CFC-SvFL Servants for Family and Life-What is more powerful than Trusting God?

Yesterday, I had an awesome experience with my brothers in CFC Servants for Family and Life (SvFL).  This took place during our household meeting at Brother Franco Arollado’s place in Pasir Ris. CFC SvFL is one of the family ministries of Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life.  It is a vibrant community of men comprised of: bachelors (single men  40 years old and above); married men who are living apart from their wives and/or children because of work situations (ex. OFWs)  or whose wives are not interested in joining the CFC FFL community; widowers; and separated.In our case, our current membership is comprised of the second category, i.e. married men who are living apart from our family because of our work situation.  Call us “expatriates”, a distinct class of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In CFC FFL, a household meeting has three basic elements:

(1)      Alive and vibrant worship (singing songs of praise and worship, sharing of inspirational words, prayer of thanksgiving and prayer of supplication).

(2)      A participative discussion / sharing.  The discussion topic could be a gospel reading.  The sharing is experiential and as such is life-giving.

(3) Fellowship – we are nourished not only in spirit but also from the food prepared by the household host. Bon appetit!

I believed that getting involved with this community is one of the best things that happened to me here while I am away from my family. Spiritual nourishment and development are part of  the essential keys to overcome homesickness. It is very tough and challenging when you are away from your loved ones.

Another very vital key to personal growth formation for me is openness. I felt the sense of connectedness when communicating with my fellow brothers (even sisters too to some occasions). There are no inhibitions most especially when we share our testimonies about life’s experience. This is so crucial as we learn how to deal with life from each one’s personal struggles and overcoming life’s challenges. I’ve heard about life threatening experiences, financial struggles, problems coping with children, or just mere overcoming of fear. There were so many kinds of close to tragic stories but there is only one denominator that every one of us had experienced during those trying times, and that is holding on to our commitment to trusting in God.

Can you see from our faces how happy we are?

from lower left:Claus Arriola, Jay Nodalo, Franco Arollado, Aldwin Santos top left: Oliver San Juan, Jerome Castaneda, Carlos Cammayo, Arnel Riovaldez and Hector Millet Coria

Please also check out related topic on Sharing God’s Love to Us!