THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY is historically significant to the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) in the field of evangelism through the mass media.

81 years ago this month, the Church started publishing the Pasugo (now Pasugo: God’s Message) magazine to serve as its voice in the arena of print journalism. It was in this month, too, 51 years ago, when the Church’s first radio program was aired. Also, it was February, 37 years ago, that saw the maiden broadcast of the Church’s television program.

Praise be to God for guiding the Church in its use of these various media in helping and guiding many people to return to Him. The purpose of the Church Of Christ in employing mass communication hinges on the stated objectives laid down by Brother Felix Y. Manalo, God’s Messenger in these last days, when the Pasugo first saw print in February 1939.

Ever since its maiden issue, the Pasugo has been carrying out its objective of delivering to all brethren in the Church Of Christ in all places the various news stories about the Church’s numerous activities. It likewise fearlessly proclaims the biblical doctrines and principles that the Church Of Christ adheres to, and defends the same against those who try to oppose them.

When situations so require, the magazine also affirms the Church’s position on social and national issues, stating what it considers as righteous and just based on the teachings of the Bible. At the same time, it exposes the false teachings of other religions, those that go against the teachings of Christ, in order to make known to all the importance of searching for the truth and the genuine, correct, and acceptable manner of serving God that leads to salvation.

Through this, we are able to share our faith to more people. As Brother Felix Manalo stated in the Pasugo’s maiden issue, this magazine was published in order to help “facilitate the visit of the principles we believe in, to all homes and all kinds of people.”

Under the stewardship of the present Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Church Of Christ is guided by the same objectives in broadcasting and streaming its religious radio and television programs. Our use of the mass media in evangelism provides us the opportunity to get certain information across to our brethren in the Church more extensively and more quickly. The Church’s religious programs feature not only discussions on God’s laws and doctrines upheld by the Church Of Christ, but also news stories about the Church’s activities in various places.

The Church programs also discuss relevant topics to help find solutions to social problems. Economic issues, husband-wife relationship, family planning, education, employment, as well as vices such as drug addiction, alcoholism, and gambling are examined in the light of the teachings of the Bible in the Church’s media.

The Church strives for its evangelization efforts, not only by means of preaching the gospel in person but also through the media, to have a wider reach, because our Lord Jesus Christ said: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14 New King James Version).