Manus Dei

Growing up, I have learned two things in life;  God will never fail you and God will always provide . Today, brothers and sisters, let me share to you the word of God from Jeremiah 29:11-13, “For I know my plans for you are, plans to save and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and to give you hope.” Yahweh says, “When you call on me, I will listen. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” My brothers and sisters, I am one of the many people that has experienced God’s plans and love (I just had to trust His timing). I am Tarra Cecilla Tan and I’m very proud to say that I grew up in a poor family. My parents, Emmanuel Tan and Maridel Tan, are both government employees. I’ve seen how they’ve worked all their lives just to provide us with food in our table, clothes to wear and give us an education. My father, who became an orphan at the age of nine, is a self-made man. When his parents died because of a shipwreck, his dream of becom...

Just by being alive and experiencing God’s amazing creations are a few of the many living manifestations of God’s astonishing goodness and grace that I am so blessed to come across in this lifetime. But just like other human beings, I myself have experienced the different seasons of life: seasons of harvest and abundance, as well as seasons of drought and pruning. Getting to where I am right now has never been an easy path, but I thank the Lord that despite the rocky and rough roads, He continuously pushed me forward to become what He created me to be . God’s goodness has always been overflowing in my life, then and now. Last 2013, I took a leap of faith and decided to tread the sands of UAE in the hopes of a better future and with the aim of providing for my family. God gave me a well-paying job in a facility in Al Ain, one of the innumerable manifestations of His goodness in my life. I thought that was enough, but the desire to have more consumed my inner being. I disregarded m...

Everyone was so excited on the day that was filled with love and joy. The CFC Kids for Christ celebrated its 25th anniversary as a ministry and all families from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Northern Emirates gathered together for the first ever Kids for Christ National Family Conference. We all Ate together, had Fun together, Prayed together, Grow in Faith together, and Celebrated God’s Gift of Family together in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE last October 12, 2018. The spiritual element was clearly evident in the celebration of the Holy Mass and by praying the Holy Rosary before the conference start. Our lovely and jolly Ate’s and Kuya’s of Kids Praise Dancers from different emirates led the gathering and teaching of a new song entitled “We Will Celebrate”. All the delegates, parents and kids dance and grooved more for the Lord. It was then followed by an opening Kids Praise led by one of our YFC from Abu Dhabi. Next was the Family Praise Parade, th...

It was an exciting and challenging experience this 26th International Conference 2019 to be held in General Santos City, South Cotabato Mindanao because our flight was cancelled that day. Our flight was rerouted to Davao and from there we need to travel by bus going to Gensan for 3.5 hours.  Thank God we reached the land of Magandang Gensan safely. It was a 3-day conference with the theme “ DAYBREAK ”. That weekend was full of surprises and affirmation. Attended by 5,300 Singles for Christ from 24 countries. The ICON started with a celebration of the Holy Mass by Rev. Fr. Ray. He challenged all SFCs to never engage or entertain a dialogue with evil to make the most out of conference. Many have gone through a lot just to get in this conference- cancelled and delayed flights, expensive fares, negotiating leaves at work but it was a definite proof of God’s goodness. Some have fears in their hearts before going to Gensan, but we were in the safest place that time because w...

2017 was not a good year for me, Last April 2017 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 NHL. My first reaction was why me? Of all people, why me? I am getting married! Which I think is a common response to all, questioning God “Bakit ako”? For me, it was very unfair, thinking that I am alone here in AUH and during that time I’m actually on a healthy lifestyle and doing my daily workout routines. It was an ordinary day to day living for me. But everything has changed. I had so much questions to God and I am in so much pain, emotionally. Then I realized, all that I am praying to God is to always keep my parents healthy, instead of them being sick, I am willing to shoulder all the burden. And I’m thankful because my parents are ok. Because I can’t imagine what I will do if they are the ones who are sick. When I started having my series of tests I wanted to keep it to myself  at first and not to involve anyone most especially those people who are really close to me and my family. As if w...

How does it feel to be “increasingly intense”?! Am I worthy of the Lord’s promise? Should I deserve God's relentless love? Will the Lord forgive me despite my imperfections and sins? or will God embrace me for who I am? These questions keeps running in my head and haunting me in the past. Restless nights, tensions and pressure attacks, stressful work environment, pleasing other people, and a series of negativity, depression, or even spiritual dryness are the triggering factors that the other side is working to pull you down. Perhaps our problem lies in our twisted notion that consistency is good and inconsistency is bad. Maybe, somewhere along the way, we bought into the myth that following Christ means being as perfect as He is and that stumbling is a reminder that we are nothing but sinful misfits. Maybe we do not think we deserve God's relentless love. Perhaps we subconsciously compare ourselves to God, feeling how relentlessly He loves us despite our faults and im...

I honestly had second thoughts about attending this year's SFC National Conference... when I saw the first teaser, I began to reflect on what I have learned in the last conference I attended (MERECON) and was troubled to realize that except for the gist of the workshop I joined, I don't remember the essence of the talks and sharings... for days I pondered about my reason and purpose for going and prayed for enlightenment... and just when I was finally leaning towards making the final decision of sitting it out that God sent people to help me decide otherwise... It was a very early morning for us that started with the Holy Mass and from the onset, my question was answered. During the homily the priest said "we are called to spread the word by living it '. It was further reiterated in Tito Noli Manuel's opening remarks saying "you are a blessed to be a blessing to others - go out and tell the world of the goodness of God". Indeed no question will ...

 SFC Abu Dhabi was blessed to have a special teaching with sis Jen Umpad, full time missionary from Manila just days before the 17th SFC UAE National Conference. Brothers and sisters from all four chapters gathered at St. Therese Church at 7:30 pm to listen to this pre-Natcon teaching from our missionaries. Sis Jen started by stating that all who came to the teaching are in different stages of their journey with the Lord, thus all will have different expectations. She asked the state of everyone's heart, ranging from inspired, joyful, grateful, excited, burned out, carrying heavy baggages and curious: all these emotions and more described the state of the journey with the Lord for most of the attendees. Sis Jen likened each SFC member to a jar of clay which is being formed by the Lord, and there are many factors that He uses to form us: our community teachings, household prayer meetings, formations and conferences. He also uses trials and struggles to shape us, painfully if neede...

Growing up, I always hear and read that when one door closes for you, believe that another will open. It’s the same as saying that when you get rejected by an opportunity you really wanted; believe that another one is coming your way. I have no doubt about this and I firmly believe as I experienced this many times. When I first arrived in UAE, I am hopeful that I will get a job related to my profession in the Philippines. Yet after 2 months of searching and application, I found myself working in retail.  I asked God why it happened. This question stayed in my mind for quite some time until I was able to accept that there were really reasons why I am in that situation. As months and years passed by, I learned to love my job and acquired new learning and skills as well. The business was booming and every month we received commissions until one month our salary was delayed for few days. And another month the salary was delayed for a week and so and so forth. Fortunately, our g...

Kailan mo kaya iyan kayang sabihin? Pagkatapos ng lahat ng mga suliranin.. Taimtim na dalangin na iyong minimithi Nagtataka at nalilito kung paano ito nangyari? Sinubukang sundin mga payong paulit ulit Hindi mo namamalayang lumalakas ang kapit Pagdarasal at pagsunod sa Kanyang mga utos Na alam mong ikinalulugdan Nyang lubos Di alintana napansin unting unting dumarating Bagay-bagay, adhikain at mga simpleng hiling Ating mga Pusong natuwa at napatalon sa saya Kaya mo bang ipagsigawang  "ito ay sapat na" Walang maikukumpara sa ligaya nitong hatid Susuungin haharapin at lalagpasan mga balakid Ngayon alam mo kahit nalulumbay at naghihikahos Naniniwala ka na di tayo papabayaan ng ating Diyos

Do you fear speaking in front of many people? do you have that so called “stage fright”? If you’re going to ask me, my answer is definitely "YES!" Yes I do have that fear and I really don’t want to speak in front of many people because when I am required to speak in front of a crowd, my knees, hands and even my voice shake. I also remember experiencing mental blocks. I am also afraid that someone will ask me and I won’t know the answer, that’s why I always have the summary of my reports written in a small piece of paper. Well that was before when I still don’t have the knowledge, wisdom and courage. This training helped me a lot! We all know that most of us have that fear, but do you know what FEAR really means? As our dear Bro. JM Comia told us F.E.A.R. means: FAITH ENTHUSIASM ANTICIPATION RESPECT Let me share some tips that I’ve learned from this training. Before, when I am assigned to report some topics or lessons in class during my high school and college da...

The talk on Christian Character Weekend was held last April 13 2018 in Ruwais. The first talk was about Emotions and Character. I was able to relate to this talk because I used to handle everything by myself. I do not share my feelings and problems to other people. I was afraid that they will gossip and judge me if they knew what I was going through. I acted like nothing is happening with me by just keeping my mind busy on other things and by watching movies and dramas. I struggled at first after joining the community but after I attended the teachings, that’s when I gained courage to sincerely open up and trust people inside and outside the community eventually. I stopped doubting other people and I just entrust everything to God. I do not hide my real feelings anymore and I try to be more expressive to everyone.  Character of Humility is the second talk which is about God who came down to earth not be served but to serve. Our Lord is the perfect model of humility (Philippians...

Love is the real reason for the creation of humanity. But unlike the other creations of God, only man was created in His  likeness and image. Indeed, when God sent His only begotten Son  our Lord Jesus Christ, to assume the physical being of a of man, he was still recognized by the believers as the Son of God. This revelation was through God's grace.  The woman was made especially for man. This makes the woman a very special creation. To most men, it's not easy to understand a woman. She could be mysterious in a different way that is hard to fathom and sometimes beyond comprehension. A woman needs to be revealed in a more distinct manner so as to be given with high respect and admiration specifically from men. They must treat every woman as something very precious and fragile. A woman needs to be pursued not to be abandoned, neglected and desolated. This is what God wants for He Himself designed a woman, destined a woman as the greatest expression of the creation of...

"I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." - Acts 13:47. Christian Life Program, a big word for Singles for Christ community. For some of us, it is the same as we are always doing every year. But for me, every CLP is a new experience, a new chapter, and a new beginning. It is a great and another blessing to our community. Not just a program and a service but indeed, it was and always be a start for our souls to renew our faith and it is an amazing beginning to bring our brothers and sisters to let God work to their lives. I, myself thank God for having this wonderful and amazing activity. Of course, since this is one of the important programs for SFC, hindi pwede na hindi tayo equip. God provides us this kind of training. He knows what we need and He finds ways to provide it. Before our battle begin. It was so refreshing that every aspect of the CLP tackled. God gave us His angles and speakers He equipped which He pr...

"We love because He first loved us" - 1 John 4:19 God's love does not come to us because we have earned it. God had already set his desires upon us even before we are born and drew us to Himself in Christ Jesus. There might be times that He seems silent to the cries of your heart but always remember that His love never fails, we just need to have a little more faith and learn to hold on to His promises because He doesn't just love - HE IS LOVE and this is what will bring us through. *** art work By Sis Jaesa Venturanza

“God is love. He loved you before you were born because He lives in you.” 1 John 4. Truly, God loves us in many forms, in anyways and in all aspects of our lives despite how imperfect we are as an individual. How can we define Love? What is Love? How can we share the love with someone who needs it most? I am very blessed to be part of SFC Community. I would like to take this opportunity in extending and expressing my deepest gratitude to the leaders who inspire me. From my Household, Household heads, Chapter Leaders, and respectful Titos and Titas, for their love and healing embrace. They mold and transformed my life into having a deeper and intimate meaning of how to be an obedient Christian, to be a better version of myself, and be a holy daughter of God that can serve the community in whatever situation and circumstances. To love one another despite imperfections and differences, to see things in a more perspective positive way, to reflect and to be understood. There’s...