August 01, 2009, Saturday afternoon at around 2:00 o’clock, with about 111 plus degrees Fahrenheit temperature at the valley of the sun, brothers and sisters came to attend the Couples for Christ – AZ monthly general assembly gathering.
Highly energized by the Holy Spirit, everyone was attentively listening to the message as I conveyed to them the topics of the 15th Year North America Family Conference delivered by the members of our International Council.
Aware of being the lone couple attendee (myself and my wife Babette) from the State of Arizona - Couples for Christ, we found it helpful to bring with us a recorder to be able to take account of the important messages from the talks given, to enable us to echo and share with our brothers and sisters.
This 15th Year North America Family Conference gave us an experience different from the 13 years of our attendance on the past conferences. Aside from the participations of our kids and youth, this brings us back to that day when we first started with Couples for Christ some 23 years ago. The reminiscing even intensified when we unexpectedly came across and met Joe Yamamoto, our new International Executive Director. Joe was our very first Household Head, in his very first household leadership assignment. He and his wife Mila, one of our former leaders from the past, tendered us during the initial six (6) years of our formation in CFC. They both inspired us (Babette and I) in developing enthusiasm in service and the courage to continue moving forward in this community thru the examples of their diligent attitude, commitment and obedience to the call of service. These are the legacies they handed down to us.
Messages delivered by Joe Tale, Rommel Ancheta and Joe Yamamoto were all very truthful and honest, most specially with the guidelines on how to achieve the goal for what our Lord called us to do in our lives as part of the Couples for Christ community. Specifically mentioned by Joe Tale was on how we should once more re-start the next 15 years or so in this community by leaving behind all the excess baggage in our lives, forgetting what was but not forgetting all the lessons learned. Rommel Ancheta emphasized that we need to know, focus and pursue the goal our Lord commissioned us to do. Joe Yamamoto reminded all of on our calling to become real evangelizer and true missionaries. Our way of life should reflect and manifest to be as such, as he quoted “If you want to see Christ in other people, they need to see Christ in you” and for us to know God, to love God, and to serve God, all these can only be done when we embrace God. To achieve the goal for an upward call for holiness, we must strive to live a pure and holy life in accordance with the morality, ethics and culture of God’s teachings and directions.
The presence of the Holy Spirit was truly manifested throughout the weekend, starting from the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, praying over one another. All the testimonies that were shared and delivered were truly a great experience for everyone. The participation of our Kids and Youth for Christ provided this conference with a very lively and vibrant atmosphere.
The Saturday Night Socials - Back to the Future 50’ 60’ 70’ 80’s was so good with all the performances, enjoyment and fun-filled interaction among brothers and sisters from different countries and U.S. states.
The conference gave us the encouragement to look forward to next year’s conference. We would like to personally honor our Chicago brothers and sisters, for their exemplary and selfless efforts in making this recently concluded conference a success. Special thanks to our Brother Ex and Sister Gladys Funtera, who headed the registration and housing & accommodations for all the attendees, together with all the others. May God be praised forever!
Francis & Babette Cruz
Couples for Christ – AZ
Unit Head / Area Leaders
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