SFC UAE COMES HOME - a Recollection

June 15, 2008

SFC UAE COMES HOME - a Recollection

With more than seven weeks of preparation, the much-awaited conference kicked off on May 30, 2008. Close to 750 men and women all over UAE (Abu Dhabi, Northern Emirates and Dubai) came Home to Jesus Christ in the Singles for Christ (SFC) 7th National Conference held at Radisson SAS, Dubai.

The 7^th International Leaders’ Conference happened in Clark Pampanga in February 2008 gave direction and theme to the country's conference which was entitled @Home, Singles in God’s Heart.

= love on board @home =

As early as 4am of Friday, service team members, from the host emirate – Dubai, gone to the hotel. Different teams were busy assembling the stage, pulling cables, preparing visual presentations, practicing the songs and skits. But most of all, Tito Harold – the Event Head, did not fail to empower the team as they opened the day with thanksgiving and surrendering the event to God’s hands.

= offering everything to Him =

= at your SERVICE (team) =

Past 9 o’clock in the morning, the conference started with a powerful Opening Worship led by Bro Nato (SFC Al Ain).

Hosted by the energetic Bro Del and vibrant Sis Pia, they taught us the conference chant: “SFC is the Place to be, I am home ‘cause Christ is with me” which broke the ice for many participants.

The first session "Home in God’s love", by Tito Mario Dizo (CFC UAE Council Member and the CFC Family Ministries Head) reminded us that we can seek the love from the source and giver of love – Our big God! That we only need to focus and contemplate on God’s love for us in order to be affirmed that God created us because He wants to love us. If things seem uncertain and unclear, we can be certain with one thing - that God is love. It is His nature to love us and we cannot STOP Him from doing so. Session 1 affirmed us that God has a purpose for our existence. Our birth is not a random occurrence, but a deliberate act planned by God Himself – our life is NOT and will never be a mistake. Our HOME is wherever God resides, wherever we feel God’s love. The session also reminded us how this deep, full and encompassing God’s love is, that is enough to complete whatever is lacking in our lives. All we need to do is turn around from the sin that has taken over us, and we will find the Lord right in front of us, ready to welcome us back home with His most loving embrace.

Second session "Journeying Home", was given by Sis Grace Entereso (Chapter leader and Cluster PFO, SFC Dubai) reminded us that our journey back to God’s arms is not without barriers. It has roadblocks, hindrances, problems and challenges. These barriers may not always be physical objects – these challenges oftentimes lie deep within our very being. Now that we KNOW that God’s LOVE is our HOME… its time to journey back to HIM. The session reminded us of the roadblocks that we have or we are experiencing along the way our journey. Past Experiences that caused us to doubt our self-worth like when we receive hurtful words that people say who don’t believe in us. But it is more hurtful, if people we trust and love influenced us to believe that we are not worthy to be loved. Sometimes, we are all guilty of these: trapped of loving ourselves too much or wrong application of love in different relationships we have.

Session 2 reminded us that Jesus is the WAY. He is bigger than any roadblock. We just have to make Him as our compass. If we follow Christ, we will be able to experience the home that we are looking for and we will forever be peace with ourselves because our value now comes from God and not from anyone else. One can only love others if he/she sees himself/herself as loved by God. We can’t expect others to love us if we ourselves cannot find the value of loving one’s self. It reminded us that God loves us because of two things: of who WE are - We are Children of God and because of whom GOD is- God is Love. Through the talk, we were reminded that only God can complete us and we were encouraged to see life and see ourselves the way God sees it.

= sis annie gervacio (1st sharer) =

= bro gilbert teranio (2nd sharer) =

= during the reflection activity ' i am and you are' =

= song dedication while we were having lunch =

Immediately after the lunch break was Session 3 "Home, (Bitter) Sweet, Home" given by Tita Marivic Fuentes (CFC Dubai – Cluster Leader). For some of us, the hardest part is forgiving ourselves. I have read this while browsing the internet that the mistakes we’ve made in the past tried to haunt us, follow us and remind us that we’re no good. The failures of yesterday became our regrets of today; the regrets of today became the discouragement of tomorrow, and before we knew it, the future started to look more and more like the past.

I always believe that forgiveness is a decision not to hold something against another person, despite what they have done to us. Many of us can’t even admit to ourselves that we are still in pain and forget that God’s love can heal us. Indeed, God does not dwell on our faults but actually He sees the best in us. We are all work-in-progress - not yet a finished product. Hate the sin and not the sinner. Love the sinner and saint within. You can hold your head up high knowing that we are work-in-progress and that God is in the process of changing us. We need to seek forgiveness sincerely from God and from anyone we may have offended. The session reminded us to learn from our experiences (of hurting and be hurt) and constantly seek for the Lord’s grace to move forward.

The session asked us to surrender our pain and hurts to the Lord. At this moment, we were asked to close our eyes and listen to the Voice of God. (click here to read)

= tita marivic =

= bro bernard (3rd sharer) =

= 4th sharer =

Last session, "Lead them Home" was given by Bro Vergel Suaybaguio (Household Head and Mission Volunteer, SFC Abu Dhabi). The session opened our eyes to the ease of loving with God’s love, the very purpose of our living our lives on earth and now as we found our Home. As Jesus' disciples, we are challenged to be ordinary, available so God will make us able and obedient. The session helped us realize that home is not a place or a person; it is simply being constantly united with God.

= bro vergel =

The day-long event was concluded by a praise concert led by Kuya Vincent Apil, with tear-jerking, affirming and mighty prayers. Our brothers and sisters raising hands to God and exalting His name really convinced me that God is in our hearts. Everyone was full of emotions and tears flowing endlessly particularly when the song Lift up your Hands was sung.

And He said, "Cast your burdens upon Me those who are heavily laden. Come to Me, all of you who are tired of carrying heavy loads. For the yoke I will give you is easy and My burden is light. Come to Me and I will give you rest."

And I just surrendered to Him everything!

There was also a part wherein we were asked to go around and we took the opportunity to affirm each other that they have a (big) Home in our Hearts.

= kuya vince =

= you have a big home in my heart =

The conference paved the way to many Singles to feel Home and be reconnected with Christ and revive our bond and relationships with the brothers and sisters in the community. After the powerful event, I am so overwhelmed and grateful and found new strength and courage knowing that God will forever embrace and empower me in whatever service I will offer for His glory. The Lord clarified my missions and purposes in the community and in my family. I believe that God will forever take care of my future.

Through NatCon, SFC UAE was reminded on how the community is guiding and shaping us into the people we are now and will be in the future according the God’s plans. It affirmed me on the challenges the Singles are and will be facing until the whole world will feel and be at home in Christ.

Thank you Father for creating and loving me… and for inviting me Home in Your heart.