Ablaze

a·blaze  [uh-bleyz]

1.  burning; on fire: They set the logs ablaze.

2.  gleaming with bright lights, bold colors, etc.

3.  excited; eager; zealous; ardent.

Truly the fire of God's love continuously burned last Friday, 23 November 2012, as the Couples for Christ United Arab Emirates celebrated its' 20th anniversary.  With the theme Ablaze, the whole CFC-UAE community was on fire - not only because of the heat of the sun :) but really the fire of brotherhood and sisterhood were burning.   

 

 The celebration started with a mass celebrated by the secretary of Bishop Paul Hinder of the vicariate of Arabia, Fr. Gandolf.  After the mass, the top leaders from Manila, gave short messages for the anniversary.  

Fr. Gandolf

What struck me most was when one of the top leaders from Manila said "remain faithful despite the storms shaking the community".  I have had dry moments in almost seven years of service in the community of Couples for Christ - Handmaids of the Lord.  I also had my "doubting Thomas moments"  especially when things in the community are not going the way it was planned.   But then again, i asked myself, "Who do I serve?"  Indeed, Time Spent with God..is Time well Invested!

Sis Nina and Roquel Ponti

Sis Nini and Melo Villaroman

  After the mass in St. Mary's Church, Al Ain, U.A.E.  All the brethren wen to U.A.E. University in Al Ain.  This is about 10-minute drive from the church.  There were presentations from different family ministries of CFC, parade, relays, photo booths, flea market, food stalls and games.

CFC Handmaids of The Lord Dubai dancers

Despite the strong heat of the sun, we all enjoyed feeling the warmth of God's love during this event.

Happy 20th Anniversary CFC United Arab Emirates.