CBCP Monitor
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August 17 - August 30, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 17
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
WALKING FOR ANCOP SCHOLARS
Aerial shot of the Liwasang Aurora at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City where CFC Metro Manila held the AGW (photo courtesy of signalFire)
UNLIKE the previous ANCOP Global Walks (AGW), the sun was high up in the sky during this year’s AGW, not only in Metro Manila, but in the other parts of the globe where walks were also held. CFC Florida reported a downpour before gun start, but the rains brought out not only a rainbow shooting from the ground, but a cool climate definitely conducive for a 5-kilometer walk.
Such was the scenario all over the world last Sunday, August 15, which made it possible for thousands of walkers to converge at the various walk points, even in the wee hours of the morning, and to walk for the 1,500 scholars of the ANCOP Global Walk. In Metro Manila, the twelve sectors gathered at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City as early as 4:00 AM. In the Philippine provinces, walkers from Batangas, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga Del Sur, Sorsogon, Quirino, Isabela, Rizal, Pampanga, Tarlac, Palawan, Cebu, Laguna, Oriental Mindoro, Bulacan, Camarines Norte, La Union, Bacolod City, Masbate, Lanao del Norte, Dumaguete, Samar,
Bataan, Albay, Quezon, Agusan del Norte, Compostela Valley, Iloilo, Zambales, Davao, Negros Occidental, to name a few, were likewise raring to walk for their respective AGW scholars. Some provinces, particularly Masbate and Apayao, opted to walk earlier. Some of the countries that walked with the Philippines were Israel, Italy, Lebanon, the Federated States of Micronesia, USA, Canada, Singapore, UK, and Switzerland. Now on its fifth year, the ANCOP Global Walk aims to create awareness about CFC ANCOP’s initiatives on education and to raise funds in order to help send children from under-privileged families to school. To date, the AGW has 804 scholars in college/ vocational-technical school, 375 in high school and 335 through elementary school. This year’s walk will not only sustain the needs of these scholars; hopefully, through the new partners and supporters, more will be added to the number of children the AGW will send to school next school year. The ANCOP Global Walk is one of the initiatives of CFC ANCOP in order to encourage more individuals to participate in the Child Sponsorship Program. The Child Sponsorship Program is a one-to-one sponsorship that provides for education assistance, health and medical care, values formation and spiritual enhancement, as well as parent involvement and partnership to support the child’s education.
Photo credits: Joey Tomas, John Paolo Bautista, Romeo Medina; photos from Provincial and Global AGWs taken from Facebook.
Celebrating the Joys of Mary through the Franciscan Crown Rosary
EVERY member of the Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) looks forward to the annual Marian Conference. The conference, over the years, has been a rich source of inspiration for the members, particularly because each year, the conference provides a fresh look at Mary, the Mother of the Lord, at her attributes and how women can fully love God by imitating her. Last August 15, 2015, HOLD leaders and members from Metro Manila and the nearby provinces trooped to the Ynares Sports Center in Kapitolyo, Pasig for the 2015 Marian Conference. Titled The Joys of Mary, this year’s Marian Conference focused on Mary who, despite her sorrows as a
mother, was truly a joyful woman. The conference also focused on the devotion called the Franciscan Crown Rosary and how, through the efforts of a young novice, these joys of Mary spread through this devotion. HOLD Coordinator for Indonesia and Metro Manila Central C Ching Santiago provided a brief introduction on Mary’s seven joys, and the history of the devotion to the Franciscan Rosary. “Mary’s joy in the midst of pain and suffering, in spite of her sorrows, came from God’s presence in her, MARIAN CONFERENCE, C2
New CFC Leaders Appointed EFFECTIVE September 1st, 2015, the following leaders shall be holding new assignments in the international mission: 1. Rudy Gaspillo, concurrent Sector Head of Metro Manila South A, as the Country Coordinator of the United Arab Emirates, vice Romy Alfaro; 2. Boyet Rafael, concurrent Provincial Area Head of Davao, as the Country Coordinator of Bahrain, vice Jerry Tanigue; 3. Romy Alfaro, concurrent as Middle East Regional Coordinator, as Country Coordinator of Saudia Arabia vice Ramuel Garcia. Meanwhile, the CFC International Council also announced the establishment of the Indian Ocean Islands group as a separate region in Africa. The Indian Ocean Islands include the following countries: Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Reunion. This will bring the regional groupings of Africa to six—Northern Africa, Western Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Some countries have also been realigned to their appropriate regions; thus Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea will be part of East Africa; Sudan, South Sudan and Rwanda part of Central Africa; and Angola and Zambia part of Southern Africa. New Regional and Country Coordinators for
the African region have also been appointed: 1. Ricky Cuenca as Regional Coordinator for Western Africa; 2. Lay Laya, formerly Regional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, as Regional Coordinator for the Indian Ocean Islands Region; 3. Jun Clarito as Regional Coordinator for East Africa; and 4. Harold Oraňa as Regional Coordinator for Central Africa. 5. Boy Guinto as Country Coordinator for Nigeria, in place of Cesar Rodas; and 6. Francis Yap as Country Coordinator for Ghana and Sierra Leone, vice Vouleen Ben and Raul Aclan, respectively. In a memo released recently announcing such assignments, CFC Chairman and International Missions Director Joe Tale thanked the former Regional Coordinators and Country Coordinators, who are now stepping aside for the new leaders, for their dedication and zeal in moving the mission forward in these mission areas. On behalf of the International Council, Tale also thanked all the brothers and the CFC countries that continue to support the growing mission in Africa. He encouraged the global CFC community to include in their prayers the new appointees who need the Lord's guidance and providence in their new assignments.
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August 17 - August 30, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 17
CBCP Monitor
YCFC to Hold 4th Assembly
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Couples for Christ Young Couples experienced their first Young Couples Assembly recently. More assemblies for young CFCs are also happening in other provinces and some parts of Asia.
THE YOUNG Couples for Christ (YCFC) Program is creating a huge impact in the young CFC generation. The Young CFC Program goes further in its mission by reaching out to young couples, not just in Metro Manila but in other areas and not just in community but to those outside CFC as well. As part of their program of reaching out to the young couples, the program core team headed by Rommel Ancheta
and his wife Layle, is inviting young couples (married for 15 years or less), to the 4th CFC Young Couples Assembly on August 30, 2015 (Sunday), 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, at the UNILAB Bayanihan Hall, Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City. The Family Mass, to be presided by Fr. Joel Jason, will start at 1:00 PM, followed immediately by the talk proper at 2:00 PM. The talk will be about “Overcoming Difficulties And Crises In Marriage”.
Snapshots of AGW 2015
Living out the Joys of Mary: 1. Connie Saturay, HOLD Coordinator for Metro Manila West C leading the opening worship; 2. CFC Church Relations Office Director Rouquel Ponte and wife Nina worshipping with HOLD leaders; 3. Ching Santiago, HOLD Coordinator for Indonesia and Metro Manila Central C with the Introduction to the Franciscan Crown Rosary; 4. A dramatization of one of Mary’s joys, the birth of her son, Jesus; 5. Aileen Serrano led the Handmaids of the Lord in praying the Franciscan Crown Rosary and meditating on the Joys of Mary; 6. The finding of Jesus in the temple; 7. The coronation of Mary as Queen of heaven and earth; 8. Tess Amon sharing about the first joy—The Annunciation; 9. Leli Roque sharing on Mary’s second joy, Mary’s visitation to her cousin Elizabeth; 10. Myrna Vega testifying on Mary’s third joy; 11. Carla Ofilada, sharing on her joy in relation to the Magis’ adoration of the infant Jesus; 12. Cecile de Joya relating her experience similar to Mary’s finding Jesus in the temple; 13. Maries Patricio tell about her own meeting with the resurrected Christ; 14. Tessie Arguelles on Mary’s seventh joy—Mary’s coronation and assumption. 15. Vicky Lomibao leading the delegates into the lively praisefest; 16. Family Ministries Director Jimmy Ilagan and wife Lorna.
from her union with Him”, Santiago explained. She added, “Our Mother wants us to experience the joy that was always in her heart, the joy that flowed from her love. She teaches us through her life that as we shine with all the colors of love, we will also be radiant with joy, just like her.” The Franciscan Crown Rosary
A story that dates back to the 15th century tells of a pious lad, James, who found joy in picking wild flowers and weaving them into a crown, which he devotedly offered to the Blessed Virgin. James entered the Franciscan Order as a young man. In the seminary, he lamented that he was not able to do his daily habit of weaving a crown of flowers for the Virgin Mary, and even considered leaving
his vocation. In a vision, the Blessed Mother came to James, saying, “Do not be sad and cast down, my son, because you are no longer permitted to place wreaths of flowers on my statue. I will teach you to change this pious practice into one that will be far more pleasing to me and far more meritorious to your soul. In place of the flowers that soon wither, you can weave for me a crown from the flowers of your prayers that will always remain fresh.” Mary then requested the young friar to say one “Our Father” and ten “Hail Mary’s” in honor of seven joyous occasions in her life: 1. The Annunciation 2. The Visitation 3. The Birth of Christ 4. The Adoration of the Magi 5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple 6. The Resurrection of Our Lord, and
7. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven And so throughout the entire conference, the HOLD leaders learned how to recite the Franciscan Crown Rosary, with Aileen Serrano of Metro Manila Central A leading the prayers and meditation. After each decade, a sharer testified about her own personal joy in relation to the Blessed Mother’s joy. Indeed, this year’s Marian Conference message is clear—that Mary wants her children to share in her joys, not only her sorrows. By meditating on her seven joys, Catholics can also take a look at their own lives and see how the Lord has granted each one his or her own joyful experiences in their relationship with her son, Jesus Christ. (Alma Alvarez)
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
George B. Campos IC Oversight
Alma M. Alvarez Associate Editor
Deomar P. Oliveria Layout Artist
Zenaida A. Gimenez Editor-in-Chief
Evangeline C. Mecedilla Circulation Staff
The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (+63 2) 709-4868 local 23 Direct line : (+63 2) 709-4856 www.couplesforchristglobal.org cfcglobalcommunications@gmail.com
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August 17 - August 30, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 17
CFC ANCOP Albay awards 2nd batch of 15 units to homepartners
COUPLES for Christ Albay, in its continuing work for the poor, awarded 15 new homes to new home partners. The new homes are in addition to the first batch of 15 units that were awarded last February 28, 2015. The house blessing and awarding ceremonies were held at Taysan Resettlement Site, Sitio Tognao, Taysan, Legazpi City. In attendance were Rev. Fr. Rex Paul Arjona, Social Action Director of the Diocese of
Legazpi. Claudio Merisio and Lot OrtizLuis, International Projects Director and Philippines Projects Coordinator, respectively of Cross Catholic Outreach, Florida, USA, Jimmy Ilagan, President of CFC Ancop Global Foundation, Inc., with wife Lorna, Mayor Noel Rosal of Legazpi City, Barangay Chairman Renato Valladolid and the CFC Albay Area Governance Team. Home lots allocated by the City Government of Legazpi for ANCOP has totaled 125. CFC
ANCOP Albay, in partnership with Cross Catholic Outreach, aims to build and award another 30 units before the end of the year. In another development, another site at San Vicente Resettlement Site at San Vicente, Tabaco City is now on its final documentation stage. The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement and the ground breaking are expected to happen during the fourth quarter of 2015. (Kian Carla Mallorca Pielago)
ANCOP Calls for General Membership Meeting
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ANCOP Champions Donate $25K Anew CANADIAN philanthropists Larry and Tova Vickar of Winnipeg, Manitoba have established themselves as ANCOP Canada’s leading single donor. The couple has consistently supported ANCOP year after year. Having been taught at an early age that sharing one’s time and resources is the right thing to do, Larry has led a life that has been that of giving and service to people. He and his wife Tova have always been involved in various initiatives, big and small, aimed at helping people in need. A highly successful businessman in the automotive dealership industry employing over 300 Winnipeggers, Larry still finds time to serve the community. Currently he is at the helm of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Jewish National Fund, St. Boniface Foundation, and the Manitoba Hydro Electric board among others. He and Tova have been involved in a water project in Israel. They have also conceived and sustained L’Arche Tova Café, a place showcasing the talents of people with disabilities in Transcona, Winnipeg. Larry and Tova’s involvement with ANCOP started as early as 2006 when they contributed to the building of houses in Sunshine Village in the Philippines. When Larry organized a tour of Israel on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg that same year, a group of Canadian Filipinos joined. While in Israel, the Filipinos invited the couple to also visit the Philippines. It was not until 2008 however that this materialized. In the Philippines, Larry and Tova visited Sunshine Village and saw first-hand the joy of the residents at having new homes. Larry remembers that “We also saw the extreme contrast to the other homes that were nothing more than shelters from the elements, with dirt floors, metal slabs for roofs, no sanitary facilities. A family of six or more dwells in this room, an area smaller than most of our bedrooms.” What left an imprint on the couple while talking to the residents was that inspite of their miserable conditions, they remained hopeful. They had complete faith that they, too would have a new home – a decent dwelling to be proud of like that of other ANCOP villagers. This moving experience plus the thankfulness of the family beneficiaries left Larry and Tova wanting to do more for the poor. “We made a pledge to each other that we would do more to partner with ANCOP and to perhaps build a village of our own,” Larry shared.
2010 marked the beginning of the partnership between the Vickar couple and ANCOP Winnipeg. Together with Transcona Rotary, Larry and Tova donated $15 thousand for the building of the first ever ANCOP Winnipeg Village in the Philippines. The village named Vickar Transcona Rotary Portview Village is located in Camiguin, an island in Mindanao. In 2012, Larry spearheaded a fundraising event called “ANCOP Vickar Evening in the Philippines” and raised about $50 thousand. The amount was directed towards the construction of the Larry Tova Vickar multi-purpose hall and chapel in the Vickar Rotary Portview village. The village consists of 40 houses and is home to around 200 people. In 2013 ANCOP Winnipeg received from the couple another $25 thousand through the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba during the ANCOP Walk. The fund was channeled to the community development programs of ANCOP. In 2014, Larry and Tova, through the Vickar Automotive Group, donated $25 thousand to sponsor the education of the children in their village and personally witnessed a few interviews of prospective scholars. “The hopeful faces of children and their parents moved us and inspired us to help the children go to school. We recognized that educating the children would have a great impact on their families’ economic and social future,” Larry said. During the July 9th ANCOP summit at the North Centennial Centre in Winnipeg, Larry reiterated his commitment to support ANCOP. On July 12th, the Vickars were guests at the CFC Canada national conference hosted by CFC Winnipeg at the RBC Convention Centre. Larry addressed over 500 delegates and professed his and Tova’s continuing desire to help the poor through ANCOP. Larry encouraged those present to share this advocacy with their neighbors, co-workers, relatives and others within their sphere of influence. “By expanding your horizon of scope as to potential new sources of financial and moral support, you will find more willing partners to help in your important missions,” he urged the assembly. Larry and Tova presented to Eli Minglana of ANCOP Winnipeg a $25 thousand check for ANCOP’s Child Sponsorship Program. (Edna Garrucho, ANCOP Canada)
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ANCOP Champion in Canada. Top photo: Larry (fourth from left) handing over the check for $25T to Eli Minglana of ANCOP Winnipeg. Present were Arnel Simbulan, Ador Cabrera, and Vic Lopez also of CFC ANCOP Winnipeg; bottom photo: the Vickars at the CFC Canada National Conference, Winnipeg.
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ANCOP General Membership convened: 1. ANCOP Chairman Joe Yamamoto; 2. the general membership comprised of CFC elders; 3. Rene Punsalan addressing the assembly; 4. ANCOP President Jimmy Ilagan reports on the program updates; 5. The newly-elected Board of Trustees; 6. First meeting of the Board after the general membership meeting.
The CFC ANCOP Global Foundation Inc. convened its members for a General Assembly last August 12, 2015 at the Ugnayan Hall of the CFC Global Mission Center. ANCOP President Jimmy Ilagan reported updates on the various programs, as well as a financial overview of the Foundation. Afterwards, the general membership elected the new members of the Board of Trustees.
Joe Yamamoto was elected Chairman, while Jimmy Ilagan remains President of ANCOP. Manny Garcia is the Vice President, while Steve Maningat will serve as Treasurer. Other members of the Board of Trustees are Michael Ariola, George Campos, Lito Tayag, Arnel Santos, and Eric delos Reyes. Atty. Rene Punsalan was chosen as the Foundation’s Corporate Secretary.
DSWD Grants Certification to CFC ANCOP
CFC ANCOP Global Foundation, Inc. received its Registration Certificate and License to Operate from the Department of Social Welfare and Development on August 17, 2015 in a simple ceremony right after the department’s flag ceremony inside its office compound. International Council member and ANCOP President Jimmy Ilagan received the certificate on behalf of CFC ANCOP. CFC ANCOP Global Foundation has satisfactorily complied with all the requirements to operate as a social welfare and development agency implementing Community-Based Programs and Services for Children, Youth, Women, Persons with Disability, Indigenous Persons, Victims of Disasters, Families and Communities. This certification entitles CFC ANCOP Global to be included in the Registry of Social Welfare and Development Agencies of this Department. This simply means that the programs and services that CFC ANCOP Global is providing follow the standards of DSWD and the delivery of its social protection services to its beneficiaries are sustainable. The certification given is valid for three (3) years covering the period 2015-2018.
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August 17 - August 30, 2015 Vol. 19 No. 17
CFC CARIBBEAN: CALLED TO LOVE MORE
CFC Trinidad and Tobago plays host to the 16th CFC Caribbean Conference, clockwise from top left: Joe and Monina Duran with author; a colorful display of colors; renewal of marriage vows; YFC Love Revolution; beautiful music at the conference; 100% Pure workshop for YFC.
THIS YEAR’S theme was a call to “Love More”, and this was the same theme and spirit that permeated the 16th CFC-Caribbean Conference held recently at Trinidad and Tobago. A total of 468 delegates from the entire spectrum of the CFC family – from couples to singles to the very young - attended the conference. As early as two days before, the conference started for the young people with an opening reggae party, taking on the Love Revolution theme. The YFC Cross Culture Team from the United States served during the entire event, headed by the former Caribbean fulltime pastoral workers Jonathan and Erika Lumamba. It was a week of rallying the young people to such the love revolution and reunion through the sessions, workshops, confession, team building and worship. The other Family Ministries such as Handmaids of the Lord had their own festive event the whole day the next day, celebrating the “Colours of Love”. On Friday night, the CFC Conference was formally opened with a parade of the different colorful flags from each island. Dr. Neil Peters, National Director of Trinidad and Tobago, gave the welcome remarks, followed by the Holy Mass celebrated by
the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Nicolas Girasoli. The night was filled with God’s abundance as the delegates enjoyed the bountiful meal and fellowship. It was a jam-packed Saturday for everyone, especially the Singles for Christ and Kids for Christ who had their whole-day conference. The Youth for Christ, on the other hand, had their sportsfest, while the Couples for Christ gathered together for three Love More Conference sessions. The evening of Saturday was a wrap up for a very spirit-filled day, as the entire community gathered and celebrated the Lord’s Day. Everyone was filled to the brim, not only with spiritual nourishment, but with entertainment too. On the last day, the remaining sessions about “LOVE” and “LOVE MORE” were given by Joe and Monina Duran, Regional Coordinators of CFC Caribbean. It was not just a sunny Sunday morning, but an ‘On Fire’ Sunday, because everyone was in their red shirts, symbolizing their readiness to love more. The entire conference concluded with the Mass celebrated by the Chief Celebrant Auxiliary Bishop Robert Llanos. In his homily, His Excellency emphasized that the families and its entire
structure are under attack from many sectors of society. He said that “Everyone is going farther and further away from the truth, many are being disillusioned and brainwashed away from building and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel.” Citing the Gospel of John 6:1-15, Bishop Llanos stated that man is very hungry and thirsty and tired in mind and heart. He said that “The Lord is calling us to sit with Him and be sustained at the table of the Word through His body and blood. He is calling us to love more but with more faith, everyone has to share, everyone has to partake, everyone will have more than enough”, he added. Bishop Lllanos also said that CFC is strong as a community and should have no fear of such attacks against the family. To reaffirm the participants’ love for their spouses, CFC spiritual director Bishop Emeritus Malcolm Galt officiated at a very heart-warming renewal of their marriage vows. It was truly a week of renewal with the Lord, with everyone all excited to Love More, returning to their respective islands with that conviction, and looking forward to next year’s CFC Conference to be held in the Diocese of Montego Bay, Jamaica. (Mabelle Dimayuga, CFC Missionary)
SOLD and CFC Men’s Conference Thunders in UAE
CBCP Monitor
CFC Tanzania: ‘Love More’ On Its 20th Year COUPLES for Christ Tanzania’s “Love More” National Conference coincided with its 20th anniversary celebration. This was a fortuitous event, especially since the speakers delivered the message of love so well that both English-speaking and Swahili-speaking participants were inspired and moved. The opening Mass on Day 1 was celebrated by the National Spiritual Guardian, Bishop Titus Mdoe, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Dar Es Salaam. He reminded all the participants that the salvation of the family is the duty of everyone in the community. He also emphasized that Couples for Christ will help families strengthen their faith and make everyone witnesses of God’s love to one another, resulting in a family founded on love, respect and unity. The following day, during the anniversary celebration, some of the participants shared their thoughts on the previous day’s “Love More” talks. This was followed by greetings from delegates and representatives from Mwanza, Moshi Dioceses, Keith Sampson, Country Head of South Africa and Salvador Ellica, Middle East Regional Missions Coordinator. Country Coordinator Noli Paquiz presented the National Governance Team (GT) of Tanzania who will serve for the next two years and the entire assembly prayer over them. The GT is composed of Jacob and Lucy Sangia (Family Ministries), James and Jennet Msigalla (PFO), Kapist-
ran and Maria Haule (Evangelization and Mission), Constantine and Elina Kaniki (Mission Support), Theophil and Yusta Mfala (BCOP), Sylvester and Lucy Mahiri (National Director). New Unit heads and Family Ministries coordinators where also prayed over. CFC’s mission in Africa began in Tanzania when it was introduced in 1995 at St. Peter’s Oyster Bay Parish, Archdiocese of Dar Es Salaam by Ponet & Kit Ladrido and Lito & Cely Pangan. The two couples conducted the first CLP with two CFC, two Handmaids of the Lord and one Servants of the Lord as the first batch of graduates. CFC is now present in nine Dioceses with a total active membership of more than 800 (150 Couples, 400 Handmaids, and a few SOLD, Singles for Christ and Youth for Christ. One of the highlights of the anniversary celebration was the sharing of one of the first couples from the first CLP batch, Maurice Otienon, now 86 years old. His testimony inspired all those present with his message of loyalty and faithfulness during his spiritual journey. Rev. Fr. Vitalis Kassembo, Director of Lay Apostolate, Archdiocese of Dar Es Salaam, celebrated the closing Mass. He encouraged CFC to spread to all the parishes in the diocese, stressing that CFC is an important instrument for evangelizing the family and society. (Sylvestre Mahiri – Country Head)
Couples for Christ leaders on mission to bring the love of God to brethren in Tanzania
HOLD Spreads the Colors of Love in Macau, China
Band of Brothers in UAE, clockwise from top: almost a thousand men in one conference; resounding worship at its best; True Men of God; speakers Ricky Rico (center) and Joemar Salumbides (right) being honored by SOLD UAE.
THE RECENTLY concluded SOLD (Servants of the Lord) and CFC Men’s Conference in St. Anthony of Padua's Parish Church in Ras Al Khaima, United Arab Emirates (UAE) was a wondrous story of faith and victory. Indeed, the words of Jeremiah 33:3 held true for the event: “If we put our faith in God and follow His commandments, He will perform “great and mighty things” and give us the victory.” The theme of the event, “Love Conquers All’, echoing the Couples for Christ theme for 2015 – “Love More” – was fully manifested in the prayers and worship, the talks given by Joemar Salumbides and Ricky Rico of the SOLD International Core Group, and the personal testimonies of SOLD brothers on how God showed them His love and molded them to be True Men of God. This was a different SOLD conference from the conferences of the past. This year, the concept of staging a national conference (meaning per country), instead of the previous region-wide annual Middle East Conference became a reality and provided huge surprises. One of the surprises was the attendance of 935 brothers, record-breaking and unprecedented not only in the Middle East, but global as well. This could be the beginning of a full-packed gathering of CFC men and SOLD brothers not only in UAE, but also in the neighboring countries in the
Middle East region. The idea of holding a national, rather than a regional, conference was broached in the summer of 2010 during the Abba Father Weekend in Sharjah and The Band of Brothers conference held in Jebel Ali. It was also argued that during the early years of holding the event in the different Emirates, the conference's attendees came purely from SOLD and did not include the men/ leaders from Couples for Christ. Thus, CFC SOLD encouraged CFC men to be part of this Catholic Men’s Conference. The effort paid off this year with the record attendance. God’s glory was manifested as 935 men boldly praised God in unity during the morning worship, afternoon prayer and evening praise fest. The sound of men singing and worshipping together resounded like a mighty thunder roaring, just as it did when Jericho’s walls came crumbling down because God’s army shouted in praise to God. Everyone came away from the conference energized, reinvigorated and filled with zeal for the mission. The full support of the National Council, Area Directors and Area Governance Teams, and the dedication of the SOLD leaders in the UAE helped the 21-man service team of SOLD Al Ain pull off a big victory in Christ in hosting this event. (Demy Pascual and Charles Armario)
MER 1 held in Odisha Couples for Christ conducted a very powerful and victorious Marriage Enrichment Retreat 1 (MER 1) in Bhubaneshwar, capital of the Indian state of Odisha. Eighteen couples attended the MER 1, including eight couples from the far-flung Kandamal region. The participants gave positive feedback on the talks and were animated during the brief question and answer segment after the talks. Plans are now afoot to conduct a separate MER 1 in the Kandamal regions to enable more couples to complete the retreat. (H. Poppen)
Not even language barriers can prevent the Handmaids of the Lord from spreading the Colors of Love to the sisters in China and Macau!
FOR THREE consecutive weekends in July, between July 11 and July 26, the Handmaids of the Lord led by Bernie Cuevas, HOLD Country Coordinator for China, together with mission volunteers ( MVs) Grace Buntag and Baby Vale and Christina Hwang from HOLD Australia, conducted the Colors of Love Echo Conferences in China and Macau. The conference in Macau was attended by CFC and HOLD leaders from Guangzhou and Hongkong. What made the Macau Conference different and successful was the full participation of CFC and the other Family Ministries who acted as the service team as well as performers. The SFCs managed the program direction, the Servants of the Lord provided the band music, and the Youth for Christ were the emcees for the opening night dubbed as ‘Hats Off to Love’. In keeping with the opening night theme, the Handmaids all wore beautiful hats. The CFC brothers who were there as support were not exempted from the hat requirement. HOLD leaders Helen Remotigue and Jho Ciar, who attended the ICON in Laguna, gave Talks 2 and 3, while Baby Vale, Grace Buntag and Bernie Cuevas delivered Talks 1, 4 and 5, respectively.
AGW 2015 Around the Globe
The main conference was well received, and very joyful. Still, tears flowed during the healing session in Talk 5. Everyone went home feeling refreshed and grateful for the love of the Lord, and responded with enthusiasm to love more with all the colors of love. Colors of Love was the first ever HOLD Conference in North China, given in the Chinese language. Worthy of special mention was the presence of the mission volunteer from Australia, Christina Hwang, a Chinese Burmese who also served as the team’s interpreter during the entire mission. Since all the HOLD sisters there were local Chinese, and only the interpreter could speak Chinese, the team learned to communicate by body language and to use the most effective communication of all, the language of love. The mission team likewise learned that differences in language is no barrier in communicating when it is done in love, full attentiveness, and sensitivity. The mission team expressed its gratitude to CFC China leaders and the CFC heads of Macau, Danny and Senen Ngo, for their wholehearted support for the Handmaids of the Lord.