A Heart All Soft at the YFC ILC '10

(hetan husi www.cfcinternationalmissions.com)

This YFC – International Leaders' Conference was indeed a very special one for me because I was able to feel that my heart was indeed willing to surrender God. All this time, I have always doubted and complained to God. 

Move my heart

I could also say that I decided to become full-time because I wanted to see what God's miracle would be for me. During the time that I complained and argued with God was also the time that I really wanted to surrender myself to God. I would always pray, “Lord, if this is indeed Your will, move my heart, make me understand Your will in my life and also strengthen me to surrender myself to You.”

During this year's YFC ILC, I could really feel that God wanted to throw a big party for His prodigal daughter in front of more than 10,000 people. God proved to me that even if only one is lost among thousands, He will look for the missing one until He finds it.

Love the youth

God seemed to be telling me, “Quina, I want you to love the youth. Don't doubt the path that I have chosen for you, because it is also for this reason that I wanted you to be born into this world.”

This was the time that I felt my heart go all soft and really give in to God. I have been serving for 5 years now but this was the first time I cried until I couldn't catch my breath. I felt that God really used the speakers for talks 2 and 3 to really move my heart. I really repented because all this time, I have never lived a full life in Christ.

Healed doubts

My studies and my family have always made me doubt God's will for my life. I am scared that this path I am now choosing will separate me from my family. All this time, I have been moving forward in doubt, I have been serving in doubt, I have been making decisions in doubt. Now, God has softened and healed my heart of all my doubting.

Now, I choose to live a full life in Christ, on this special path that God has shown me. I feel that God is so much bigger than my doubts. God is so much bigger than my problems and God's desire for me is so much more beautiful than my own desires and better than my life.

By Quina da Costa Sarmento Barreto, Timor Leste
 

CFC Timor Leste Fulltime Pastoral Workers

For the first time in CFC Timor Leste's history, the Lord has blessed us with fulltime workers for CFC and the Family Ministries...
Ba dala primeiru iha istoria KBK Timor Leste nian, Nai mak haraik bensaun mai ita hodi haruka "fulltime worker" sira ba KBK no Apostoladu Familia nian.

Here's a look at these mission-ready servants of God.. as shown on their official CFC TL Mission Office IDs... :)
Haree tok Maromak nia atan sira nebe prontu nafatin ba misaun.. iha sira nia ID Sede Misaun KBK TL nian... :)

Francisco "Chico" da Costa, for CFC... effective November 2009. :)
................................................................. hahu fulan Novembru tinan 2009 :)


Aleixo do Rosario Pereira, for the Family Ministries... effective August 2009. :)
............................................................................................. hahu fulan Agostu tinan 2009 :)


Joaquina Sarmento Da Costa Barreto, for the Family Ministries... effective November 2009. :)
...................................................................................................... hahu fulan Novembru tinan 2009 :)


LET US PRAY FOR THESE MISSIONARIES, THAT THEIR LOVE FOR GOD WILL ALWAYS PUSH THEM FORWARD TO SERVE HIS PEOPLE.

MAI ITA REZA BA MISIONARIU SIRA NE'E, ATU SIRA NIA DOMIN BA MAROMAK SEI HALO SIRA ATU BA OIN NAFATIN HODI SERVI NINIA POVU.

What is Couples for Christ?

For those of you who have no idea what Couples for Christ is about, check out the links below to know more:
(Ba sira nebe seidauk konyese ka hatene Couples for Christ ka Kaben na'in ba Kristu, haree tok link sira iha kraik:)

Couples for Christ Official Website

CFC International Missions Official Website

Jesus Follower Website - read about our own Aleixo do Rosario Pereira! (Lee kona ba ita nia alin rasik, Aleixo do Rosario Pereira!)

CFC Timor Leste experiencing the Fullness of Life in Christ!

4^th CFC Timor Leste Leaders Conference Highlights

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)