SOUND the TRUMPETS Volume 3 Issue No.2 The Official Magazine of Couples for Christ Foundation, Inc. June 2009

CFCFFL AND THE DIVINE MERCY HOME EVANGELIZATION PROGRAM SYNERGY IN EDUCATION THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED DINNER FOR A CAUSE MAKING “JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU” REAL A PERFECT GIFT WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES BEING PRO-LIFE ROCKS

Happy 28th Anniversary

www.cfcffl.orgwww.cfcffl.org World CongressesCFCKFL CFCYFL CFCSFL CFCFFL VISION We are an evangelistic and missionary community committed to become families empowered by the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth. MISSION

ABOUT THE COVER We strive for holiness of life, as we commit to renew the temporal order through our work with the poor, our work for justice, and our work for life. The March for Life is a gathering of pro- lifers throughout the U.S. Described We are a servant of the Church, working to renew her children through every as a “powerful experience”, it marks generation and throughout the world, until the Lord returns once again. the anniversary of the United States COVENANT Supreme Court’s decision on the Roe vs. Wade case, stating that “a woman has a Trusting in the Lord’s help and guidance: constitutional right to have an abortion”. 1. I shall live as a follower of Christ. Americans gather annually for this march Pray and read the Bible daily. as they rally for life. Strive for holiness and Christian perfection. 2. I dedicate myself to the task of building a strong family for Christ. The 36th March for Life was held on January Invest myself in time and effort for home and family. 22, 2009. Our CFCFFL USA brethren with Live out and defend the culture of life. members from their respective dioceses, 3. I shall be a committed and active member of Couples for Christ. together with CFCFFL Servant General Faithfully attend meetings and participate in official activities. Give generously of my time and finances for the furtherance of our Frank Padilla and his wife, Gerry, joined mission. the other pro-life marchers in Washington Undergo all formation courses and participate in community events. D.C. Relate in love, loyalty and respect with all members of the CFC family. 4. I shall be a witness to the world of God’s love. Upper left hand photo shows Frank Padilla Actively evangelize and do mission. being interviewed by a correspondent of Love and serve my parish. Lifesite News. CFCFFL streamers and Love and care for the poor. banners proudly proclaim our mission to May the Lord Jesus Christ, with the intercession of our blessed Mother Mary, defend life. help me to faithfully live this covenant, for His greater honor and glory and for the good of my brothers and sisters.

CENTERED ON CHRIST BEING A SERVANT TO THE CHURCH 6 50 CFCFFL & THE DIVINE MERCY HOME 6th WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES IN EVANGELIZATION PROGRAM MEXICO EVANGELISTIC & MISSIONARY EXERCISING SERVANT LEADERSHIP 14 60 SYNERGY IN EDUCATION BEING PRO-LIFE ROCKS 15 THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED FOCUSED ON THE FAMILY 20 DINNER FOR A CAUSE BEING COMMUNITY Contents 24 DEPARTMENTS MAKING “JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU” REAL LIVING A PREFERENTIAL OPTION 2 INSIGHTS FOR THE POOR 42 3 UNDER THE FIG TREE A PERFECT GIFT 52 GOD’S WHEEL 1 insights SOUND the “Be not afraid and upset. Believe in God and TRUMPETS believe also in me. There are many rooms in my Frank Padilla overseer Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place Nonong Contreras for you.” (John 14, 1:2) editor in chief

Mimi David Mye Menguito f we analyze these passages from John, there is only one appropriate associate editors theme: Promise and reassurance coming from the Lord Himself. This Bishop Angel N. Lagdameo, DD theme is iterated several times in Jesus’ messages in His public life and Enrik Aguila Iis meant to make us believe and accept that the Lord meant every word He Paolo Barcelona Bonjie Bonjibod said. There ought to be no paying mere lip service to statements coming Jun Carandang from the Lord Himself for as long as we have the right Marion Causing attitude of humility and obedience to these repeated Jun & Alma Cruz Raine Equico calls. Benjie & Elaine Gadi If He made these promises, there also ought to be an appropriate Kim & Visa Goyena response coming from us. How well should we reciprocate these Gam Guarnes initiatives advanced by the Lord? Kit Ladrido Linda Leyson The first promise is Jesus’ call for our hearts not to be troubled. Rolly Lirio We are familiar that these two promises are just but part of the many Roy Maturan promises Jesus gave in His teachings. Let us take a closer look at the Loren Marcojos first. Mye Menguito Jesus spoke about trust and faith in the midst of pronouncements Claire Natividad Pat Oconer that contradict His reassurances. He told the apostles that He would Joey Oliva leave them soon. He also foretold that His disciples will abandon Him. He likewise alluded Xavier Padilla to the betrayal by Judas who did walk out in the middle of the meal. It is expected that the Ye-yel Paredes disciples’ hearts will be troubled because of these pronouncements. Martina Phoung The Last Supper was celebrated on the feast of the Passover, when the angel of death killed Mary Grace Pingoy Chinky Ramirez the first born of all the Egyptian families and spared those whose doorposts were covered by the Marie Relucio lamb’s blood. This coincidence, therefore, was symbolic because Passover was a night of trusting Chinka Besinga-Sarmiento God that the Jews will be spared if they obey. He wanted the Jews to trust Him. So did Jesus want Luis Soler the disciples to trust Him and to wait and see what he would do. Joseph Tesoro And so it is in a world in chaos and disorder. Despite the economic meltdown, the deepening Gerwin Navarro Tuason contributors recession, mass layoffs, the threat of terrorism, the assault on the culture of life, the Lord again reassures us not to let our hearts be troubled. In my recent bout with dengue fever and my John Leo Burgoyne platelet count was at an alarming low of 30, I was afraid but surprisingly not alarmed; a bit Pat Frias unsettled but slept peacefully thru the night. And so it was with the disciples. It was natural Pat Oconer for them to be afraid. But when they saw the risen Lord, they suddenly began recalling with Robert Lim fondness all that God had done in their lives and like the two disciples going to Emmaus, it gave photographers them great peace. The message of the Lord is unmistakably to trust in His promise. Manny Estrella The second message, call it reassurance, says: “In my Father’s house are many mansions. graphics/layout artist I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” This again is very reassuring and we better believe it. Our coming home involves a personal encounter with the Lord Himself welcoming us and accompanying us to one of the rooms in His mansion. Until, then, we are told to live as a people of faith, trust and joy. So as we place ourselves under the shelter of His faith and trust, we are told to believe, accept, submit and surrender. Then our anxieties will be tempered by a feeling of peace and tranquility; confusion will give way to order and direction; and fear replaced by trust. And so our prayer should always be: “Jesus, we trust in You.” NONONG CONTRERAS Editor in Chief 2 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 SOUND under the fig tree the TRUMPETS CROSSROADS & By FRANK RESTORATION PADILLA

t has been 28 years of from our vision and mission, and even Let the warning of Gamaliel be the experiencing the Lord’s getting into conflict with Catholic warning of God to those who oppose values and principles. The other group, His work. “But if it comes from God, goodness and blessings. Happy now CFCFFL, insisted on its original you will not be able to destroy them; I28th anniversary! and authentic charism. you may even find yourselves fighting We have traveled, and continue In both instances, the enemy was against God.” (Acts 5:39). We do God’s to travel, a hard road, a narrow path. involved. The evil one will always oppose work. God is with us, and God fights Through these 28 years we have any authentic work of God. The more for us. experienced joys and sorrows, happiness one accomplishes as an instrument of My dear brethren, let us be humbled and pain, victories and seeming defeats, God, the greater will be the opposition. by God’s call. Who are we that God highs and lows. Brethren, if we truly The persecution of the just ensues. Himself will be mindful of us? Who follow the Lord, the road we travel will But God is a God of restoration. are we that God will use us for His very always be such. We need to endure. Those The very work of Jesus in dying on own work? But that is what God has great missionaries, Paul and Barnabas, the cross is a work of restoration. God done. Let us recognize this great gift and “strengthened the spirits of the disciples restores us to our proper place and privilege, and respond by giving Him and exhorted them to persevere in the plants us firmly on the right path. In our all. faith, saying, ‘It is necessary for us to 1993 God restored His original intent In the midst of trial and suffering, undergo many hardships to enter the for raising CFC in 1981, to become His let us persevere, “rejoicing that (we have) kingdom of God.’” (Acts 14:22). evangelistic army. In 2007 God restored been found worthy to suffer dishonor Along our journey, we will encounter His original intent for raising CFC in for the sake of the name.” (Acts 5:41b). many crossroads. Here the Lord tests us. 1981 and re-founding CFC in 1993, Let us rejoice that God loves us so much Will we take the right road and continue still to become His evangelistic army. that He wants to purify us, and give on with our call, or will we take the Through God’s work in CFCFFL, the us the privilege of walking the path of wrong road and veer away? ultimate restoration happens, that of Christ, that of the cross. This happened first in 1993. CFC bringing more souls into the Kingdom, Let us continue on with our journey, split from Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon and ultimately to live with God in having now taken the right path at the (LNP), its mother community. At that heaven through all eternity. crossroad. And let us always trust in time it was clear, at least to most of So we need to press on. We need Jesus. The Lord will never fail us. us, where we were to go. LNP desired to endure. And we need to rejoice even Happy 28th anniversary. God bless a small outreach for married couples, when we suffer. Or rather, we rejoice you all. █ while we in CFC were clearly seeing precisely because we are privileged to the Lord developing CFC into an army suffer for the cause of Christ. that would do rapid, massive and global We in CFCFFL need to obey the * Being under the fig tree is a evangelization. We obeyed the Lord, and God who called us, chose us, anointed symbol of messianic peace. “(Nations) shall beat their swords into plowshares, the result was massive evangelization us, restored us, and empowered us. that reached 153 countries by the end and their spears into pruning hooks; There will be those who will try to hinder one nation shall not raise the sword of our 25th year. our work. These may be clerics, civil The second crossroad was against another, nor shall they train authorities, or even our own brethren. for war again. Every man shall sit encountered in 2007. This resulted But we must always “obey God rather under his own vine or under his own in a severe crisis that split CFC into than men.” (Acts 5:29). Do not be fig tree, undisturbed” (Micah 4:3b- two. One group emphasized the social intimidated. The Lord stands with His 4). Our ultimate goal is to bring the dimension, in the process veering away people. peace of Christ into the world to all.

Ex e r c i s i n g Se r v a n t Le a d e r s h i p 3 C C entered C on C hrist

In everything that we are and do, we look to Jesus, who is our Savior and Lord. Jesus is our model in our obedience to the Father, in our faithfulness to His call, and to total submission to His divine will. And as He who called us is holy, we ourselves will strive for holiness of life (1 Pt 1:15-16), and look to exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit in our day-to-day lives (Gal 5:22-23). feature CFCFFL & the Divine Mercy Home Evangelization Program Contributed by Rolly Lirio CFCFFL District of Manila ASDM Education Ministry Coordinator

rawing inspiration Mercy, Archdiocese of Manila, when as a visible sign that it belongs to the from the 1st World he introduced the program on June 2, mystical Body of Christ. Apostolic Congress 2008. This program hopes to reach out to on“ MercyD (WACOM) held on The program was designed by as many families in the shortest possible April 2 to 6 in Rome, Italy, we now the Divine Mercy Apostolate of the time teaching them to pray the Chaplet embark on a national endeavor Philippines (DMAP), headed by its of Mercy regularly. On a national scale, called the Divine Mercy Home President and Formation Director, Mrs. this is foreseen to be the simplest way Evangelization Program. This is Monina Tayamen, OCDS. of meeting the challenge of the 1st a program that hopes to prepare Coordinators are trained and WACOM of bringing peace, hope and people’s hearts for the Lord’s commissioned to introduce the message love to every home. As Pope John Paul second coming as revealed to St. of mercy focusing on the elements II said, “Divine Mercy is the only hope of the devotion. Families visited are of mankind.” Faustina.” encouraged to lift up their problems, Msgr. Josefino “Pepe” Ramirez was “Families are invited to receive the broken relations, divisions, and other invited to talk about the Divine Mercy in Divine Mercy Image and offer Him a concerns to the Lord for healing and the Community’s Restoration Assembly place of honor in their homes. This is reconciliation. on November 14, 2008 at the Christ an opportunity for every family member The Image of the Divine Mercy the King Church in Greenmeadows, to accept the innumerable graces that stays with a family for one week. The Quezon City. Jesus promised to give to all who trust family is oriented to pray the Chaplet On December 3, 2008, the three in Him.” of the Divine Mercy and the Rosary DMAP programs were presented by This is the message of Msgr. Josefino daily before the Image with an attitude Rolly Lirio to the Body of Counselors, S. Ramirez, H.P., Coordinator, Divine of complete trust in Jesus. Individual and immediately the BOC approved the Mercy Asia & Oceania, and Rector, members are encouraged to read and DM-HEP. It was launched with a visit Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine meditate on the promises of the Lord of the Image of the Divine Mercy in the given through St. Home Office on February 19, 2009. Faustina. The subsequent weekly visits took place On the eighth in the homes of the seven members of day, the Coordinator the CFCFFL Body of Couselors, starting transfers the Image with Frank & Gerry Padilla. to another home, The home visitations then proceeded preferably to the to the homes of the District Heads, one recommended starting with Charlie & Emel Reyes of by the host family, the Manila District. Some District Heads thereby becoming an expressed their desire to encourage their evangelizing family. members to undergo the Divine Mercy Prior to transfer of Leaders Training Course (DM-LTC) in the image, a smaller order to continue bringing the Image to Image is left as a gift the homes of their members. █ to the visited family 6 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 Contributed by CFCFFL ComBureau CFCFFL CELEBRATES MERCY SUNDAY

n line with the theme for this the significance of being faithful to this centered, part and parcel of CFCFFL’s year 2009 of “Trust in Jesus”, devotion and its importance to us and core values is also “being a servant to the the CFCFFL community to the Church. Church.” The Divine Mercy devotion is Ispearheaded the activities in Msgr. Josefino Ramirez, Rector of the but one of the activities the community connection with the celebration Shrine of the Divine Mercy and Head of would like to promote in solidarity with of Divine Mercy Sunday on April the Divine Mercy for Asia and Oceania the value of being parish-based. It also 18. The event was held at the capped the activity with a concelebrated signaled the community’s continued Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mass. His homily focused on the call openness to network with other Church Mercy at the Maysilo Circle (near for a new evangelization – be apostles of organizations based in the parish. the Mandaluyong City Hall). God’s Mercy. He enjoined all the faithful, We can see that the message of Rolly and Pining Lirio, together particularly families, to continue to the Divine Mercy together with the with the CFCFFL District of grow in trusting the mercy of our Lord Manila, were very instrumental in recitation of the chaplet, the praying of especially during these very trying times making this celebration possible. the 3 o’clock prayer at the hour of great in our life as a people and as Christians. mercy, and the observance of the 8-day The activity began at 2:30 PM with Msgr. Ramirez also emphasized that the novena to the Divine Mercy, will spread the recitation of the Rosary followed central message of Jesus Christ in this to other members of the community. by the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy is for us to reflect and meditate on the Currently, an almost life-sized picture of and the 3 o’clock Prayer as well as the image of the merciful Jesus, His Heart the Divine Mercy has been making the recitation of the prayer for the 9th day radiating peace when He pronounced rounds of the residences of the Board of of the Novena to the Divine Mercy. His message to St. Faustina Kowalska: Counselors, through the Divine Mercy Monina Tayamen of the Divine Mercy “Fear nothing; I am always with you Home Evangelization Program, who Apostolate gave a talk on the history and (Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, have started the recitation of the chaplet message of the Divine Mercy through 586). And if this person responds with in their respective families. More of the St. Faustina Kowalska. She shared not a sincere heart, ‘Jesus, I trust in You’, he Districts are expected to follow suit. █ only about the plenary indulgences will find comfort in all his anxieties and associated with Mercy Sunday, but also fears.” In turn, it was also highlighted that if Jesus and the Father were merciful when we pray with sincere hearts, we should also be ready to reciprocate the goodness and mercy of the Father and the Son by practicing mercy towards others. “Be merciful even as your Father is merciful,”(Luke 6:36). The event was also significant in that beyond the 2009 theme and being Christ-

Ce n t e r e d o n Ch r i s t 7 Trust In The Lord Even If He Says No! Reflections on the CFCFFL Trust Weekend

Contributed by Nonong Contreras CFCFFL Social Ministries Director

t becomes difficult and a may need to receive the refinement that this now? What have I done to cause bit frustrating when sincere comes from testing. this? Haven’t I been faithful in serving prayer about something that is If one is suffering the disheartening you? Our natural instincts tell us to Iour heart’s desire is not answered effects of transgression, our teachings question why. But just like there are two in community tell us that the only ways of looking at a glass, either half the way we want. It becomes a way to healing and restoration of our full or half empty, perhaps one can ask source of feelings of dejection and relationship with God is through deep instead, ‘What am I to do? What am I rejection when the Lord says no to and sincere conversion - repentance and to learn from this experience? What am that which would have provided faith. But how about the challenges I to change? Who am I to help? How us much fulfillment. Whether it be and tests thrown our way by a wise God can I remember my many blessings in hurdling a sickness or loneliness, Who feels some disturbing, pruning and times of trial?’ Sublimation and denial coping with a handicap, or refining are necessary even if we have of deeply held personal desires in favor seeking to augment life for a dear been obedient, submissive to His will? of the will of God is very hard to do. Yet, one whose life is ebbing, it seems In the old expression that “when it when one prays with real conviction, so natural and logical to expect rains, it pours” comes our way, we end up “Please let me know Thy will” and “May a positive response. It becomes a questioning, bewildered, and with some, Thy will be done”, we may yet bein difficult exercise to understand and even enter a negative state of rejecting the strongest position to receive the accept this seemingly harsh reality God altogether. When these trials are maximum help from a loving Father. especially when one obediently not consequences of disobedience, This life is a whole experiment in walks along the righteous path. could it be that the Lord feels we are profound ‘trust’ in Jesus Christ, ‘trust’ For sure, we always wish to shy away prepared to grow more? He, therefore, in His teachings, ‘trust’ in our capacity from disappointments, sadness, and provides experiences that test the limits as led by the Holy Spirit to obey those heartaches. Those who deliberately go of our endurance and patience, and to teachings for happiness now and for a against God’s laws will always face these an extent, test our faith so we can learn purposeful, supremely happy eternal challenges. But sometimes, the other to trust Him more. existence. To trust means to obey reason for adversity is to allow the Lord Some serve a useful purpose; others willingly without knowing the end from to accomplish His own purpose in our do not. To ask, ‘Why does this have to the beginning. To produce fruit, trust in life. Just like gold is tested by fire, we happen to me? Why do I have to suffer the Lord must be more powerful and

8 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 enduring than confidence in our own our Father’s desire for us to grow, He what we want. It does guarantee that, personal feelings and experience. may give us gentle, almost imperceptible if worthy, we will get what we need, as To exercise faith is to trust that the promptings that, if we are willing to judged by a Father that loves perfectly, Lord knows what He is doing with us accept without complaint, it will enlarge who wants our eternal happiness even and that He can accomplish it for our to become a very clear indication of His more than we do. eternal good. The Lord exhorts us to be will. This enlightenment comes because In the past, we have heard numerous childlike in our understanding of eternal of our faith (deep conviction and belief) testimonies that when the Lord closes matters and their impact on us here on and Trust, our willingness to do and one important door in life, He shows earth. Yet at times we act as if we know accept what He asks even though we His continuing love and compassion it all, and to use the lyrics of a famous would desire something else. by opening many other compensating song, to do it “our way.” Faith and trust Our Father in Heaven has invited doors. But this will all depend on our starts when we begin accepting with our us to express our needs, hopes, and belief and faith that He will help us hearts, submitting our own wills and desires unto Him during this weekend. and a profound and abiding trust that surrendering to what His will is because That should not be done in a spirit of He is out to fulfill it. Trust at the end He always knows what is best for us. It negotiation, but rather as a willingness to also requires that we accept that at the might come one at a time, sometimes obey His will no matter what direction it end, we submit and surrender through with one paralyzing blow. While we takes. His invitation, “Ask, and ye shall our exercise of its profundity for the pass through each phase, the pain and receive” does not assure that we will get aftermath is glory. █ difficulty that come will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at the first petition, growth is stunted and remains stagnant. But as has been repeatedly said, God will not require us to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed. As always, the perfect example of trust is Jesus Himself. Who could have asked with more perfect faith, greater obedience, or more complete understanding and finally acceptance and trust than He when He asked His Father in Gethsemane: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” For one, our acceptance of the will of the Father will not change what in His wisdom He has chosen to do. However, it will certainly change the effect of those decisions on us personally. Because of

Ce n t e r e d o n Ch r i s t 9 cfcffl-Thailand: Inspired and awed by father francis gustilo

Contributed by Gerwin Navarro Tuason CFCFFL Thailand

FCFFL Thailand experi- importance of order, be in the church, enced a couple of blessed community, or the domestic church, the family. The main highlight of the evening weekends last March with was Fr. Gustilo’s profound explanation ourC community’s Assistant Spiri- about the meaning and significance of tual Director, Fr. Francis Gustilo, the “Keeper of the Charism.” It gave who found time to give inspiring all of us a strong sense of belonging and talks on various topics. obligation to be with CFCFFL. What a From Bangkok’s international grace to be affirmed! However, the Lord airport on March 21, Fr. Francis headed got better things in stored for us. straight to St. Gabriel Foundation where On March 29, we started with a he delivered a powerful talk on being Eucharistic celebration attended by Christ-centered. He presented a clearer the whole CFCFFL community. This understanding of this CFCFFL core was followed shortly by a short praise value, an essence on what community and worship, and on to our Lenten life is all about, and challenged everyone Recollection. It was plain awesome! to reflect on the reason why we serve Fr. Francis shared his remarkable and whom we are serving. The word of historical and biblical perspectives Fr. Francis’ wit and humor spread like on creation and sin, which he usually wildfire. The whole community shared teaches to Theology students in the the buzz and became very excited to Philippines for a total of 32 hours! This attend a scheduled Lenten recollection gave us a reason to invite Fr. Francis to with him the following weekend. return to Thailand next year to give the Despite spending the next six days remaining 29 hours of the teaching. giving a retreat to his fellow Salesians Oh, how much we pray that this will outside Bangkok, Fr. Francis made happen. himself available to us once again on the Fr. Francis, your availability meant night of March 28 and gave an inspiring so much to us! You are God’s gift to teaching on pastoral leadership. the CFCFFL community and the entire Attended by household leaders and church. █ family ministries coordinators, the gathering took place at the residence of Gerwin and Rizza Tuason. Fr. Francis challenged all attendees to be Christ- like and understand the privilege of service and the cross. Emphasizing pastoral duty based on humility and love, father also touched on the

10 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 Three O’Clock Prayer to the Divine Mercy

You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us. O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You. (3x) Amen

Ce n t e r e d o n Ch r i s t 11 E M We are called to proclaim the good news of Jesus to the whole world (Mk 16:15). We are his witnesses (Lk 24:48). Every CFC-FFL member is an evangelizer, in the normal day-to-day environments of our lives. We look to doing mission beyond our own environments to the very ends of the earth.

vangelistic E & Missionary feature SYNERGY IN EDUCATION Contributed by Myra M. Menguito CFCFFL Education Ministry

hat began as a program through student clubs and forums, but aimed at giving also through formation programs for formation programs the teachers and parents. andW technical support for the To date, the community has adopted teachers, has now grown to be a Bagumbayan Elementary School vehicle where the different Family – Quezon City (together with D and and Social Ministries of CFCFFL L Industries), San Vicente Elementary can work together, creating an School – Quezon City (together with environment of collaboration. Prudentialife Foundation, Inc.), and the Guidance Department of the Quezon WORK WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND City Division of the Department of CORPORATE PARTNERS Education. Initially, the Education Ministry of CFCFFL engaged with public schools to WORK WITH THE PARISH AND OTHER provide values formation and technical FOUNDATIONS support to its teachers. This approach, Work with the parish is also as deemed valuable by the schools, another undertaking which brings will help them improve the quality of our community’s Bible-Based/Values- teaching and the attitude of the faculty Based education to more children… towards teaching, which redounds to more families. Our pre-school in Tala, the quality of students their schools Caloocan City – START LEARNING produce... students who will develop CENTER – is an expression of this a love and passion for learning, and mission. Located within the compound who are developed not only physically of the Holy Rosary Parish in Tala, Start and intellectually, but emotionally, Learning Center is an early childhood psycho-socially, and spiritually as well. education program which involves not However, molding the teachers ALONE only the parish, but Children’s Hour is not enough, if our goal is to develop Philippines, Inc. and MILK (Mainly I children wholistically. The parents have Love Kids) Foundation, a Singapore- to be TOUCHED and INVOLVED based foundation. too! Thus, we have the coming to fore Mano Amiga Foundation is our of the Empowerment and Mentoring education partner for our Work with Program for Parents, Caregivers, and the Poor Program at FTI Habitat Village Teachers (IMPACT) in the Adopt-A- in Taguig. The CFCFFL Education Public School Program (APS), which Ministry will provide the formation is a partnership program with the program for teachers, parents, and Department of Education. Basically, the volunteers, as well as curriculum APS is a triadic approach to collaboration, enrichment, for the already existing which involves the teachers, parents, and school structure and pre-school program the community (volunteers, corporate of Mano Amiga Academy. We will also partners, local government). In addition, enhance the program offerings of their the engagement of the Family Ministries community learning center. █ and other Social Ministries is not only 14 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 feature THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED Contributed by Marie Relucio CFCSFL Missionary

t the onset of summer, many Though the rainy season is already The trip is not over yet. The work of our singles stepped out here, our CFCSFLs have remained fired goes on. There are still many roads up and have shown exceptional zeal in to cover. For anyone who is on the of their comfort zones and our work of evangelization in many areas lookout for a great adventure, here is volunteeredA to join our exciting outside Metro Manila. Many of them one precious thought to ponder on: the road trip missions in different thought they weren’t fit for this trip, nor best road trip is on the road less traveled. provinces in Luzon, Visayas and qualified for this work. Nobody is. It is And the road less traveled might just be God who qualifies those whom He calls. waiting for a trailblazer like you. So, Mindanao. After completing We are able to do all things because of shall we see you in the next road trip? the mission training and several His grace alone. We are claiming it! █ planning activities to prepare for the mission trips, our mission volunteers, together with our fulltime pastoral workers, went out on their summer adventures - in CFCSFL style! They served in the CLS in Gumaca, Quezon (every Sunday, from April 19 to June 7). They braved the rains to do the Nehemiah Weekend in Batangas on April 25. In Iloilo, the heat was on them as they held a two-day Household Leaders’ Training from April 18-19. In sharp contrast, a cool breeze came upon them for the Provincial Singles Congress on May 1 to 3. They went as far as Davao to help in the CLS and Covenant Recollection (May 15 and 16). They gathered our SFL brethren in Mindanao for the CFCSFL Identified program held at the Bishop’s Residence in Mati, Davao Oriental on May 23.

Ev a n g e l i s t i c a n d Mi ss i o n a r y 15 Contributed by Luis Soler AN CFCSFL Leader, Costa Rica UNEXPECTED S C

e were a small group of CFC Singles for Family and Life members tasked toW handle an SVC (Seminario de Vida Cristiana) or the Christian Life Seminar (CLS). This time, we had to organize it by ourselves, without the help of two Filipino missionaries in Costa Rica, Khyme Esteban and Anne Marie Relucio. They were very instrumental in guiding a small group of Singles for Family and Life members in Belén, many people to attend, and He moved Costa Rica. They had helped us so the hearts of all of us in the service Matrimonios much coordinating, guiding and team. encouraging the group for each Personally, I witnessed how the Para Cristo SVC. However, during these first Lord used us to invite friends and SVCs, few people actually showed acquaintances to join the SVC. A lot of them showed up and were consistently Retreats up and less still kept coming to present throughout the SVC. the household meetings that came We also learned how powerful he Matrimonios Para afterwards. All this time, God had a prayers are. It was prayer which allowed Cristo (MPC) for the plan and we are called upon to put us to accomplish everything. We felt Hispanic Community our faith and confidence in Him. how our brethren from Costa Rica and Tin the U.S. had their Marriage He was calling those He wanted other countries prayed for this single Enrichment Retreat 1 (MER and at the time He wanted. and humble SVC. We also knew that 1) and Handmaids Enrichment This time, Khyme and Marie our dear missionary sisters, Anne Marie Retreat 1 (HER 1) on May empowered us to prepare the SVC on and Khyme, prayed so hard for all of 24 and 25. Missionary couple our own… and we did. We prayed and us. Edwin and Nila Andrews, MPC made offerings to God. We organized, Truly, much depends on God and U.S.A. Directors, served as the prepared the talks, and found a good the love and docility we have to let Him speakers for the MER 1 while venue. And then, something wonderful work through us. I’m personally amazed on the other hand, Marissa happened - we had more than 20 at what the Lord did and how He used participants on the first day! We also our group. His hands put together a Gonzalez, our MPC Full-Time kept on receiving more people on the wonderful SVC, an experience intended Missionary, delivered the talks succeeding days. It was by far the SVC to make us witness what Jesus and for the HER 1. Both retreats with the most number of participants! His Holy Spirit can do in the most were held at the Parish of St. We knew it was God who was at work. unexpected situations. It is in moments Anselmo in the Bronx, New He moved us in such a way that the like these when we fully realize that an York. █ things we did were in tune with His will SVC or any other evangelization effort Contributed by Jun and Alma Cruz for this service. He moved the hearts of we ever undertake is all for God’s glory! MPC Coordinators – New York Bronx █ 16 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 Rock Your Best or four weekends in March and April, the CFC KFL Summer: CFCYFL Team (Fulltimers, Mission Summerfest 2009 VolunteersF and their friends) went to four provinces to conduct the FCYFL leaders and Servant Leaders’ Heart Training. members had their best It is a one-day training for those summer ever when they who want to learn about CFC joinedC the CFCYFL Mission KFL and jumpstart the ministry Trips! They went to Occidental in their areas. Mindoro, Cavite, Isabela, The team went to Batangas City for the Lipa District, to Sta. Rosa for the San Pablo Cabanatuan, Laguna, Batanes, District, Gumaca for the Gumaca District, Masbate, Palawan, Tarlac, and Bacoor for the Imus District. About 150 Pampanga, Catanduanes, Quezon, people attended the training sessions, which and Bulacan. makes CFCKFL up and coming in these areas. █ Contributed by Xavier Padilla Amazing CFCKFL International Coordinator stopped knocking at the door of our Mindoro hearts. We specially have to water the seed of our soul and spirit. We have to Mission INSPIRED learn to forgive and continue to seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. This is eing part of the mission very difficult to do since we are always trip to Abra de Ilog in IN constantly being attacked by HIS Occidental Mindoro was enemies. Bsomething I never expected. It Our joining Couples for Christ came as a surprise because I learned INDIANA Foundation for Family and Life will that I would be part of the team help water the seed of the Holy Spirit only three days before the trip! I in us. I don’t want to appear like I am almost did not make it due to my boasting, but we are so full of the Lord Contributed by Kim and Visa Goyena summer class, a big family event, CFCFFL USA that I like to share the joy of knowing and heavy traffic on our way to him through the CLS. If you want Batangas. Yet, the Lord cleared the y wife and I together to understand more about CFCFFL, way for this mission! with several other attend our meeting every month at The entire mission trip was a couples were invited OLC. We can invite your family to blessing! Every moment, every scene, toM attend the CFCFFL Christian one of our ACTS and gatherings. I the mountains, the dolphins, the seas, Life Seminar. We learned how just want to share to all Fil-Am islands, worships, talks, were all gifts life on earth is temporary. In communities of Northwest Indiana from the Lord, as fruits of responding to order for us to live without heavy that God is good all the time…. All His call to serve. hearts knowing our sinfulness, the time God is good! █ I thank you Lord, for this mission. we are called upon at some point I thank you for the new relationships in our life, to follow Jesus Christ’s built, the new youths following you, teaching and to enter into the and this great opportunity You have kingdom of heaven. Editor’s Note: (Kim is the President of given me. You are really amazing. I trust It is never easy to follow Jesus. It the Filipino community of the Northwest in You! █ Indiana, and a participant of the Christian is full of challenges and difficulties. Life Seminar recently held in Indiana) Contributed by Enrik Aguila But our all-loving God has never CFCYFL Mission Volunteer Ev a n g e l i s t i c a n d Mi ss i o n a r y 17

Our life and mission is founded on strong families in Christ. We recognize that the future of humanity passes by way of the family. We defend and strengthen Christian marriage, we raise our children to be the next generation of God’s people, we establish our homes as pieces of Kingdom ground. In our defense of the family, we are called to a strong advocacy and defense of the culture of life.

ocused F on the F amily feature DINNER FOR A CAUSE Contributed by Xavier Padilla CFCKFL International Coordinator Pro-Life Philippines Board Secretary

hat an evening! I don’t know exactly how much was raised in that roomW of 100 to 120 people, but all I know was that it has a lot of zer000,000es! I went to the Pro-Life Philippines Dinner for a Cause on March 29 in the Palm Grove of Rockwell Club. The CFCKFL Team came with me. Chinka Sarmiento, CFCFFL Novaliches, was the emcee and she did an awesome job. She should be hired for more events. She is stupendous! We watched videos of the Pro-Life abortion does. IT KILLS BABIES. It set Cause around the world, and the debate the tone for me. This is going to be a big between Sec. Lito Atienza (the Pro-Life fight with those anti-lifers! President) and Cong. Edsel Lagman. Sec. Atienza shared as well about the TORONTO IS Chairman Tony Kosca gave a few words Pro Life Movement in the Philippines, and shared a story about a woman and started the ball rolling for the PRO-LIFE seeking an abortion because she just had donations. And they just poured in. a baby and thought she was pregnant 1,000... 5,000... 25,000... 100,000... oronto had their Pro- again too soon. The doctor said, instead 200,000... Wow, even with a recession, Life Conference on of aborting the baby in her womb, why the cause for life is still important to not just kill the baby she was holding April 25. We had two people. Tspeakers, John Henry Westen, in her arms. Shocking, but that is what Before closing the evening, the new Editor of LifeSiteNews.com, Board took their Oath to defend life and and Samantha Anne Singson, renew the family. What an evening! Director for Government How do you make millions in a few hours? Give them something WORTH Relations, C-FAM and her FIGHTING FOR! A real cause! THE daughter Yoli Singson, Project CAUSE FOR LIFE! Manager of Campaign Life The evening ended with smiles on Coalition. █ our faces, and stories to tell… about Contributed by Ye-yel Paredes Area Pro-Life Coordinator how life has renewed strength, and is CFCFFL Toronto now a force to be reckoned with! █

20 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 CFCFFL Joins the Pro-Life Vigil at the Notre Dame University Campus Contributed by Mary Grace H. Pingoy CFCFFL USA

he University of Notre Dame as people from the outside had put it. It reasons, nothing would mean more to has come under fire with the was a spiritual battle, not a physical one, me than to stand up for the heart and Catholic church over the past feeling the heavy forces of good and essence of why it even exists. I would fewT weeks. The controversy arose evil trying to make themselves known. stand up for Notre Dame, meaning after the Catholic university blatantly While praying the rosary, cars turning “Our Lady” in French in reference to went against a clear directive by the corner entering the university either our Virgin Mother who bore the savior the U.S. Bishops issued way back agreed or disagreed with our presence. of the entire world in her own womb. in 2004 stating that no catholic Some honked their horns and gave us The last part of the day was spent institutions or universities should give thumbs up and fist pumps signifying at the grotto of the University to honor they were with us. Unfortunately, others the few graduates who chose not to public honors to any pro-abortion attend their ceremony. Standing there, politicians, nor provide them a hurled hurtful and obscene comments, blasted their music and horns, and one looking at these young men and women public platform to speak their ideals. with their graduation robes and hats Notre Dame disregarded both parts on, I could not help but think of their of this directive by not only giving parents who raised them, and just how Barack Obama a public platform to extremely proud they must be of their speak his ideals, but also bestowing children at that moment. upon him the prestigious Honorary These were smart young men and Law Degree. How ironic that this women who chose to be set apart from particular honor that recognizes the the rest, all for the sake of standing up recipient as a ‘Teacher’ of the Law, for what they believed in. For them, the would be given to the very person reward was being surrounded by other who is allowing the most horrific believers who would pray for them and pro-abortion “laws” ever seen in the history of our land to be passed, laws even threw a carton of sour milk from that completely contradict the most their window, hitting our elderly friends fundamental teachings of the Holy who were standing beside us. All the Catholic Church. Yes, this directive while, we were simply standing quietly still would apply to him even if in one corner, praying the rosary with (and all the more because) he is the our signs proudly planted in front of us. President of the United States. None In my heart and mind, I knew that the of us are exempt from being held harder we prayed, nothing - not the noise nor the anger - could stand up to the accountable to upholding the dignity simple, loving truth that laid within our of every human person. hearts. We had truth on our side, and That is why Couples for Christ we were doing it as a FAMILY. Truly, send them off to the world on their Foundation for Family and Life Illinois nothing is stronger than the spirit that graduation day. It was an honor to be and Indiana joined the thousands of emerges from a family united in prayer surrounded by the likes of the holy Fr. people who visited Notre Dame on May for one common purpose. That is what John Corapi, Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests 19 for a chance to stand up for life. From made me so proud, and protected, to be for Life, Bishop D’Arcy, family, friends youth to singles, couples, handmaids standing with my CFCFFL family that and others of faith. These are the ones and servants, we stood together as a day. who would love them, support them, family taking up a whole corner of a It wasn’t about being political for and pray for each one of them as they street for the first part of the day to pray us, but rather it was protecting the embark on a new chapter in their lives. the rosary and hold up pro-life signs sacredness of that campus ground, filling It was a love that would not just last for those entering the University to see. it with holy things, with holy words and for that day, but will forever be with We even had a special six-foot banner holy beliefs. The masses would not agree them. No other reward would be more made, declaring in bold letters, “We are that a more fruitful day could be spent fulfilling… not even a recognition from pro-family. We are pro-life! CFCFFL... outside a chance of hearing or seeing the the president of the United States. █ Renewing the family, defending life!” President of the United States in person, These signs made it on the nightly but graduating from a US Catholic Editor’s Note: Mary Grace Pingoy local news. That proved the experience is the daughter of Margie Hermano, University myself, knowing that if I USA CFCFFL Pro-Life Coordinator. would be much more than a “protest”, really did love my school for the right Fo c u s e d o n t h e Fa m i l y 21 eing ommunityB C We are part of the larger family of CFC- FFL, a global family of many different nationalities and cultures but all sharing brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ. We desire to move forward together in our life in the Lord, providing love, affirmation, friendship, support and healing. We are committed to the good of our brethren, always living the truth in love (Eph 4:15).

eing ommunityB C feature MAKING “JESUS, I TRUST Contributed by Raine Eguico CFCYFL Fulltime Pastoral Worker IN YOU” REAL

n January 10 this year, 12:2, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will It was also during this session when all CFCFFL’s Community trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord CFC heads came up the stage and were Conference was held God is my strength and my song, and prayed over by Frank Padilla. Oat The Arena in San Juan City. He has become my salvation.” He also The big event ended with the Holy It was one grand celebration said that the challenges and difficulties Mass, celebrated by Bishop Gabby wherein hundreds to thousands today require us to trust in Him even Reyes of the Diocese of Antipolo, of members gathered as one big more. He said that in times like these, leaving everyone with high spirits and family and sought for the direction our prayer should be, “God, be my the conviction that the Lord is indeed of our community this year which strength” rather than “God, please give our strength and our salvation. A me strength” for He is our very strength mainly focused on “Trust in the commitment prayer led by Frank Padilla and not just the source of it. was also recited by everyone during the Lord.” On the other hand, the message mass. Everyone was affirmed that if we The music ministry played gathering of the second session, as delivered by just put our full trust in God, there are songs before the event officially started. Lachie Agana, was a call for all brethren so many reasons to be confident and no Rene and Lorna Evidente led the to live out our community’s core values reason left to be afraid. █ praying of the rosary. A grand opening as an expression of our trust in the Lord. ballet number followed a narration of our community’s history from “Lamentations” in 2007 to “Joy” last 2008, and to “Trust” this year. After the opening dance number, Santi Edralin led the whole crowd into a Spirit-filled worship. Cocoi Javier and Joseph Tesoro were the emcees of the event. The first session was given by CFCFFL Servant General Frank Padilla. He talked about trusting in Jesus and explained the anchor verse of this year’s theme which is from Isaiah

24 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 Trust in Jesus Weekend in Qatar and United Arab Emirates

OD IS GOOD! The from the different municipalities Um Al Quwain, Ajman. recently concluded Trust and two cities of Qatar. CFCFFL Servant General Frank in Jesus Conference in In UAE, 150 brethren from Padilla and CFCFFL Regional GQatar last May 22, 2009 was Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Coordinator for the Middle East, Benjie indeed a powerful and Spirit- and Mussafa likewise rejoiced with the Gadi, were the speakers during these filled event. Held at the Al Khor Spirit’s messages during their Trust in events. █ International School Sports Hall, Jesus Weekend. The heart-warming Contributed by Benjie and Elaine Gadi it moved 130 delegates coming weekend was held at TULIP Resort in CFCFFL Regional Coordinator-UAE

Be i n g c o m m u n i t y 25 they gave the talks in each area. What particularly struck the participants was the powerful message portrayed in the “Can” film clip, which Vietnam reminded all those present about the Father’s unconditional love for His children. █ Contributed by Martina Phuong Trusts in CFCFFL Vietnam Jesus, too!

rust in Jesus” was a powerful message which went around Vietnam“T through CFCFFL. The “Trust in Jesus” Weekend touched almost 600 participants from the different areas: Saigon, Capitale Hanoi (in four parishes: Thach Bich, Dai On, La Du, Phung Khoang) and Pleiku in Higlands. John Peter Vui, Peter Phu, Peter Quan, Martina Phuong served as the Lord’s powerful witnesses as

TRUST IN JESUS O WEEKEND IN O O

he CFCFFL brethren of Handmaids from Polomolok & South Cotabato were all General Santos City. Frank Padilla, moved and awed by the Lachie Agana, and Gary Faustino TSpirit during their “Trust in were the speakers that weekend. █ Jesus” Weekend held at the Dole Philippines Gym in Polomolok Contributed by Roy Maturan on March 7 and 8. In addition CFCFFL South Cotabato Missionary to the 200 couples who attended, there were also 47 participants from Tandag, 6 from Cagayan de Oro, 8 from Davao, 14 from Mati, seven from Saranggani Province, 25 Handmaids from Marbel, and a number of Singles, Youth, and 26 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 CFCKFL World Kids Congress 2009 THE CHAMPIONS It’s All Done... LEAGUE And All Out of Our Control h e C H A M P I O N S LEAGUE is this year’s creative handle of the TWorld Kids Congress (WKC). It is The Tarlac delegation informed me and the CFCKFL interpretation of the am a control freak. I like EVERYTHING to be clean apologized because they might be late CFCFFL theme for 2009, which because of the storm. That shook me to is from Isaiah 12: 2 – “TRUST IN and orderly. I want to know Iwhere everything is and I like my senses. How could I NOT trust? JESUS”. So why Champions League? things working well and starting Construction The kids should know the right on time. I should have known that The school suddenly had water person to follow. Who should their own this will be tested during the 2009 pipes being laid within the campus! personal “idol” be - Jesus Christ. He is WORLD KIDS CONGRESS. Construction people, open holes, and not someone who is out of their league I should have known that God’s large machinery were everywhere! This or far away, but he is someone they can plan is not necessarily going to fit construction, plus the typhoon, made turn to, someone they can count on, in “my way” of doing things. us anticipate wet areas and a limited someone who can defend them - their There were 825 delegates (young workspace for logistics. Still, God is Champion. This is relevant for the kids, older kids, teenagers, young good! Days prior to the conference, children, especially for those who have adults, coordinators), 150 service team He let the sun come out to dry newly- low self-esteem, for those who idolize members, and a lot more parents, painted props. The construction turned people with the wrong set of values, guests, and invited friends who came out to be a blessing, as it limited the and for children who fall prey to the ill over the weekend to the Assumption parking areas and therefore provided effects of media. School in Antipolo. We had everything security. The children must also realize that planned from pre-conference to the time they can be CHAMPIONS themselves! everyone would be home. However, Food They do not need to follow people who God had BETTER plans. Friday’s dinner came in batches over will lead them astray. They do not need three hours. It was the same scenario for to copy actors or singers who live lives Typhoon Saturday’s breakfast. Instead of losing that do not proclaim goodness. They There were two typhoons that hit their cool and be un-Christian, everyone can be champions with their own lives, Manila over the week of the conference. was patient and understanding. Food with what they do, with what they This was unbelievable because it was still concerns eventually became manageable, believe in, and with their relationships officially SUMMERTIME! The second though I felt that I cut my lifespan by and friendships! typhoon was strongest on Thursday 10 years because of the stress. “Champions League” likewise night. Signal number 3 was raised over hinges on the belief that champion kids Northern Luzon. My “TRUST IN Firetruck can make the world a better place! It is THE LORD”, I admit, was shaken. I The firetruck for the fire hose bath a “barkada”… a group of friends parents could not get anything done because came late, as it got stuck would want their children to keep for we had no power supply at home that in a parade in Antipolo life! night. While I was spending time with City. The children “Champions League” are children God and asking Him my questions, ended up having a who can speak the truth and stand up updates from the National Disaster GARDEN HOSE for what is right! █ Coordinating Council comforted me. BATH instead! Four The storm was moving North! I only Contributed by Xavier Padilla CFCKFL International Coordinator needed to TRUST IN THE LORD. Continued on page 28 . . . Be i n g c o m m u n i t y 27 CFCKFL World Kids Congress 2009 Championing the

Cause of Kids The Champions League . . . from page 27 eing a 90’s kid, I was to share what He has given me so that garden hoses sprayed water on the bath- forced to sleep during He may be glorified. He taught me that eager children! The hour-long bath gave mid-afternoon. I played the real victory is winning for Him! As the kids so much fun! “patintero”B and hide-and-seek Scripture said, “What you are doing is The firetruck came an hour after, under the moonlight during the much more than a service that supplies with sirens blaring! What made it even months when there were frequent God’s people with what they need. It is better was that it came back on Sunday blackouts. I climbed mango trees something that will make many others - to shower everyone with blessings, and to bathe the kids who didn’t shower the and shook them forcefully until thank God.” (2 Corinthians 9:12) We live in an ever changing world. whole weekend! those big, fat bugs fell to the ground When I was a child, my classmates and If I had the chance to lose my mind, while my playmates scampered I would cry over Littlefoot in “Land it would have been that weekend. There around the poor insects. Before Time.” Today, young children were so many unforeseen circumstances. Fifteen years later, I am now given and teens cry over actors who simply Things did not go according to what the opportunity to be surrounded with give up on life. They are as busy as was planned because God had His missionaries who do not get enough adults. Some of them lack sleep at the own plan. The result? VICTORY! He made everyone see the value of having sleep to prepare for talks or conferences, age of 10 either because they’re playing a CHAMPION ATTITUDE and who play hide and seek with people computer games or they’re having a OUTLOOK in life. in their households or ministries, who Korea novela marathon. Some would The weekend was wonderful: the climb mountains and travel to far-flung cry because nobody is texting them. praise parade, cheering, costumes, areas just to be able to tell the world Children are made to believe that life about God, and who tirelessly share dances, and kids giving their all in is so complicated. No wonder, some singing the worship songs, talent show, about the love and blessings of the Hero of them easily lose hope and forget that of all heroes! These missionaries are the workshops, games, sports clinics, they are children. This brings us to our the workshop on “Jesus is the Best fulltime workers, the volunteers, the mission - to bring the children to our Choice”, coordinators forum, laughs, coordinators, and the kids. Lord’s love and make them dream and opportunities, Bishop Gabby Reyes, I was blessed enough to be part of believe, to empower them to have a Rev. Fr. Zenki, the live CHAMPIONS the CFCKFL team that went around champion’s heart and mind. LEAGUE PLAY, the Champ Dance, provinces to conduct the Servant Leaders’ We serve the Lord not just to bring Kids Worship Leaders, movie time, Fun Heart training. In all the missions, these joy to these children’s lives, but to glorify Ranch inflatables, Snocone, awards, missionaries shared their blessings, their Him in order for people to love and garden and fire hose baths, food, great time, and their talents. praise Him, too. The Lord called me accommodations, big and cool venue, I used to consider myself to this service at His own perfect time. storm making the weather breezy, and adventurous. I did things to learn I choose to live in God’s love, and live the SUN! There were so many more to something new. It was only about this adventure called life with Him by praise God for! me and what I will learn. During the my side. I will share this hope, trust, and Indeed, let His will, and not ours, be training, I had to conduct the same belief in the Lord with the kids. I will done! Welcome to the CHAMPIONS workshop for all the provinces. Being assure them that they can be champions LEAGUE! See you all in BATANGAS a person who easily gets bored, I wasn’t for God, and that they can be in His next year! █ too excited about that. However, God army … His Champions League! █ surprised me with a valuable lesson. He led me to the training not just to Contributed by Loren Marcojos Contributed by Xavier Padilla learn for myself, but more importantly, CFCKFL Mission Volunteer CFCKFL International Coordinator

28 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 CFCKFL Activities

HEAVEN AND EARTH IT’S A KFL THE INSPIRATION ADORE YOU SUMMER! TO DEVELOP KIDS

t was a blessing to have served he CFCFFL Home Office t has always been a challenge to in the World Kids Congress. has been a little chaotic, come up with exciting activities All throughout the weekend, but in a fun way! We were every month for CFCKFL. Ievery hand was raised up to the Tinvaded by kids who took advantage IThe Holy Spirit came to our aid, heavens and every one was dancing of the different workshops made who led us to craft a guide to our in praise, immersed in the joy that available for them by CFCKFL. CFCKFL monthly assemblies. is the spirit of God. It was a delight They had fun discovering and The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are to witness a community of different learning new things, making new great guides in forming KFL activities! age groups where everyone was friends, and showcasing their These fruits definitely do not rot, and singing and shouting their praises talents. Some of them learned how through CFCKFL, they are available all- and dancing in pure joy, adoring to sing and dance, while others year round… one fruit every month: the One True God who’s worthy learned sign language. Some of to be adored. them even went to the mall and January: Charity I was affirmed that even as the music pretended to be deaf and mute, February: Chastity faded, the lights dimmed, the props just to experience what it feels like March: Kindness packed away, the songs did not die not being able to communicate April: Gentleness down. It was a JOY to serve! Thank you, in their usual way. There were May: Goodness June: Peace Lord, for the gift of serving You, for the also children who learned how to July: Generosity gift of worship. As song said, “Forever, I prepare simple food for their loved will sing, sing sing!” █ August: Modesty ones. September: Faithfulness Contributed by Marion Causing Regardless of the workshop the kids CFCYFL Mission Volunteer October: Patience participated in, their experiences were November: Self-Control broadened. More than learning new December: Joy skills, each one of them learned how blessed they are… as the Lord equipped And again, here is the goal we have them with different talents and skills. for the CFC Kids for Family and Life All they have to do is cultivate it, share ministry: it, be thankful for it, and use it for God’s CFCKFL will bring out the BEST greater glory. █ in Kids! Contributed by Joey Oliva CFCKFL will be a venue to form CFCKFL Fulltime Pastoral Worker Strong Christian Families by having parents who are involved with their kids and having kids who are part of the life of the Church! CFCKFL will bring kids into a deeper relationship with Christ because NO ONE is too young to know Christ! █

Contributed by Xavier Padilla CFCKFL International Coordinator

Be i n g c o m m u n i t y 29 CFCYFL Youth Congress 2009

I TRUST I Discover. I Trust. I Witness.

he World Youth Congress DISCOVER: God is the Same everything I have came from God. As (WYC), an annual Yesterday, Today and Forever. the Homily during the WYC Sunday gathering of CFC Youth for Like father, like son. I idolize my Mass said, “For every cross is a blessing, TFamily and Life (YFL) leaders, was fatheri so much that I want to be like and every blessing has a cross”. Truly, such a vibrant experience held on him - a servant of God and a marketing things happen not according to my own April 3 to 5 at the National Shrine practitioner. When I become a father accord, but according to God’s word. of Our Lady of La Salette and myself, I will let my children feel the That is why I believe that greater things Marian Retreat Center at Silang, same love my father gave me and is are yet to come! I just have to trust! Cavite. It was another weekend giving me. The relationship I share with WITNESS: I am a Prophet. He is of worship, inspirational talks my earthly father is similar to what I my only strength and Courage and workshops which inspired have with my Heavenly Father: my I am not a missionary by Dad drives me to places, while God is profession,i but I have been doing what the 1,200 delegates not only in their service, but in their personal the driver of my life! My Dad is a good missionaries do! My God calls me to relationship with the Lord. provider who sacrificed so much for us, be a prophet, and I believe that to be while God sacrificed His only Son for a prophet and a missionary does not I DISCOVER. I TRUST. I WITNESS. you and me! I truly see God through my necessarily require me to travel around. These were the sessions which Dad, who draws me closer to the Lord I can be both by fulfilling the tasks livened up the event. In addition, each day. I trust my Dad as much as I entrusted to me by the Lord… wherever equally interesting workshops were trust my heavenly Father! I am. Being a prophet of God is not easy, conducted: appreciating the Mass and TRUST: In every life situation I will but I must simply have courage. Christ’s Devotion to the Divine Mercy, Leader’s Trust and will not be afraid. passion and crucifixion was not the end, Forum (Marketing Jesus Christ, Do we trust only when we are but rather the start of VICTORY when Implementation of Formation Track, afraid,i or do we trust only in order to Christ won us over the evil one. It is this Our Roles as Youth Leaders), Strategic have courage? Isn’t it more joyful to trust victory which we must daily proclaim! Evangelization, Chastity Forum, and in the Lord at all times? This victory comes with responding Liturgical Bible Study for Couple Prior to the WYC, I felt I was on to God’s call. Are we ready to be prophets Coordinators. █ top of the world! Yet, the Lord was and missionaries for Him? █ quick to remind me to remain in His Contributed by Paolo Barcelona Contributed by Joseph Tesoro words. That struck me, as I realized that CFCYFL District of Antipolo CFCYFL International Coordinator

30 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 CFCYFL Youth Congress 2009

I Trust. I Believe. OVERJOYED YOUTH CAMP I Surrender. - A LOOK BACK

ttending the WYC at the verjoyed” was the Our Lady of La Salette title of the Youth in Silang, Cavite was Camp. We are still in A “Oour Joyride with God...and there is unexpected. I thought I would not nothing that can separate us from be able to go because of summer His love. All we need to do is to classes. My parents said that they trust Him. will shoulder all expenses if I A bit of story telling passed my subjects. Otherwise, I arrived at the camp venue before I will not be allowed to join the 7:00 AM. It has been a while since I congress. But then, God was so last served as a team leader in a camp. I great! I passed my subjects! thought I could not handle it. The Lord The Eucharistic Exposition during proved me wrong. This youth camp the WYC made me say YES to God’s was a blessing. It was one of the best new mission for me. He made me Christmas gifts I ever received, and I felt so blessed for the opportunity to share it accept a new service, as He reminded with those with me during the camp. me that whatever mistakes I committed My camp partner, Clarisse, was in the past were not important. What is very supportive and hard-working. more pleasing to Him is my repentance The camp servants, Jude and Nadz, and desire to change. I know I will face tirelessly served the participants. The many trials ahead, but I also know that speakers, facilitators, music ministry, these will strengthen my faith. and the coordinators were all effective Truly, greater things are yet to come. instruments of God’s love. It was I LOVE MY GOD! █ physically exhausting, but spiritually uplifting. It was truly one memorable experience where the Lord constantly Contributed by Claire Natividad reminded me of His many blessings. █ CFCYFL District of Antipolo Contributed by Gam Guarnes CFCYFL Mission Volunteer

Be i n g c o m m u n i t y 31 CFCSFL World Singles Congress 2009 SO BE IT!!! he Summer Capital of personal testimonies of recognizing the Philippines, Baguio God’s greatness, embracing the spirit City proved to be a piece of thanksgiving, and proclaiming Tof heaven in more ways than God’s presence in our ordinary lives. one during the CFC Singles for Participants were encouraged to share Family and Life (SFL) World their personal experiences which turned Singles Congress (WSC) ’09 held out to be one giant household of on February 27 to March 1 at CFCSFL members. the Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City. The light evening prepared the The cool weather welcomed over participants for a full-day of sessions and workshops the day after. The 600 members of CFCSFL. With exciting day began with a worship led the CFCFFL community’s theme by Dave Balino, CFCSFL Missionary to taken from Isaiah 12:2, “God Latin America. It was then followed by indeed is my Savior; I am confident Session 1 entitled, “God is my Savior”, and unafraid. My strength and my given by SFL Core member, Jay Pangan, courage is the Lord and He has who stressed the constancy of God been my Savior.” The CFCSFL’s throughout our lives. Another SFL Core response was SO BE IT. It is a member, Mon Arguelles, handled the statement of surrender to God’s second session entitled, “My Strength Holy Will in our lives. and my Courage is the Lord” where our The WSC was formally opened by powerlessness and dependence on God the CFC Family Ministries Director, was highlighted. Five workshops centered Lachie Agana, who welcomed the on spirituality were made available delegates. CFCSFL members could for the participants in the afternoon. not be contained as the weekend These were Journaling, Liturgical kicked-off with the Opening Worship Bible Study (LBS), Discernment, Gift led by CFCSFL Fulltime Worker, of Prophecy and Relationship, and Wally Magtibay. A “kwentuhan” Courtship Patterns. The delegates were session followed, which showcased welcomed back to the plenary session

32 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 for the evening worship led by CFCYFL be part of upcoming mission trips in the Fulltime Worker, Dylan Reyes. Session Philippines and abroad. 3 was given by Gary Faustino, CFC FFL On the third day, Fr. Arlo proved Body of Counselors member. Entitled how dynamic and vibrant our Catholic “I trust as you walk with me”, he led faith is during the celebration of the the participants to express their trust in most Holy Eucharist. The two-hour God in the context of our relationships. long celebration was welcomed by the The day was indeed full in itself but the participants as it reflected a deeper best part of the WSC was yet to come. facet of our faith. Nobody minded the The exposition of the Blessed Sacrament length of the Eucharist as it became a was truly a session to behold. CFCSFL’s truly life-giving celebration. Finally, Spiritual Director, Father Arlo Yap, SVD, the last session, “So Be It”, was given guided the participants to a deeper and by CFCYFL International Coordinator more meaningful encounter with God Joseph Tesoro. The CFCSFLs were through the Blessed Sacrament. Like the rallied to get out of their comfort zones hemorrhaging woman in the Gospel, and be “prophets” to the world. each participant desired to simply touch Truly the entire WSC was a the cloak of Christ in faith for much spiritually nourishing weekend. As the healing and forgiveness. The general WSC closed, and the delegates marched experience of peace truly overwhelmed down from Baguio City, the reality of everyone. The evening was capped by a uncertainty awaits. Nevetheless, they very vibrant praisefest led by CFCYFL were spiritually nourished from the Fulltime Worker, EJ Aguila. weekend. May it be in the ordinary or The weekend was far from over. The in the extraordinary … in good times Roadtrip Missions Segment was led and in bad… whatever may come their by CFCSFL Metro Manila Head and way… the Singles will respond with a CFCSFL Core member, Jun Caramat. resounding “SO BE IT!” █ Actual experiences of short-term and long-term missions inspired and Contributed by Chinky Ramirez encouraged the participants to desire to CFCSFL Fulltime Pastoral Worker

Be i n g c o m m u n i t y 33 CFCHFL World Handmaids Congress 2009 SISTER TO SISTER: A TRUSTING HEART t was raining hard as we Following the CFCFFL Trust checked into the Grand Villa Weekend theme, “Trust in Jesus”, the Metro Manila CFCHFL core group Resort and Butterfly Centre chose this theme for the Handmaids. Iin Bay, Laguna for the World In addition to the theme of trust in God Handmaids Congress 2009 on and in one another as sisters, He spoke April 24. Though there were some of His mercy and love, which is to be the challenges to get to your room in basis of our love for one another. Just as a sprawling resort, the Handmaids Jesus continues to show His abundant were cool – we were prepared to mercy to us all, so we need to do the handle whatever darts the enemy same, not only towards one another sent our way. We were determined in the CFCFFL community, but also to have a good time with the Lord toward all the people of God. and enjoy our conference. As the woman is the heart of the True enough, the next day was bright home, so can she be the heart of the and shiny, and we were able to enjoy community, serving with selfless love our venue, with its beautiful gardens, wherever she can, bringing joy to butterfly park, and swimming pools. whomever she comes in contact with, More importantly, the Lord spoke to and being the presence of God wherever us powerfully through our theme “A she happens to be. Trusting Heart”. This year, the speakers for the

34 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 WHC 2009 were Kit Ladrido, Menchie Cubao District. Award for the biggest Donato, Baby Ligeralde and Marichu delegation also went to CFCHFL Mondigo. Several sharers gave personal District of Antipolo. insights on the talks through their We salute Baby Ligeralde, who did own personal experiences. Among a great job as event head. The entire them were Flor Pingol of Laguna, Rea service team just worked together to Santos of Cavite, and Rosalie Liwanag make the whole congress an expression of Paranaque. We paused on Saturday of God’s love. The WHC 2009 weekend afternoon for the 3 o’clock prayer and was again another expression of God’s chaplet to the Divine Mercy, to ask for victory. We praise and thank Him for Christ’s mercy for all of us. using this weekend to renew our vigor Saturday evening fellowship was and passion in His service as His special a luau, following the beautiful garden women! █ venue that we have. Again the rain came, but this did not at all dampen Contributed by Kit Ladrido the enthusiasm of the Handmaids for CFCHFL International Coordinator their presentations of Hawaiian dances. First place for creativity, originality and costume went to the CFCHFL District of Antipolo. Other winners were CFCHFL Batangas and CFCHFL

Be i n g c o m m u n i t y 35 A FELLOWSHIP OF

t was the height of the The group’s first mission was to meet onslaught of typhoon Emong up with Rev. Fr. Roque Villanueva of the on May 7 with storm signal Parish of San Lorenzo Ruiz of Olongapo Zambales Inumber 3 raised in the Zambales/ City and Director of the Family and Pangasinan area. Despite the Life Ministries of the Diocese of Iba, Crossover whooping 140 kph wind velocity Zambales. The second mission was of Emong, three vehicles bravely for the community’s top leadership to cruised along the Subic-Clark- dialogue with Olongapo City’s local Tarlac Expressway, unmindful of CFCFFL community on developments the torrential rain and gusty winds and directions, most specially on clarifications on various community that buffeted them on their way to issues and concerns confronting them. Olongapo City. They dubbed the forum as “A Fellowship On board the first vehicle were of Enlightenment.” CFCFFL community servant leaders The consultative dialogue with Fr. Frank Padilla, Lachie Agana, and Roque was made possible through the Novaliches leaders Ben and Cora efforts of Novaliches leaders Abe Veran Bongato and Arlene Gutierrez. On (also Quezon Province Coordinator), the second car were other Novaliches and Tres Gutierrez (also a prominent leaders: Abe Veran, Bong Manguni and Olongapo City businessman) for the Jun Carandang. Pampanga Province purpose of formally presenting the Coordinator Ed Ocampo was with Oca CFCFFL Community mission/vision, Oblefias on the third car. core values, plans and programs that

36 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 ENLIGHTENMENT

could help support the Family and split in the CFC Community. An open hospitality and active participation of the Life Ministries of the Diocese of Iba, forum, a no-holds-barred discussion other brothers and sisters in Olongapo Zambales. In that meeting with Fr. ensued where numerous areas of serious City, namely: Tony Mendoza, Manny Roque were Frank Padilla, Lachie Agana, concern affecting the local, national and Estabillo, Jun and Ana Barroga, Romy Oca Oblefias, Ed Ocampo, Abe Veran, international CFC community life were and Ester Chua, Ed and Leny Cachola, Bong Manguni, Ben and Cora Bongato, tackled. Dante and Rose Suanes, Rod Ibay, Gani Tres and Arlene Gutierrez and Jun The restoration assembly in and Marie David, Romy and Hazel Carandang. Father Roque warmly and Zambales was spearheaded by Jim and Andres, Arnel and Judy Mariposque, enthusiastically showed his appreciation Lou Alejandro, household leaders based Ely Ventura, Ray and Armie Cudal, and acceptance of the support from the in the parish of St. Joseph, Olongapo Lauro and Beth Reyes, Nanding and community especially on specific areas City, in coordination and consultation Maria Ranola, Ed and Gie Balmores, of family and life where the CFC FFL with the other local CFCFFL leaders to and Roldan Lascano. plans and programs have a good fit. provide a healthy venue for an open and The SvFL led by Boy Katigbak, As typhoon Emong raged later in the honest discussion of the many issues Pompoy Dinglasan and Bambi Urgino evening , some 32 leaders and members that the local community has always capped the session with a lively mini- of the local CFC group met the visiting thought were kept hidden and remained praise fest whose spirit-filled vibrance group led by Frank Padilla at the St. unexplained to them. The warm packed and energized the entire PPC Joseph Parish PPC Hall for the session welcome and reception was led by no Hall that night, drowning the ruckus of the members called “A Fellowship of less than the St. Joseph Parish Pastoral the rampaging storm wreaking havoc in Enlightenment.” This came as a big Council President Ernie Dacela, and the area. opportunity for our Servant General to Serge and Eva Cruz. This fellowship night was a openly discuss the sequence of events The fellowship could not have celebration in itself. It celebrated God’s and other developments that led to the been a big success without the warm victory for making the Diocese of Iba, Olongapo, Zambales the VERY FIRST REGION IN THE PHILIPPINES THAT WAS FULLY RESTORED! Just like the sturdy staff of Moses when he raised it up in the air, dividing the Red Sea that gave safe passage to God’s chosen people towards the promised land, the powerful worship which closed the evening was like a wonder wand that swept away the angst in the storm’s very eye, paving peace and quiet in the path towards home … Manila. Thanks to the power of Divine Intervention that not even the wild forces of nature and some external human machinations and manipulations, can ever thwart and stand in the way of God’s work in this part of our land. █

Contributed by Jun Carandang CFCFFL District of Novaliches Be i n g c o m m u n i t y 37 KFL Thailand cum Family Day

The brightness of day lights up their faces. CFCKFL parents in The heart of Bangkok. Aside from lively worship, the children Thailand shared a half-day of fun-filled activities with their kids and their parents enjoyed physical activities together like biking last April 18, 2009 at the Queen’s Park, Rachadapisek Road, and games, as well as an Easter egg hunt. Photo shows Bangkok. Photo shows from left: Anna (our FTW), Benedict, CFCKFL youngsters playing tug-of-war while being cheered Jensen, Rommel, Mariz, Jayver, Mela, Rizza, Tony, Binay, by their CFCYFL brethren. Gerwin and Jason. Contributed by Gerwin Navarro Tuason CFCFFL Thailand

CFCFFL Canada Keeps Education Going

the “Adopt-A- ur CFCFFL Canada Class” Sponsorship brethren are fired up in Program. The other their thrust to support Canadian areas, Othe BATA (Biyayang Aral, Tanging such as Winnipeg, Alay) Program in our Restoration Calgary, and Villages (RV)! Edmonton, were CFCFFL Canada Country likewise inspired by Coordinator Dante de Leon, and the Spirit to come CFCFFL Coordinator for Western up with means to Canada Louie Untalan, witnessed the support the other plight of the teachers and students when RV sites. they visited their sponsored site - RV CFCFFL’s Education Ministry All these efforts are ably coordinated Brampton (formerly GK Grezar). They immediately prepared a marketing by Dante de Leon and CFCFFL Canada were moved with pity, and at the same video aimed at presenting the needs Work with the Poor Coordinator, Max time, they were propelled to take action of RV Brampton. After viewing the de la Cruz. █ and raise the beneficiaries out of their video, our CFCFFL Brampton brethren condition. Contributed by Myra M. Menguito were immediately driven to support CFCFFL Education Ministry 38 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 PRAYER POWER

Sis, good PM. To our dear brothers/sisters, Please pray for our daughter, Thanks so much for we would like to ask Paula Reyes, who is experiencing your prayers. for your prayers for fever and vomiting. May God Moises Patrimonio our nephew, touch her with His healing hand is now conscious. Justin Paminiano, and release her from discomfort. He is out na sa a victim of hazing. (5/14/09) ICU and can identify people. He is now confined He is still recuperating. at the Lung Center 2 Prayer is truly for observation and Paula had fever and vomiting after powerful. will be transferred to arriving from our family vacation in (2/13/09) NKI due to Baguio to Subic. malfunctioning kidneys. She now ate breakfast and wants us He will undergo emergency to go to Zoobic. Praise God! dialysis every other day. Please pray for him. Thanks. Please include my mom, (3/03/09) Priscilla Lopez, in your prayers. Great is our Lord of Divine She is at the hospital with lung 2 Mercy. infection that the antibiotics To our dear brothers/sisters, we Yes, let’s trust in His promise did not overcome. would like of grace and blessings. She has emphysema. (5/12/09 to thank you for Alam mo, just to share with you 2 the prayers you offered how the Divine Mercy for our nephew, helped our son to finish Thank you for your prayers. Justin. his 4th year formation My mom is out of the hospital but The doctors already in the seminary. still has continuous medication. removed the respirator Last year, during the vacation last night. He is still in the ICU, of Neng, we intentionally but with the help visited the National of God, he will continuously Shrine of the recover and be out Divine Mercy in Marilao, of danger. for the sole purpose of asking Hopefully, today he will His Divine Mercy for the be transferred to a struggle of Joshua Please pray for my mother, regular room. in the seminary. Maura for improvement We would like to request You know, the Divine Mercy of her breathing and control for your continued prayer did not fail us because Joshua of her coughing. for his total and was able to finish his She is receiving speedy recovery. 4th year formation. regular dialysis. Thank you and God bless. Out of 16, only 3 finished (5/07/09). (3/10/09) the 4th year formation, 2 and not Thank you for your only that, out of 3 prayers and support. only 2 were accepted My mother Maura Please continue praying to enter novitiate passed on peacefully. for Babeth Castillo who is still program this year, confined in the hospital that includes Joshua. undergoing tests. The Divine Mercy 2 is powerful.(4/18/09) Thank you so much for your prayers. Babeth Castillo will be able to come home today from the Mga kapatid, my family and I hospital. The doc said that wish to thank you all for the there is still some inflammation prayers of the urethra but will Please pray for Nanay, for the speedy recovery of just be given Maura Supnet. my father, Angel Parinas. medication for that. She will have hip It really did help a lot, She will have to do replacement surgery. we gained strength, another test in 2 months. She is confined we got to appreciate Important thing is that at UP-PGH, Rm. 518. what we have and the love for the kidney We need all the help and prayers us. Please continue to pray is functioning well. we can get. for my father, this time for the Praise God! Nanay is 85 years old. (4/26/09) repose of his soul. Thank you again 2 My dad went to our for your Thank you for your prayers. Father peacefully. (4/21/09) support and prayers. Nanay’s surgery successful and (3/28/09) she will be discharged tomorrow.

Be i n g c o m m u n i t y 39 O We recognize Jesus’ mission to bring glad tidings to the poor (Lk 4:18). We look to both the spiritual and material upliftment of the least among our brethren. In doing so, we will be in solidarity with the poor by striving to live a simple lifestyle, to share our resources, and to fight for social justice in the world. iving a PreferentialL Option for the Poor feature A Perfect

Contributed by Bonjie Bonjibod Gift CFCFFL WWP Fulltime Pastoral Worker

ur Restoration and Mission Village beneficiaries received Oone of the most perfect gifts from CFCFFL, through our Work with the Poor Ministry (WWP): Holy Bibles! Our community is committed to spiritual and social renewal by building strong families and individuals securely anchored on the truth, founded on God’s words. The CFCFFL WWP Ministry served as a vehicle to give our beneficiaries every reason to rejoice. They now have their own copy of the most perfect book which speaks of the perfect love of our perfect God! St Joseph RV Las Pinas Restoration team turns over a copy of Bibles to the Homeowners As a faith community, with president. “Centered on Christ” as among its core values, CFCFFL desires each member… the cycle of evangelization is when we, as Bible campaign to provide Holy Bibles each beneficiary… each family, to God’s “adopted” children, were afforded to beneficiaries of our Restoration & experience the Lord in a deeper and the right to baptize and disciple others Mission Villages. An arrangement with personal way. The Bible provides this as His very own son, Jesus Christ, did. the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) was experience, but not all have the means In turn, we empower others to likewise forged by WWP to avail of bibles at a to have a copy. do the same.” low price for distribution to RVs & MVs. For most, if not all, the word of Beneficiaries who have finished our Inspired by the Holy Spirit God… embodied in Holy Scripture… Christian Life Seminar at their respective “Evangelistic and Missionary”, as provides the heart of leading others to sites will be given free bibles. Initial another core value, truly embodies the Father as witnessed by the life of donations from CFCFFL members & the CFCFFL spirit. What fortifies our His very own Son and God’s faithful friends were able to purchase Bibles for evangelism efforts is our faithfulness to servants. Father Arlo further said, 237 families. Inmates at the New Bilibid the Lord’s commissioning, “Go, then, to “Evangelization, anchored on God’s Prisons (NBP) who have finished the all peoples everywhere and make them word, is the mother of all apostolates.” CLS will also be given bibles. my disciples: baptize them in the name What is evangelization without the of the Father, the Son, and the Holy word of God? Where do we find God’s Wanted: More Bibles! Spirit, and teach them to obey everything word, but in and through the Holy A total of 2,100 bibles are targeted I have commanded you. And I will be Bible … God’s handiwork to guide us, to be given to all RV/MV beneficiaries & with you always, to the end of the age.” His children! inmates at the NBP. Members who want (Matthew 28:19-20). As Father Arlo The above inspired the CFCFFL to help may give their cash donations to Yap, SVD, explained, “What completes WWP Ministry to launch the Donate-a- drop boxes at major CFCFFL assemblies

42 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 PANDI, BULACAN RESTORATION VILLAGE roundbreaking Contributed by Bonjie Bonjibod CFCFFL WWP Fulltime Pastoral Worker

he Immaculate Conception Mission Village, at Amparo Subdivision, Pandi, TBulacan had its groundbreaking ceremony on March 29. The groundbreaking is the formal start of the implementation of the Work With the Poor programs at the site for its 36 beneficiaries. Most of them are currently undergoing a Christian Life Seminar. The ceremonies started with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Noy Gregorio, Parish Priest of the Immaculate Conception Parish of Pandi. The WWP shelter program will start constructing its first brick houses educational scholarship. Guests included Congressman Pedro at the site using the interlocking brick CFCFFL leaders present at the Pancho and Brgy.Capt. Leo Principe. technology. If found to be technically ceremonies included Rudy Calingo █ and economically feasible, there are plans (Bulacan), Oca Oblefias (Luzon), Oland to develop brick making as a livelihood David (Home Office), Alfie Pontejos program for the beneficiaries. The other & Rudy Tamse (Health), Mimi David CFCFFL Social Ministries (Education, and Myra Menguito (Education), Jess Health, Livelihood) will start its pilot Tabora (Livelihood) & Rene Evidente programs at the site with the view of (WWP). making the village a model site. The site is under the capable stewardship of Ed Brigino. After retiring from work in the US, Ed and his wife Zeny dedicated their time and resources in helping the poor families by sponsoring the high school education of poor children. Prior to their becoming members of CFCFFL and eventually getting involved in its WWP ministry, the couple was already supporting about 50 poor students in the area through an

Li v i n g a Pr e f e r e n t i a l Op t i o n f o r t h e Po o r 43 ST. PAUL RESTORATION VILLAGE, ISABELA BUILDS AND RESTORES

he St. Paul RV at San the other hand, the local team On the same day, the local team led Mariano, Isabela had the raised funds for the restoration of by Ely Cruz (WWP Team Leader) and blessing and turnover of homes. Robert Gelacio (Chapter Head) also Tits first housing unit on April The first beneficiary, Janet Idorita, had their Restoration Team Training 16 while two other houses were is a member of CFC Handmaids for conducted by Rene Evidente & restored (renovated from bamboo Family and Life. She and her husband Bonjie Bonjibod, WWP International materials to concrete). These were were CFC household leaders until her Coordinator and WWP Fulltime the initial outputs of their shelter husband died of a heart attack. They Pastoral Worker, respectively. █ program while three other families have 3 children, and they lived with are in line to have their houses their in-laws before they moved in to built or restored soon. The funds their new home. They were thankful to Contributed by Bonjie Bonjibod for the fully-built homes came have a home they can finally call their CFCFFL WWP Fulltme Pastoral Worker from CFCFFL Texas, USA. On own.

44 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 CFCFFL STARTS SOFT PROGRAMS AT HABITAT VILLAGE IN FTI, TAGUIG

he CFCFFL Work With The first activity conducted at CFCFFL Sto.Nino Vicariate led by its the Poor Ministry, together the FTI Habitat Village was the cluster head, Noel Gamba, and the Our with the District of Pasig, Community Membership Training Lady of the Poor Parish team of Taguig Tstarted to implement its soft (CMT). The CMT is part of a led by their chapter head, Larry Boribor. programs at the FTI Habitat series of community life programs The FTI Village is the first of many Village at Taguig on February aimed at the moral and spiritual Habitat villages around the country 28. Under the Memorandum of formation of the homeowners. where Habitat invited CFCFFL to Cooperation with Habitat for This will be the start of monthly engage in. █ Humanity Philippines, CFCFFL formation sessions, the Christian can be requested to implement Life Seminar (CLS) included, to soft programs (community life, be offered at the village. Contributed by Bonjie Bonjibod education, health, livelihood & The soft programs and formation CFCFFL WWP Fulltime Pastoral Worker environment) in Habitat villages. seminars are being facilitated by the

Li v i n g a Pr e f e r e n t i a l Op t i o n f o r t h e Po o r 45 Setting the Captives

Contributed by Frank A. Padilla, CFCFFL Servant General

ur work with the poor have a captive audience (pun intended). gift. Your donation will support our includes building There are 13,000 prisoners in the MSC- evangelization efforts in the prisons and communities among NBP. In addition, we have started at the help support the “Biyaya” program to Othe poor (Restoration Villages Medium Security Compound, where help provide for their basic needs. and Mission Villages) as well as some of our members in the MSC have We in CFCFFL are serving the our work in prisons through our been transferred. poorest of the poor. It is our privilege, Ministry for Restorative Justice. As the provisions for prisoners as we serve Jesus himself. When talking We in CFCFFL live out a Core are meager and not very good, we about the judgment of the nations, Value of preferential option for provide some goods for them, through Jesus did not mention the homeless the poor. Among the very poor the “Biyaya” program apart from the but certainly mentioned those in prison and one very neglected sector of all-important spiritual renewal and (Mt 25:36,43). If you cannot visit or society are our prisoners. formation. However, a wider work is care directly for those in prison, this can Prisoners, especially the worst prevented because of lack of funds. be the next best thing. Help our teams offenders, are considered the dregs of In response, we are launching an who do the visits and who do the caring society, while the poor who have no important project to address this need for prisoners. Then be counted with the houses are just that, the poor. Prisoners for funding support for our work in sheep and not the goats. █ are the poorest of the poor because they prisons. It is a book project entitled, have no homes, no liberty, no family, “Stories from Prison.” The book will perhaps even no future. Jesus’ mission contain inspiring stories from prison, was certainly to them, as he came to to include their personal stories of proclaim liberty to captives (Lk 4:18) transformation, repentance and and release to prisoners (Is 61:1). conversion. Read the personal stories of CFCFFL is doing a wide work in these men and women and be touched! the Maximum Security Compound of God is working powerfully, and we the National Bilibid Prison (for male in CFCFFL are privileged to be His inmates), and also in the Correctional for instruments. Women. We have about 600 members For a donation of P300 (US$10 in the NBP and 200 in the Correctional. for those abroad), you will be given Potential for growth is tremendous, as we this precious and inspiring book as a

46 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 The Gains of ALS A&E

n 2006, I decided to focus learners qualified to take the test given on this new program of by the Department of Education. Out CFCEFI--- formerly the Non- of these 14 learners, four (4) passed the IFormal Education Accreditation national accreditation and equivalency & Equivalency (NFE A & E) exam. Two learners, both mothers, were program, now the Alternative so happy to receive their diploma for Learning System Accreditation & Secondary Education! The other two are Equivalency (ALS A & E) program now gainfully employed and are able to help their family better. which is an alternative to formal We made arrangements to schedule schooling. After undergoing a simple recognition for them. By God’s training as an IM or Instructional grace, these four (4) ALS passers joined Manager, I wanted to serve the Contributed by Linda Leyson the recognition ceremonies of the pre- CFCFFL Education Ministry youth, especially those who have school center which we also supervised. been out of school, and the adult It was held at La Salle University. During learners. the rites, I informed the audience what Fortunately, I was able to convince the ALS A & E program was all about. six (6) members of the community to They responded with a loud applause join in this endeavor. We launched the after learning the benefits of this program program and started with 32 learners, on our out-of-school youth (OSY) and with ages raging from 17-45. The class adult learners in the community. started July 2007. We met regularly at For School Year 2008-2009, I moved the third floor of a multi-purpose hall. to offer my services to our immediate A retired principal, my friend barangay to be of help to the other volunteered to assist me, too. She was members of our community, including surprised to see me knocking at the non-CFC members who are interested doors of my learners to remind them to pursue their elementary/high school of our schedule before I proceeded to certification. our learning center every session. The With the help of our Barangay learners and I agreed to meet once a Chairman, Laila Del Rosario of Bgy.730, week to hold classes and for them to Zone 79 in Vito Cruz, Manila, a total of receive borrowed modules they needed. 12 learners came to avail of the program. Most of the reasons they stopped We started in July 2008 and I felt three of schooling were poverty, causing trouble them were ready to take the test. Hence, in school, poor performance, family in October last year, after complying problems and discouragement from some with the requirements, they took the teachers’ attitude. Financial difficulty test. Two (2) of them successfully made topped the list and true enough, one it! We still continue to meet up to the by one, the learners dropped, for the present to better prepare the rest of the reason that they needed to earn in 12 for the coming ALS A & E exam in order to have food for the family. As October this year. the enrolment decreased, the IMs also The two (2) passers are now begged off to leave their duty for some preparing to enroll in college. Their personal reasons. One of them passed diplomas, however, will be released in away, leaving me alone to continue the October this year. Isn’t it a rewarding work. and fulfilling way to happiness? Praise In February 2008, 14 out of 32 God! █ Li v i n g a Pr e f e r e n t i a l Op t i o n f o r t h e Po o r 47 Being a Servant to the Church We in CFC-FFL are an integral part of the Catholic Church. We are submitted to our bishops and to the pope. Our life, formation and service will conform to Catholic values and ideals. We make ourselves available to be of service in the parishes and dioceses, especially in the areas of family and life. We look to Mary, the mother of the Church, as our inspiration and help. Being a Servant to the Church feature WORLD MEETINGin Mexico OF FAMILIES Contributed by Frank Padilla CFCFFL Servant General

Couples for Christ (CFC), through its Servant General, Frank Padilla, and his wife Gerry, attended the 6th World Meeting of Families held in Santa Fe, Mexico from January 14 to Gerry Padilla in an animated conversation with the First Lady of Mexico, Margarita Zabala de 18, 2009. The Padillas are members of the Pontifical Council for the Family, and are the Calderon only members from Asia. There were delegates from 96 countries (such as Cameroon, Uganda, Mozambique, Nigeria, Lithuania and Guyana), including Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family; Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity; Bishop Socrates Villegas, Bishop of Bataan, Philippines; Cardinal Christian Tumi of Cameroon, Africa and many and clergy. more cardinals, bishops

Nila Andrews arm-in-arm with Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko

The Padillas were among the presentors at the Congress plenary, attended by 9,000 other Frank and Gerry in a lively delegates. They spoke on CFC in the renewal conversation with Cardinal of the family and the defense of life. They told Ennio Antonelli the plenary that in CFC, they focus on individual renewal and transformation in Christ; they support married couples and their children to become a vibrant Christian family living in a Spirit-filled Christian home; and they look beyond themselves and serve the larger society and the larger Church through the parishes and dioceses.

50 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 Fight for Life

n February 23, CFCFFL joined the rally called Oby Bishop Socrates Villegas of the Diocese of Balanga in Bataan, in protest of the re- opening of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Despite the extreme heat, CFCFFL fulltime workers and brethren from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Metro Manila led by CFCFFL Servant General Frank Padilla, trooped to Bataan to express unity with the Church in its effort to protect life and the environment. The activity started with a mass concelebrated by Bishop Soc together with the clergy of Bataan. Bishop Soc urged everybody to be vigilant and stand for the cause of life, and to persevere in prayer. He said that in times of great adversity, we run to the one true source, the One who makes the impossible possible, and the One who desires the common good of all. Bishop Soc added that we have on our side the One who is truly the source of all power and might - our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I thank the Lord for the privilege of being counted for His cause, not only because my roots are from Bataan, but more importantly, for the commissioning to be the Lord’s steward. I felt blessed for that day for being among those who stood for what is right and who shared our passion and love for the Lord and His creation. █

Contributed by Pat Oconer CFCSFL International Coordinator Be i n g a Se r v a n t t o t h e Ch u r c h 51 God’s Wheel Year of the Two Hearts for Peace-Building and Lay Participation in Social Change (A Pastoral Exhortation)

Beloved people of God,

s we conclude the year of St. Peace-Building and Lay Participation Paul which the Holy Father in Social Change will begin and end inaugurated on June 29, with the feasts of the Two Hearts (June 2008,A we invite the Filipino faithful 2009- June 2010). to start preparing spiritually for another crucial transition in the PEACE-BUILDING life of our nation—namely, the From the wounded Heart of elections in May 2010. For this Jesus flowed the grace of healing and reconciliation. Let this grace flow purpose, we are declaring the post- through us, the community of Christ’s Pauline year (from June 2009 until disciples, into the bloodstream of our June 2010) as a year of Prayer and nation. Let it find a concrete expression Work for Peace-building and Lay in serious advocacies for peace and Participation in Social Change. dialogue, healing and reconciliation By way of transition, we can draw amidst conflict-situations in all possible our inspiration from St. Paul’s circumstances of life. Let us all actively + ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, D.D. timeless reflections on “Christ pray and work for peace, following Archbishop of Jaro President, CBCP as Ambassador of Peace and the inspiration of that popular prayer April 19, 2009 Reconciliation” (2 Cor 5: 18-20 & attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “Lord, Feast of Divine Mercy Eph 2:12-18) in order to dispose make me an instrument of your peace. ourselves for the next thematic Where there is hatred, let me bring love; year. where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, CONSECRATION TO THE TWO HEARTS hope; where there is darkness, light; We will launch this new thematic where there is sadness, joy,” seeking at year by consecrating our country to each time, not so much “to be consoled the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the as to console, to be understood, as to Immaculate Heart of Mary when we understand, to be loved as to love…” celebrate their feast days on June 19- and believing firmly that “It is in giving, 20, 2009—a few days before the formal that we receive; …in pardoning, that we closing of the Pauline Year on the feast are pardoned; …and in dying, that we of Sts. Peter and Paul, June 29, 2009. are born to eternal life.” This Year of Prayer and Work for While we go on with our pastoral

52 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 programs in all Church units or over-extending our sphere of influence and organizations, basic ecclesial beyond our offices. The participation of “O Sacred Heart of Jesus, the communities, parishes, dioceses, and the laity in moral leadership pertaining reality of our deeply wounded and regions throughout the country, we also to every specific discipline and broken country impels us to ask that all ecclesial entities all over the institution in the Philippine society is respond with new urgency to the country strive to establish and form most essential, if we want the Gospel most pressing problems of our times. groups that can effectively focus their and the social teachings of the Church We are a broken people; our ministry or apostolate on peace-building to have a tangible and positive impact at hearts are fragmented and we are and genuine reconciliation through all on our life as a nation. discouraged. We need Your dialogue, drawing encouragement We challenge our Catholic laity, in Heart, O Lord, as we seek to be especially from St. Paul’s profound particular, to take the lead in the task of made whole. insights on these topics. moral renewal towards a deeper and more Rooted in our faith in You and Let us consciously lay the moral lasting change in the Philippine society. love for our country, we want to foundations on which we can build a We challenge all lay people involved participate in Your work of more stable, more mature Philippine in politics to renounce corruption and transformation of persons, society. Let this foundation be not just bond together in the task of evangelizing families, organizations, and society. a change of leaders or a change of social politics for effective governance and Through the transforming power and political structures, but above all, a the pursuit of the common good. We of the love of Your Heart, we draw a radical change of heart, commending challenge the laity involved in legislation new dynamism, a strong ourselves to Jesus and his Blessed to unite themselves and consciously inspiration, a fire, which can Mother as we entreat them to “…make allow their actions to be guided by the change and transfigure our lives as our hearts so like to (theirs) that we may truth of the Gospel and the Christian individuals and as a nation. holy be!” faith. We urge the Catholic lay people involved in legitimate business to (please pause for a specific intention) LAY PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL CHANGE organize themselves and consciously For the past few months now, we practice their trade with a strong sense of Love of the Heart of Jesus, give us have noted a mounting call for “moral corporate social responsibility informed courage and patience. Wisdom of the regeneration” in our country. Not only by the social teachings of the Church. Heart of Jesus, teach us to pray and to do we welcome this; we your pastors We enjoin all Catholic law enforcers act with hope and charity at all times. are encouraged by the fact that this call to form associations among themselves Amen.” has been coming mainly from the laity. that consciously renounce violence, Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy You know that we have sounded this respect basic human rights, and truly on us. call too many times already in the past. work for the preservation of peace and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray Perhaps because this task is expected of social order. We call upon the Catholic for us. us, there has been a tendency to take it laity involved in social communications May Jesus, the Source of Divine for granted that we are also to carry it and the modern mass media to form Mercy, and His mother Mary out by ourselves. One journalist wrote networks among themselves that can accompany us in our work of peace- in a commentary recently, “The task of articulate a genuinely Christian ethics building, and social and moral moral regeneration is too big to entrust in their practice of their profession. regeneration. █ to religious leaders alone.” We couldn’t We urge every Catholic lay person to agree more. give a concrete expression to Christian As your pastors, we exercise spiritual discipleship through responsible and moral leadership as regards our citizenship. communal and ecclesial life in our SOURCE: parishes and dioceses throughout the PRAYER In and Out of Season, Media Office of the Catholic country. But we cannot just extend that In closing, may we ask that we start Bishops Conference leadership into the spheres of politics and praying the following prayer at least of the Philippines governance, in business and economics, every Sunday after communion in all in the sciences and the mass media, Catholic churches and chapels all over etc., without running the risk of being the country from June 2009 to June misconstrued as engaging in power-play 2010:

Be i n g a Se r v a n t t o t h e Ch u r c h 53 CFCFFL DISTRICT OF CALOOCAN

Contributed by Chinka Besinga-Sarmiento WELCOMES OUR LADY OF LA LECHE CFCFFL Pro-Life Ministry

n February 8, 2009, the brought to the Cathedral courtesy of On that special Sunday, the members and leaders the Our Lady of La Leche Movement. eucharistic celebration held in her honor of CFCFFL District of It shows the Virgin Mary breastfeeding was solemnized by His Excellency Bishop OCaloocan joined the parishioners the Infant Jesus – symbolizing a mother’s Deogracias S. Iniguez, Jr., DD and of San Roque Cathedral in untiring commitment to safely deliver con-celebrated by Rev. Fr. Constantino welcoming the image of the the baby in her womb and to nourish D.C. Conti. It was truly a spirit-filled Nuestra Señora de la Leche y Buen her child with love by feeding him with occasion as His Excellency spoke about Parto in their parish. This title milk from her own breast. caring for the well-being of mothers, The devotion to the Our Lady of of the Blessed Mother is directly their children (both living and unborn) La Leche originated in 16th Century translated as ‘Our Lady of Milk and the call to defend life, especially at Spain where it is believed that Our Lady this time when so many elements of and Good Birth’. miraculously saved the life of a dying society are involved in promoting the More commonly known as the mother and her unborn child. For years, culture of death. At the end of the mass, Our Lady of La Leche, the image was the devotees conservatively promoted the good bishop called on mothers and their religious commitment to the image, would-be mothers for a special blessing. moving from Europe to North America Afterwards, he also prayed over married and eventually reaching Catholics in women and couples, yearning for the Asia. On September 9, 2000, the Our blessing of a child. Lady of La Leche Movement was given Members of the Our Lady of La ecclesiastical permission to promote Leche Movement were present, along their devotion in the Archdiocese of with Sr. Pilar Versoza, RGS, Founder Manila. Her feast day is celebrated on of the Pro-Life Movement of the the 11th of October. She is recognized Philippines. The CFCFFL members of as the patroness of all pregnant women the Diocese of Caloocan were also very and couples who desire to be blessed well represented. █ with children. 54 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 RP NFP CONFERENCE Contributed by Xavier Padilla CFCKFL International Coordinator

ebruary 20 and 21 was such delegates in the conference from CFC We can definitely echo this conference an empowering weekend FFL! in different areas! It was eye opening, for CFCFFL. We were It started with an awarding of a empowering and enriching! partF of the organizing committee Posthumous Citation for Mita Pardo The day ended with a Mass celebrated for the Responsible Parenthood de Tavera. It was followed by a talk on by Archbishop Paciano Aniceto. █ and Natural Family Planning “Issues and Chalenges of RP-NFP” by Conference that Friday, and I had Olongapo Councilor JC delos Reyes. NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES It was touching to see how the impact PRO-LIFE PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION, the privilege to attend the Pro- INC. Life Philippines General Assembly his father, being with the Population Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa Saturday. Commission, had made on him, and how growing up with that made JC Tony Kosca CFCFFL, Ang Kapatiran, Ed Sorreta even more Pro-Life. My talk about on WOOMB, JJCICSI and Pro-Life Finda Lacanlalay “Sexuality and Fertility” followed right Esther Magleo Philippines put together the RP NFP after. Before the open forum, Chinka Eric Manalang* National Conference. It was a whole day Xavier Padilla* Sarmiento and two other ladies gave event held at Good Shepherd Convent Manny Amador their own testimonies. Hon. Janet “Babes” Malaya in Cubao. About 320 people packed the The talk on “NFP” by Rally Ganar of Baby Nebrida session hall, and that the airconditioners Sec. Lito Atienza WOOMB came after lunch. He is such gave out. It was a HOT conference Hon. Carissa Coscolluela an engaging speaker, and I came out of Hon. Irwin Tieng literally and spiritually! CFCFFL was that session with renewed understanding Mel Robles all over the place: Chinka Sarmiento was and appreciation of NFP. Michael Velarde the emcee, Des Padilla was the “choir”, Chairperson ...... Tony Kosca The event had workshops for Faculty Gay Javier was in charge of visuals, Pat President ...... Sec. Lito Atienza and Counselors, Parish Workers and Pre- Vice President ...... Ed Sorreta Oconer was the photographer, Joanne Marriage Counselors, and Government Treasurer ...... Finda Lacanlalay Angon was the videographer, Jun Eguico Secretary ...... Xavier Padilla Workers, Organization Leaders, BEC and band was the Mass music ministry, Spiritual Director ...... Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa and Urban / Rural Community Workers. * CFCFFL member and I was a speaker. There were many Be i n g a Se r v a n t t o t h e Ch u r c h 55

We are privileged to serve God and His people, both in and out of CFC-FFL. We serve with the mind and heart of Jesus, who came to serve and not to be served (Mt 20:28). Leaders are to serve with humility, self-sacrifice and submission to the Chief Shepherd, to whom we will render an account (Hb 13:17). He who wishes to be great shall be the least of all (Mt 20:26-27).

xercising E ervant eadershipS L BREAKING GROUND IN CHINA n early March of this year, a small group of couples attended a Marriage Encounter Retreat Iin Taipei conducted by Bob and Reena Murga. The retreat was a resounding success, and gave the attendees a better understanding of the mission and purpose of the CFCFFL. Even before the seminar formally concluded, the attendees were already asking, “What’s next?”. Inspired by the success of the MER, a home-based CLS was conducted over four weeks during the month of April 9 in Tien Mu, Taipei. In addition to the 3 couples who joined the MER, two other couples joined and completed the CLS. These five couples are now part of our second Household group in Taiwan. The CLS has truly touched the lives of our couples. We are overwhelmed and overjoyed by their feedback on how joining the CLS and CFCFFL have strengthened their personal relationship with God, as well as the spiritual development of their other family members. Household meetings are much anticipated, and you can feel the passion and commitment from each individual, clearly evident in their whole-hearted participation in praise and worship. The Holy Spirit has, indeed, touched these couples. We seek the continued prayers from the rest of the CFCFFL community for these couples, that they may continue to move forward in their spiritual journey. █

58 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 Ex e r c i s i n g Se r v a n t Le a d e r s h i p 59 feature BEING PRO-LIFE ocks Contributed by Xavier Padilla CFCKFL International Coordinator Pro-Life Philippines Board Secretary

was a speaker at the Responsible Parenting - Natural Family Planning INational Conference. My talk on Sexuality and Fertility was held in February this year. I know there are much better, much more informed and experienced speakers than me, but it was a great, humbling assignment that I was given. I learned so much preparing for it, giving it, and reflecting on it after. During the Pro-Life Philippines General Assembly, the speaker spoke on change and organizations. He elaborated on the idea how, sometimes, an organization has to go through division and despair in order to realign pasts and from different places, and with itself, and find itself again. If not, diverse opinions and views on things. It the movement might end up being a is good to know that there is one thing monument. Very timely, indeed! that unites all of us - Being Pro-Life, After the talk, I was elected to and focused on Christ! Otherwise, it the Board of Trustees of Pro-Life would be hard for all those people to be Philippines. Eric Manalang, CFCFFL in one room and not end up disagreeing District of Manila was also elected to on something. the board. What an honor! It is true Some people are already questioning when people say that it is an honor just why this person is there, or that person to be considered or nominated, but even had a checkered past or is involved in a bigger honor to actually be elected. I something.... but we all have our secrets. have so many ideas, and I am open to We all have done things that we are not learn so much from the people I am proud of, but it is what we do with our with. present and our future that matters. It is We already had two meetings since the fact that we commit to be Pro-Life then. What a rag-tag group of people today, tomorrow and everyday, as that we were in the board, with different makes us who we are! █ 60 So u n d t h e Tr u m p e t s † Ju n e 2009 World Congresses CFCFFL CFCHFL CFCSvFL COUPLES FOR CHRIST Foundation, Inc. Renewing the Family and Defending LIfe

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