The virtual stage is set. Computer microphones and headsets have been tested. And Holy Spirit-filled singers and speakers are all raring to go live to set on virtual fire a record-setting crowd of 10,000 for the biggest gathering ever of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) in its 41-year history.
The BCBP is having its first ever virtual National Anniversary Celebration — known to its members as NAC 41 — this Friday and Saturday, August 20 to 21, 2021, with more than 175 chapters, outreaches, and missions actively participating.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Bro. Edgar Ramilo, chairman of the Organizing Committee, said BCBP members from all over the world are excited to take part in this historic gathering that so far attracted a total of 9,041 registered participants as of August 16, 2021.
“This is history in the making. This is a very special event that we cannot afford to miss. Let us all join and be part of this historic event.” he said.
Bro. Edgar noted that this would be the first NAC that many BCBP members in the United States, Canada, and Asia Pacific areas would be able to join. We have more than 700 members from our International Chapters, Outreaches, and Missions , who will attend our NAC41.
“In the past we only saw very few attendees from international chapters. But since this will be done online, our brothers and sisters abroad can easily join us. Thus this will somehow make our NAC41 a truly big international event, ” he stressed.
VIRTUAL NAC EXPERIENCE
BCBP President Bro. PV Beley is leading the Worship Night on Friday which kickstarts the Virtual NAC experience.
Four BCBP members then alternately take the podium to do Mini Sharing on the theme “Breakout” which is inspired by a verse from the Gospel of Matthew when our Lord Jesus Christ asked the apostle Peter to step out of the boat in the middle of a raging storm.
The four sharers are Bro. Carmelito “Doc Lito” Paradela of Ormoc chapter about their successful work with former drug dependents; Bro. Ric Rufino Jr. of Marikina chapter about his wife’s struggle with a rare disease; Bro. Vincent Jose “Ting” Rivera about his kidney failure that left him comatose; and Bro. Matthew Domingo of Alabang chapter about their first online Christian Life Program experience.
After the mini sharinng, BCBP Chairman Bro. Caesar Altarejos will give his reflection which concludes the first day
The second day, Saturday, will start with a Virtual Breakfast where first-timers are expected to be introduced. BCBP founder and Spiritual Director Fr. Herb Schneider and former BCBP Chairman Bro. Tito Serafica will be the sharers for the Breakfast
Later in the afternoon, there will be a Eucharistic Celebration to be led by Bishop Buenaventura Famadico. This will be followed by the Praise Jam and the grand raffle draw where the winner of the P1 million grand prize will be picked.
All these will be streamed live over BCBP TV on Youtube and the BCBP Kapatiran Facebook page. All BCBP members are encouraged to subscribe to the Youtube channel where the BCBP Praise Jam videos are also posted.
FUNDS FOR CHARITY
Bro. Al Mamonong, Area Managing Director for Southern Tagalog Region, meanwhile, explained that several activities for the NAC 31 have been happening since mid July. And just like the NAC 41 proper, they are all designed to raise funds for charitable causes.
These activities include a Virtual Bike and Run Challenge where BCBP members got to do an online run, submit their results for a chance to win prizes, and be able to help several charities in the process.
There is also a Virtual Praise Jam music video-making contest where the top 12 entries would be streamed during the Sabado Night Fellowship.
“The NAC 41 is the biggest Social Action project of the BCBP that you can ever think of. All proceeds from the 500 pesos registration of each participant, to the sale of commemorative t-shirts, the entry fees for the virtual run and bike challenge, and the entry fees for the Praise Jam would all go to charity,” he said.
Proceeds from the NAC41 will be divided equally to eight charitable institutions, namely, the Missionaries of Charity Home for the Abandoned and Physically and Mentally Disabled Children in Tagaytay and Trece Martirez, Cavite; the Bukid Kabataan Home of Molested Children in San Pablo,Laguna; the Bahay San Jose Home of Abandoned Children in General Trias, Cavite; the Bahay ni Maria Home for the Eldrely in Calamba, Laguna; the Mary Mother of Mercy Home for the Elderly in San Pedro, Laguna; the Canossa Health and Social Center Foundation in Silang, Cavite; the Don Bosco Seminary and the Don Bosco Tech Vocational Education and Training in Calauan and Canlubang, Laguna.
GROUNDBREAKING WORK
Bro. Noel delos Reyes, the national Programs and Services director, expressed the BCBP’s gratitude to the host region for its trailblazing efforts in organizing the NAC 41.
“When NAC 40 was cancelled last year, our brothers and sisters in STR1 did not hesitate to accept the responsibility to organize this event. This is truly groundbreaking. Whoever will host next year’s NAC will have STR1 to thank aside from our loving and faithful God of course. God made use of STR to pave the way for this event to happen,” he said.
For more information about the NAC 41, log on to www.bcbpnac41.com or visit BCBP NAC 41 Online’s Facebook page.
