by: Sis. Jane Rito

Pastor Resty and Sis. Jane Rito went to UK during the early months of their marriage. Now, they are blessed with a son named Tsidkenu, a Hebrew word that means “The Lord our righteousness”. Living in a foreign land is not easy. Sharing God’s Word not using the native tongue and establishing the ministry in an unfamiliar territory is much more difficult. But no hardships and no obstacles can hinder this couple in building a CSAFMI Community in that part of Europe and once again God’s faithfulness was proven by CSAFMI as they celebrate their 2nd year last Aug 03.

The Worship service was held at Lake Land Fellowship Church at Old Henry Street Sligo Road Inniskillen around 2:30 in the afternoon. Sis. Jane Rito led the praise and worship together with Sis. Lou Monsanto, who played the organ. Pastor Resty Rito, who delivered God’s Word for that special occasion, also led the group in a momentous Lord’s Supper experience. Young workers, Jeb and Areej, distributed the elements for the breaking of the bread. Jeb also recited the whole chapter 91 of Psalms. After a great encounter with God in the service, everybody also had a great time fellowshipping with each other after the service through a sumptuous dinner at Pastor Resty’s house prepared by Sis. Jane Rito.

We thank Pastor Allan Mooney, the head pastor of Lakeland Fellowship, for always giving our team in UK a hand regarding facilities and building accommodations. Let us all join our hands and our hearts in praying for Pastor Resty, Sis. Jane and Tsid as they conquer UK for God.

by: Connie Rito

The deeper the roots of a tree the stronger and firmer it is. This will support the entire body of the tree so that it will not be shaken and broken by the storm and strong winds. This also determines how strong and how long the tree will stand still. In the same way, in our lives as Christians, passing through several trials and persecutions as we walk and serve the Lord is unavoidable. Our trust and faith in God determine our dependence to the One who has created and has given us strength.

Here in CSAFMI, we are undergoing several spiritual disciplines so that our spiritual roots would grow deeper. The discipline includes reading and meditating the word of God everyday, constant communication with the Lord through prayer, regular personal encounter with the Lord every morning around four to six o’clock, attending bible studies and prayer meetings. All these things help us to be firm and stand still in the midst of trials and persecutions. It is not easy to comply with these disciplines but we know that if we will do our best to be faithful and true to what we are doing, we will not be affected by whatever situation that besets our lives.

These disciplines will mold us and shape us to what the Lord wants us to be. The early Christians were not shaken even if their lives were in danger. They kept holding on in their faith because they know that God would never leave them and He would give them enough strength to pass all those trials that they were facing. We should always cling to the discipline so that we will grow and stand still because of the power that God will give us.

Bad situations, persecutions, trials, family problems were some of the things that the enemy tries to set in front of us just to weaken our faith. One of the members in Marikina experienced persecution by her own family but she continued in serving the Lord and holding on to the promises of God. This experience helped her to be more eager to serve God and be thankful to Him in all circumstances. It’s true that the enemy uses people that are close to us to destroy our relationship with God so that we will not continue to serve Him. However, if we are rooted to the word of God and are following the disciplines, there will be no room to entertain Satan’s tactics.

We can stand still, serve Him with all our hearts, and have confidence if we submit completely to our Master. Because we give to Him our best, God will extend His hands to accept and support us if we are obedient and willing to sacrifice our comfort zone just to please Him in every aspect of our lives. I believe that God will surely remember us if we truly depend on Him.

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