CFC Vancouver Leaders' Assembly

Annually, heads of various areas of governance across Vancouver come together at the Leaders' Assembly to broaden their understanding of CFC's theme which for this year is "Behold & Ponder." It is an opportunity to build relationships and increase engagement between other leaders within the sector and its family ministries. It is also an avenue to hear inspiring stories of encouragement and fortitude.

This year, the gathering was held February 8 at the Auditorium of Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC) in Surrey where approximately 200 leaders converged. 

Owing to a favourable turn out in attendance, Jimmy Arzadon, Vancouver Head, commends the audience.

Rene Perez, who heads the family ministries, announced that the responsibilities of leaders are: to know God; to love God; and to serve God.

Rene Perez rouses the audience during the opening worship.

Brenda Navoa, flanked by Grace Boquiren, appears animated and effervescent while singing praise and worship songs.

Leader servants participate in praise songs.

Starting with the annunciation, Mother Mary pondered on the events that took place during her lifetime and her response was to believe, to love, and to hope. Following her example, we should "ask ourselves why these things are happening to us," suggested Jojie Catibog. 

Minimalism is the enemy of excellence and the father of mediocrity, according to Jojie Catibog who serves with the National PFO Group.

He cited some common prevailing responses for the seeming lack of leaders in the community:

1. Individualism - best explained when we ask the question: "What's in it for me?"
2. Hedonism - best explained when we declare: "If it feels good, then I'll do it."
3. Minimalism - best explained when we inquire: "What's the least amount I can do?"

To countercheck these challenges, he suggested allotting prayer time by initially starting with one minute; allotting Bible study time by initially starting with one page; allotting a portion of our time, talent, treasure and patience initially by one percent (1%). Taking one small step at a time by starting with one gesture of service per week in the community and the Church, would ultimately increase our spirituality. 

Leading the afternoon worship was Mark Bawagan, Tri-Cities Chapter Head, who encouraged the listeners to remain faithful to the Lord.

In one of Cesar Rodas' travel to the Philippines, he was moved at the resolve of a tricycle driver who openly revealed that he was a unit head of a local CFC chapter. When he reached his intended destination, he was equally amazed when he found out the resort owner is a household leader under the wing of the unit head he met earlier. This goes to say that the Lord will use everyone for His purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit just like Jesus' disciples who were not theologians but were "remarkably unremarkable."

Cesar Rodas, a full time pastoral worker negates the notion that stepping down is the answer when a leader is unsuccessful at attaining a desired position.

"Mary represents us," Cesar Rodas asserted.  "God also calls us.  There are some of us who unlike Mary, do not want to heed God's call. Some feel completely unqualified to do God's will. Nevertheless, when God calls, He knows what He is doing."

It is the fear of the unknown that prevents us from saying "yes" to his plans. And it is for the same reason we should be committing our "yes" to the Lord. Fear prevents us from saying "yes."

Brenda Navoa lovingly looks at his spouse John, recalling the moment she said "yes" to him which she equates as the same commitment in answering God's call, while John Navoa recounts the challenges and contentment in accepting the huge responsibility of handling a chapter.

Aside from deepening our personal relationship with God and our brethren, CFC's strategic priorities for 2014-2016, according to Cesar Rodas, is also to increase the presence of CFC and the Family Ministries in all parishes. In addition, all BCOP (Building the Church of the Poor) programs like the CSP (Child Sponsorship Program) & Cornerstone are to be supported as fullness of the work.

The Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) have the appearance of always being favoured and blessed. Deservedly so, because they have worked hard on every endeavour they train their sights to.  The HOLD has been successful at evangelization work due to the timely dissemination of information. They are "bold" in inviting candidates to the Christian Life Program (CLP) and they see to it that everyone from facilitators to the service team, from speakers to the participants are all prayed over.

Gina Garcia, Handmaids of the Lord from Surrey boasts an average of 80 graduates per year.

Teejay & Katya Juanima of Surrey 1 reminisce the immense obstacles they had to go through before being successful at putting up fund raising projects for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Their efforts meant a lot to them especially to Teejay who hails from Ormoc, Leyte.

Cesar Rodas also stressed the importance of taking care our young couples. Aside from the potential of being groomed as the next set of leaders, they revolve themselves in a greater social circle and thus have the ability to lead more people towards God. These young couples also speak the language very fluently.

Newly installed heads and leaders who have stepped up to a higher calling are prayed over by the congregation.

Attendees share in the expression of exuberance during the closing worship led by Alex Boquiren of the Music Ministry.