9th of May 1980 at the Locale Congregation of Tondo, Manila. After this he was given a great task, and was assigned as an Instructor of Evangelical Studies, and as Assistant Dean of EVCO. He also would bring along evangelical students from outside the  Philippines to different provinces to spread the pure gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Ka Erdy assigned him to host a religious radio program in DZEC and to be one of the panelist on our first ever TV program “Ang Iglesia Ni Cristo”. As a panelist, he would receive advice and constant guidance from the late Executive Minister, which he would also share with his students. This became a way for Ka Eduardo to expand his experience so that in the future he will be able to lead the church effectively.

It was also said that when Ka Eduardo became a District Supervising Minister then called a Division Coordinator of the Division of Metro Manila, he formed small groups of ministers and ministerial workers to create a pilot project. He will task these men to think of different ways on how to edify the brethren and spread the gospel. One of the most notable projects of his is the “Project Tambalan” which was initiated for the Centennial Birth Anniversary Celebration of Brother Felix Y. Manalo.

As time passed, the church rapidly grew, to be able to cope with the rapid growth of the church, Ka Eduardo initiated the documentation of the worship services being officiated by the Executive Minister. Ka Eduardo also founded the Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN), and because the internet was technically non-existent in the Philippines during that time, he began and maintained the Bulletin Board System (BBS) and further developed his skills in Computer Programming. 

Ka Eduardo also made a great contribution to the Central Office of the church. He organized the Data and Network Management System which led to the computerization of the entire Central Office. The effect of Ka Eduardo’s ideas and plans for the church can still be felt today. Because of his initiatives, the Philippines and most importantly, the church was brought to the modern era.

According to the Elder Ministers, Ka Eduardo is very humble... even if he is the son of the Executive Minister, he has always been respectful of other ministers, especially those older than him. When it comes to the Executive Minister’s instruction, his principle is to “Always obey, and never complain” even if it entails sacrifice, no matter how great, since such derivatives are biblical. To Brother Eduardo, most prominent among the many advices his father imparted to him, is to have selfless love and concern for the Church. For this reason, he has also been described as “compassionate” and a “good listener”, although very firm and meticulous in implementing the Church’s rules and disciplines. 

Now that the mantle of the over-all church administration rests on Ka Eduardo, he said that “Wala akong iibahin sa sinimulan ng Sugo at itinaguyod ng Tatay” (I will not change anything from what the God’s Last Messenger began and what my father continued to uphold), because all of the things they have done for the church have always been based the Church’s Rules and Regulations that is all in accordance to the Holy Scriptures.