"I came for YOU"

http://ccf.org.ph/
Note: Not actual. These were taken from the internet.

First of all, I like to share some things that I know about CCF:

1. I thought this was where Gary V goes to fellowship. =)

2. This is where my Tita Marides and cousin Nikki fellowship. The only few people from my clan who are saved plus our dear cousin Isabel who attends VCF in Robs Gale.
3. This is where my home-churchmates, Josh Cafe, Rey Sarraga, Velia San Pedro, and Saree Gonzales are currently attending.

4. And last but not the least, this is where my co-W.I.L.D. core members in IBM fellowship as well.

I attended CCF's sunday service for the first time yesterday (Sept 28). It was quite a BIG experience. CCF is a big church with over 3,000 people attending per service. They have 4 english services and one tagalog service during Sundays. Despite the hugeness of the church everything seemed to fall and flow in an orderly way. The church is very organized which I liked a lot. I try to be as organized as much as I can in all the things I do. So I like it when things are in order, but don't worry because I was trained to be flexible.hehe

The people in CCF are very accommodating and kind. Especially for the first timers. They really make sure to receive everyone who are new. They have a 'Receiving Area' for first timers where they encourage them to talk/befriend a pastor or an elder. They have a specific room where they conduct this. Very evangelistic and strategic! I LOVE IT!=)

So it was my first time to hear Pastor Tanchi teach and I'm happy because he taught like a Berean! =) Coming from an in-depth bible teaching church, I can say that Pastor Tanchi fed me meat. =)

Now, going back to the real deal, so I attended CCF today because my mom asked me to go with her. I had to cancel youth fellowship and felt that my preparation was wasted but I know that nothing was lost because family ministry always comes first over church ministry. As usual my mom was a toughy! She kept on talking to me once in a while during the bible study which was very distracting and frustrating! =) After the study, my newly found Tita Aida immediately sent my mom to the receiving area to talk to a Pastor. I was also given to Kuya Aaron (counselor or an elder, but he was very young though.) It was funny at first, because he didn't assume that I was saved so I saw in him trying to start off looking for common ground. =) So when I finally mentioned that I'm a Christian, we were both glad. I had a ball talking with Kuya Aaron. He shared his testimony and a few things about his family situation. I could relate to him because his parents are neither saved. I told him my situation as well. He shared how blessed and thankful he was for how God little by little saved his cousins and relatives. We prayed for my mom together and I'm really hoping I see Kuya Aaron again. "If not in this life time, I'll definitlely see you in heaven." =)

Finally, even though nothing miraculous happened to my mother I'm thankful that God had planned for her to step in to a Christian church again and for being received and ministered to the utmost opportunity. She said, everyone was kind and very accommodaitng, I agree. She liked the people because they were very understanding with her current state of religion. FYI. My mom easily gets irritated when her religion is being attacked or when "Christians" judge her religion. As Pastor Tanchi said, rebuke and correct BUT in love, amen! So I'm happy because mom said she would love to go back. Thanks a lot to Tita Aida's earnesty and sincerity to reach out to my mom! But above all, I was so blessed when my mom said, "the only reason why I came today is so that I could understand and relate to YOU (her son) better." WoW WoW Wow! Praise God! I wanted to cry! We also met our relatives, Tita Marides and Nikki. They told us to come back and have lunch together next week! =D

Indeed, some things were wasted on my part but at the end of the day I realized that much more was gained. Thank you Jesus! To ALL praying for my mom, GRACI & Dios el Bendigo! Have a fruitful week everyone! Let Jesus' kindness and love reflect through you this week even in the simplest ways. Keep shining for Christ!<><