To God be the Glory: CFC Vancouver Evangelization Rally

To behold is to see or to observe; to watch and look at something that catches our attention. It is to witness and gaze upon that which is presented to us.

To ponder is to think about something very carefully especially before making a decision or arriving at a conclusion. It is to contemplate, think about, reflect on and mull over certain aspects of our lives that need thoughtful and conscientious consideration notably those that would ultimately lead us to a higher sense of being.

The last weekend of January signalled CFC Vancouver's kickoff to this year's thematic battle cry: Behold & Ponder. Inspired by verses in the nineteenth chapter of the Book of John, we are reminded to continue to turn to the Blessed Mother and acknowledge her as our own Mother. To quote the International Council, "She will lead us to Jesus. She will teach us to behold Jesus and ponder His actions in our lives. As God embraces us as His beloved, we shall behold and ponder."

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother. "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:26-26)

Filled with the Spirit, John Navoa, newly installed Surrey 3 Chapter Head rallies the congregation to a volley of praise and worship songs.

Leading the opening worship, John Navoa, reminded the audience that when good things happen to us we tend to take all the credit for the hard work we've done. We forget that our Heavenly Father blesses us with all that we can handle. He reminded us to tame our proud hearts and to remain always grateful.

Brothers and Sisters from the East Cluster, West Cluster and Central Cluster enthusiastically express their acclamation during the opening songs. Also represented were Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD), Singles for Christ (SFC) and Youth for Christ (YFC) from the Family Ministries.

Jimmy Arzadon, Vancouver Area Head, recounts a time when Our Lady of Good Counsel's (OLGC) Don Bosco Youth Centre seemed to be an enormous venue which is now becoming smaller and smaller because of the growing presence of CFC members and its family ministries.

The Couples for Christ as an international Catholic lay ecclesial movement is celebrating its 33rd year anniversary. In Canada, CFC will be marking its 20th year of existence. Numerous accomplishments have been achieved but much remains to be done. One such way of attaining our mission and vision is through evangelization.

In the traditional sense of the word, to 'evangelize' is to preach the Gospel. But we are called to evangelize in varied ways. From preaching like a pastor with his wealth of knowledge in Bible verses to the simplicity of pastoring our own families and being good role models to our neighbours, we are called to grow in holiness. Jimmy Arzadon added that, from building the church of the home to building the church of the poor, we become heroes to our fellowmen by participating in the Shelter and Child Sponsorship Programs of ANCOP.

He announced that CFC Canada is also being asked to lend a helping hand in establishing CFC communities in Australia and China where in the latter, membership has risen from four couples to 4000 individuals.

Noli Arzadon, who heads Western Canada, points out that CFC community in Canada started in Vancouver with 16 couples in attendance.

Noli Arzadon said that places like Poland, Cuba and Bratislava in Slovakia are areas where we will be needed. These are countries where evangelization work has to prosper.

With growth comes the inevitability of challenges. CFC is faced with a seeming lack of leaders willing to guide other couples to a spiritual awakening and rediscovery. He added that if there are no committed members then there would be no committed leaders, although he affirmed that the Catholic Church is likewise besieged with same dilemma.

God works for the good of those who works for His cause, and to give inspiration to the attendees, Jim & Belle Diaz shared that serving the Lord does not equate immunity from unfortunate circumstances. They imparted that life will be an emotional and spiritual roller coaster and that if we remain focused we will eventually see the good side of every trial.

Jim & Belle Diaz, who now co-heads the Surrey 2 Chapter, confide that they once preferred to stay out of the spotlight owing to their reserved demeanor.

Alex Boquiren is flanked by his spouse Grace and children Genevieve, Griselda, Alexis (partly hidden) and Adrian. Grace reveals that it was in the state of darkness that they have seen the light.

We'd suppose that having children would be an obstacle to service. Not so, say spouses Alex & Grace Boquiren, who remarked that having them allows them the opportunity to become the 'Abraham' in the new world. Because of their involvement in the community, their offspring are following in their footsteps, who are very much involved in their own ministry. Such was their resolve that all of the children who were present in the assembly spoke in front of the large crowd gathered before them.

Genevieve, Griselda, Alexis and Adrian each took the center stage with ease, a testament to the success of their upbringing. Completing the brood of seven are Angelo, Anthony and Gail.

Culminating the event were entertaining and creative presentations performed by the Clusters and Family Ministries; all embodied the essence of this year's theme: Behold & Ponder.

East Cluster

West Cluster

Central Cluster

Handmaids Of The Lord (HOLD)

Singles For Christ (SFC)

Youth For Christ (YFC)

Arne Arfieza of Surrey 1, alongside his spouse Myrna, holds out his arms in supplication during the closing worship led by Noel Magtibay from the West Cluster.