INC Ministry lacking in basic math training?

There are so many reports concerning the INC on the internet these days. Sometimes it is hard for us bystanders to tell what to believe or not. However there does seem to be a common thread amongst the pro-INC statements. That thread is a propensity for exagerration. Numbers are seemingly open to inflation in order to help self-aggrandize the INC.

A good case in point is the recent EDSA fiasco, which greatly angered me and many of my fellow commuters as we were once again greatly inconvenienced by the actions of the INC, this time apparently at the whim of their elitist leaders who were suddenly afraid of DeLima and the DOJ.

By all accounts, the INC leaders, including Edwil Zabala who was present at the scene rallying the members of the INC toward riot, expected up to a million followers to turn up in their desperate play to intimidate the DOJ into submitting to their desires. Their expectation was grossly unfulfilled.

By all official accountings, there were only about 20,000 INC members that responded blindly to their elitist leaders' call to arms.

The turnout, though pathetically small by their leaders' expectations, was still enough to block traffic and cause major disruption to many who need to traverse that major thoroughfare on a daily basis.

Of course you are probably wondering where I am going with this in terms of the title of my post today and of course I am about to let you know the answer to that question.

I have already made some comment about one of the INC elite. His name is Joel San Pedro and I could make any number of further comments on the vehemence with which he denounces anything not pro-INC, but I will refrain for now.

Joel San Pedro has apparently fallen into the INC habit of grossly exaggerating facts to try to build up the image of the INC. Here is the post I am currently referring to:

Joel V. San Pedro

October 7 · Quezon City, Philippines · Edited ·

RALLYING FOR ATTENTION AT THE INC U.S. MAIN OFFICE

A few remarkable things have happened recently in the Church Of Christ that shows the God-given power of the Church’s unity. In the Church’s Peaceful Assembly at EDSA in Metro Manila last August, conservative estimates put the numbers who responded to the Church Administration’s call in the hundreds of thousands, with the size of the crowd rapidly swelling until the Administration signaled its end.

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS, he says. That's a huge difference from the 20,000 per official reports. Either Joel San Pedro is a liar or he just doesn't know basic numbers. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt (for now) and say that he just doesn't have good math training in his background.

This seems to be a common theme though with the INC spokespeople. They either don't know anything when asked, or they exaggerate the truth or just say bad things about others. Edwil Zabala is another prime example of this. Even without my background in human behavior, it is very easy to see that he is well-practiced at evading questions and denying responsibility.

Is that what these spokesmen for the self-proclaimed "one true church" should be like?

Shouldn't these spokesmen be honest, sincere, open and kind? For Edwil and Joel, perhaps it is too late to change. They are too set in their ways.

Perhaps it is time for the INC to come one and admit to their wrong-doings and promise the general public that it will become a better neighbor, a better custodian of their members' trust, a better organization for our country to be proud of.

Personally, I would like to be proud of this group with the 100 year history which originated in our great nation, but right now every time I think of the INC it makes me feel sad.

Thank you for your attention.