A GLORIOUS 29 YEARS!

Days before CFC-FFL celebrated its 29th anniversary, brothers and sisters from all over the Philippines and the world began to trickle in. Their faces could not hide the fact that though they traveled quite a distance and expended resources, they were so eager and enthusiastic to be with all the other CFC-FFL brethren.

Everybody A Winner

Finally, THE BIG DAY came! On Saturday, June 19, 2010, CFC-FFL cars, buses, motorcycles, and jeepneys loaded with ecstatic CFC-FFL families trooped to the Ynares Sports Complex in Antipolo City. After the worship led by CFC-FFL Luzon Regional Servant Oscar Oblefias, the much-awaited variety show, that was a combination of the popular noontime shows “Wowowee” and “Showtime”, began. It was truly a blast! Joseph Tesoro and Jay Pangan of CFC-FFL Manila were the livewire emcees.

Message of the Servant General

What was also much-anticipated was the anniversary message from the CFC-FFL Servant General, Frank Padilla. He made everyone see how CFC-FFL experienced ups and downs as we serve the Lord and our brethren. “We are celebrating 29 years!” he said. “We celebrate the gifts we received from God. He has called upon us. We are connected to Him and we are His instruments.”

The Servant General likewise shared the Lord’s message to all of us: “I, the God of the universe, the righteous God, the awesome God, am calling you to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Frank Padilla’s message made every CFC-FFL member and leader present that day to witness and experience our awesome God! He exhorted the brethren to be thankful for all the 29 years of God’s great goodness. “We look forward to more! We reconnect ourselves to Him to renew families and defend life,” the SG said. He also assured everyone that we will never be shaken by the enemy because we trust in the Lord and we rejoice in every circumstance. Indeed, as Frank Padilla exclaimed, “Our hope is in Christ. Our life is in Christ!”

An Awesome Showcase of Talents for the Awesome God

What followed next was a showcase of the blessings and gifts from the Almighty through the display of talents He has given us:

This segment was capped by a worship led by Cocoi Javier and a band composed of CFC-YFL members.

The newly-formed CFCFFL Choir likewise made their debut that day. They sang the songs, “I Am Your Masterpiece” and “From the Inside and Out”.

A fitting ovation for the Lord was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist led by CFC-FFL’s Spiritual Director, Bishop Gabriel Reyes. Concelebrating with him were CFCSFL Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Arlo Yap, SVD, Bishop Lodonu of Ghana, Fr. Samuel of Ghana, Fr. Josue Escalona of Kalibo, Aklan and Fr. Chris Gonzales.

Though CFC-FFL has a year to go before it celebrates its pearl anniversary, there is no doubt that all of us already have the GREAT PEARL in our hearts. Our awesome, just, and righteous God is with us and will be with us always!!!

Once more, HAPPY 29TH ANNIVERSARY, CFC FOUNDATION FOR FAMILY AND LIFE!