by: Sis. Mardy Rito

Recently, there are a lot of things going on and around the House of Prayer of CSAFMI here in Upper Bicutan, Taguig. First, a prayer walk was held last month while a raging storm was hitting Metro Manila. Armed with umbrellas, jackets, caps and prepared hearts, the workers together with their local pastor, Ptr. Rechel Azupardo braved the winds and the rains. They started their prayer walk from the church down to Purok 1 up to Purok 5 of Upper Bicutan. Amazingly enough, the rain ceased from falling heavily and the wind blew calmly. This change in the weather enabled them to successfully complete their visits, dropping by for a few minutes to every member’s house along the way. Their visit had affected the church attendance the following Sunday for it has encouraged the members to be serious in their commitment to Christ and His ministry.

Second, the Six Spiritual Disciplines were being imposed to the workers. They were encouraged to do the discipline not only for the ministry but rather for their own selves. Reading journals, checklists of the conquering the world, Bible reading and the likes were checked every Saturday during workers meeting. Some found it difficult and hard to comply with everything due to some personal reasons but they were trying their best to cope up with all the requirements.

Third, during our prayer meeting, the updates of the requests that they have prayed for were announced so that they may be encouraged and praise God for answering their prayers. On the other hand, another schedule for conquering the world was arranged, it was due to the conflicting schedules of their prayer time and work. The changed schedule was also carried over to all the church members to make sure that everybody would be able to comply with their committed schedule. Also, another revision was made for CARE-Partner groupings. The first groupings seem stagnant and not functioning, so re-arrangement of partners was made.

Fourth, the mobilization of the youth was started. They were tasked to lead the praise and worship during Sunday Service. Nervous smiles and uneasiness can be sensed the first time they set their feet on the stage but their worshipping heart took away all their inhibitions and with the help of the Spirit that taught them what to do, they were able to usher the congregation unto the throne of God.

And lastly, amidst the hectic schedule of schooling and house chores, the workers including the youth were able to enroll at some subjects offered at CSI (Christ’s Shepherds Institute – the in-house leadership training of CSAFMI). This is part of their equipping, training and preparation for a much greater work that they will have in the future.

Though it seems like a lot of changes are going on, every one is still confident and assured that God is with us through every shift, every turn and every alteration. Everybody is confident that God is bringing out the best in them through these changes.

special thanks to CREATIVEMYK