Christmas from the Heart: Reaching People, Touching Lives

December 30, 2010 – The men and women’s ministries of CFFC San Isidro, St. James and Sta. Monica jointly conducted a Christmas gift-giving activity titled “Christmas from the Heart: Reaching People, Touching Lives”. It is a carolling activity but instead of waiting for a peso after the songs, the group will be giving a Christmas package.

The group assembled at the church building and packed at least 30 christmas packages to be given away. The packages contain noodles, canned goods, notebooks, manna packs, rice and used clothes. The women sorted the used clothes for children, young ones and for the older ones. Some members donated a box of noodles, canned goods, cavan of rice and clothes for the purpose.

After the preparation, the group ate together for lunch. The group prayed together and asked God to bless every family that will be reached to proclaim God’s goodness. The first place that was visited was Sta. Monica, Echague, Isabela where one of our daughter churches is found. Different reactions from the visited families were seen. Of the ten families visited, there were four mothers that are pregnant. It was a very touching moment when one of the pregnant mothers cried and sobbed. She really felt God’s presence when she was being prayed by the group. She realized that God loves her so much and she was never been forgotten.

At Gomez, San Isidro, Isabela, a lady ran to her neighbour asking some money to be given to the group. But she was astonished when we said that she will be given instead of us.

In Rizal East, San Isidro, Isabela, four widows were reached out. Two of them were sick during the visit. As we prayed for them and their family members, they cried and embraced us very tightly. They were so thankful that someone remembered them during the Christmas season.

As we ended the day’s activity, we really felt God’s unconditional love and compassion to all people. It’s a great opportunity serving God through giving and telling others about His love and His gift of salvation ready for those who wanted to accept Him. We know from our hearts that as a missions-minded church, we are expecting more to come, because…it’s only the beginning! Happy New Year everyone!

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” - Isaiah 52:7

Posted by: Pastor Alexander F. Ritua, CFFC-San Isidro

CFFC’s 2010 Christmas Celebration

Last December 19, 2010, the Cornerstone Family Fellowship Centers of San Isidro, St. James (Batal, Santiago City) and Sta. Monica (Echague, Isabela) jointly celebrated the Christmas in a very special Sunday service.

Pastor Adonis Manango warmly welcomed all brothers and sisters. The praise and worship was so heart-warming adoring the King of kings and Lord of lords. The hall was filled with awe and laughter during the different department presentations. The children and youth groups presented song numbers. The women’s ministry presented the song ”Give Love on Christmas Day” with a dance number to the tune of “Felis Navidad”. The men’s ministry presented an all-men cast depicting the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ in the manger! The audience were laughing upon knowing that the cast were all men…(including “Mary”)!

the men depicting the "nativity scene"

Sister Vivien Sutherland gave her encouragement. Sister Jenny Morgan also graced the occasion. Sister Mary Ritchie delivered her Christmas message. As a speaker, she enthused the congregation the reasons why God the Father sent Jesus, i.e., love, to change our lives and give hope for everyone. After the message, the children, youth, women, men including the birthday celebrators of December were prayed for by Bro. Rony, Sis. Vivien, Sis. Mary and Sis. Jenny, respectively.

After the service, the congregation shared the Christmas “salo-salo” together for everyone. Each family brought delicious food. After eating, parlour games were introduced as part of the merry-making.

Indeed, the day’s activity reminded everyone about God’s love to all mankind – which Jesus Christ came to save and redeem His people. He is the only reason to celebrate, for without Him, Christmas would be nothing at all.

Posted by: Pastor Alexander F. Ritua, CFFC-San Isidro, Isabela