By Analou De Vera and Marjaleen Ramos A genuine relationship with God can lead to progress and prosperity of one's self as well as the whole country. This was the message of Jesus is Lord (JIL) founder and House Deputy Speaker Bro. Eddie Villanueva to their brethren, who came from all over the world to celebrate the religious group's 41st founding anniversary last Saturday at the Rizal Park in Manila. (Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide official facebook page/ MANILA BULLETIN) "If we have a right relationship with God, I believe in my heart this can accelerate the much awaited long delayed, development, progress, and eventual prosperity of our people," said Villanueva. "If we are in Christ Jesus, we are considered as Abraham's seed, and therefore considered to also receive God's promise," he also said in his speech. "If you want to experience blessings from the Living God, there is a price to pay: Obedience to His will and command," he added. The religious leader said that love for God and country should be genuine. "Ito po ang susi para maranasan na natin ang hinihintay natin na kasaganahan, tagumpay, at kapayapaan sa ating bansa," he said. Villanueva said that the public, especially government officials, should have fear of the Lord. "Ang amin pong encouragement, let's go back to God. Bumalik tayo sa Diyos na lumikha sa atin at magkaroon tayo ng fear of God lalo na sa mga government officials-- the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom. Pag walang wisdom, the government horrible," he said. "Without prayer and God's word, it is impossible to govern a nation," added Villanueva. The religious leader said that the "righteousness of God" is the "real" foundation of a successful government. "Without righteousness there can be no successful government... government can never be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people," he emphasized. Expressing oneness Senate President Vicente Sotto III, House Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Joel Villanueva, and Mayor Joni Tugna of Bocaue also attended the event. Sotto, along with the younger Villanueva, presented a Senate resolution recognizing the JIL’s contribution to the country. Sotto III said that the religious group's celebration is "something that expresses oneness." "Despite the differences of others, isang pagkakaisa ang nakikita kong ehemplo... at ang JIL po ay naging isang magaling na instrumento para ma unify ang ating bansa," Sotto told the crowd, which the Manila Police District had estimated at around 40,000 people. "I believe that in your faith in Jesus Christ, it is the common language that I hear in JIL church. Ipagpatuloy nyo iyan , to bring all people to the Kingdom of the living God regardless of race, status, beliefs, religious affiliations," he added. The JIL has been "a catalyst of positive change in Philippine society," said Representative Domingo Rivera of CIBAC partylist group. "It constantly and relentlessly promotes good and responsible governance that is both pleasing to God and responsive to the needs of the Filipino people," said Rivera as he read a draft resolution of the House of Representatives commending the religious group's contribution to the country. "The JIL church has been actively involved in preserving and upholding the Filipino values that are founded in our collective belief in the Almighty God as enshrined in the preamble of the Philippine constitution," he added. The JIL’s movement, which is present in more than 60 countries worldwide, has already established chapters in Europe, Australia, the Americas, Middle East, Africa, and other neighboring Asian countries.