On March 7, 2010, one hundred and ninety-eight leaders of CFC and its Family Ministries in Timor Leste gathered at the Pope John Paul II Formation Center for a day of worship, fellowship, and inspiration. Everyone was excited to experience the fullness of life in Christ, and what better way to kick off the day than experiencing Christ in the Eucharist.
After the Celebration of the Holy Mass, participants were hyped up to give their all to God during the Conference by CFC Timor Leste Mission Director, Anthony Rodriguez, and the ever-energetic YFC and SFC dancers, who taught everyone CFC Timor’s own Tetun version of the “Fullness in Christ” chant.
This conference was a significant milestone for CFC Timor, because it was the first ever spearheaded by CFC Timor’s homegrown local fulltime workers, Francisco da Costa (CFC), Aleixo do Rosario Pereira (SFC) and Joaquina Da Costa Sarmento Barreto (SFC). (The latter two are currently in Manila undergoing training).
(Left to Right: Francisco [Oops! Forgot to look at the camera & smile!], Joaquina, Karen, Tina, Anthony with Rysse, Aleixo)
Before partaking of a simple but filling lunch, everyone was able to witness presentations from the various Family Ministries, each promoting their respective conferences for 2010. The participants also had a chance to play some lively and funny games, which enhanced the feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood among all.
After lunch, the Conference proper started with a look at CFC Timor’s significant milestones for 2009, given by Francisco or Maun Chico (Brother Chico) as he is fondly called by his co-fulltime workers. Chico exhorted everyone to look at the blessings that God had bestowed upon CFC for the previous year, more than the negative things like some members becoming inactive, etc. He encouraged everyone to show support for one another and rejoice at the works God has done in and through CFC. The session ended with a powerful and tear-filled (for many!) time for healing, thanksgiving and encouragement among all participants.
CFC Director Anthony gave the second session entitled “Fullness of Life in Christ” and set the directions for CFC Timor for 2010. He encouraged everyone to recall their basic call, and return to the basics of CFC, mainly our covenant with the Lord, and our mission to evangelize. He emphasized God’s call for CFC Timor to “stand on its own” and introduced the new structure i.e. the setting up of a Governance Team by mid-April, the gradual withdrawal of all foreign missionaries and the transition to local governance.
The session ended with an empowerment prayer as the participants grouped themselves according to area and affirmed one another with these phrases: Hau mak responsavel ba ita. Kaben na’in ba Kristu nia futuru mak ita nia responsabilidade (I am responsible for you. CFC’s future is our responsibility).
The signature praisefest after the session proved a fitting end to a powerful, inspiring and empowering day. Challenging but exciting times are ahead for CFC Timor as the transition to local governance begins, but with the prayers of our worldwide family, we’re confident that God will enable His people to experience the fullness of life, love and peace in Him!
(Anthony and Tina Rodriguez, CFC Missionaries to Timor Leste)
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