CMFE-USA Wishes All Our Supporters a Very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!
Isaiah 40:28, 31
Do you know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 41:13 40:26-31
For I am the Lord, your God who takes hold on your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 40:26
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Lift your eyes to God and no matter what we are facing, we will feel His love and power. The news of the first Christmas initially caused some confusion, worry and anxiety to those who participated (Luke 1:29, Luke 2 8-9). However, everyone, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds felt blessed and at peace when their focus changed, and they looked up to God. We too can feel less confusion and more peace, replacing our fears with confidence, if we look up to God. When our focus changes, our feelings change. We must focus on God’s promises and see God’s bigger plan for our lives.
As Mary refocused from her first reaction of fear, she saw God’s power and His promises. “Nothing, you see, is impossible with God. And Mary said, ‘Yes, I see it all now! I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve! So let it be with me just as you say.’” Luke 1:37-38. She celebrated and all her neighbors and relatives celebrated with her as well.
This Christmas, CMFE celebrates the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. We lift up our eyes up to Him and are overwhelmed with His mercy and love. We are focusing on God’s plan as well as His joy and peace.
CMFE MINISTRIES 2022
CMFE feels humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve. We want to give Him the best we have out of gratitude and love for our Savior. All the different districts gave wonderful reports of the work they do for the Lord. It was moving and challenging to listen to these servants of the Lord. It is wonderful and amazing that the Lord opens His heart and love and calls people from different backgrounds to be His servants.
Council Meeting, Davao City (December 1 to 3)
The council meeting was an enriching and challenging occasion. Pastor Karl Sanchez shared the doctrines from the scripture. The pastors were joyful to hear the message from Word of God and learn more of His teachings. Everyone was encouraged to do the task of spreading the gospel of the Lord Jesus. The Lord has given us His command to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Everyone agreed that the focus of the reports are the ministries and the activities of the churches as they shared the love, grace, and mercy of the Lord to the families, friends, neighbors of their communities.
The pastors also gave their reports and plans for the upcoming year. The districts have big plans to do their part in the great commission and spread the word of God in their communities. They are also planning a pastors and workers meeting on March 8 to 10, 2023, in Kiamba District, Banwang Calvary Church. The theme will be Pastors and Workers of God Standing Firm in the service of our Lord and Savior.
During the break, pastors Eliseo Guimba, Eduardo Digan and Karl Sanchez went to City Hall to work on the need of the pastors to get their license to officiate weddings. They were thankful that they were finally able to get their license. The government has strict rules.
This coming Christmas as we celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior and the outpouring of God’s love, the challenge to us is to continue to be a witness and light to the world around us. We commit to reflect in our lives, the love of God and the scripture so that all may clearly see our witness. We must show the people around us the love of the Lord Jesus. His power, mercy and kindness should be seen in our lives in the way that we live from day to day. This was the message Pastor Karl Sanchez gave as a challenge during the pastors meeting and the worship service at the Manila Calvary Church.
Maguindanao
The pastors came prepared for the meeting. The first one who shared about the ministries of his church was Pastor Oscar Claudio. He came a day early to be able to make it to the meeting. He slept in the bus terminal. He said that for two and a half years they suffered the quarantine in their homes. But now, they are eager to continue to work in the many places in Mindanao that the Lord will take them. There are eight churches in the Maguindanao District. This district is a region with an Islamic majority. The district leadership and churches receive and face threats regularly.
East Maasim
The East Maasim district shared that their tribal band will again travel and minister to all the different churches of the district. They travel mostly by foot in areas that are difficult to reach. But they find joy as they visit other churches of their district this Christmas to celebrate with them.
The Manila Calvary Church
The Lord is blessing the ministry of Manila Calvary Church. The attendance grew and we had to purchase more chairs. The Rotary Club of Manila visited the church to distribute food, water, juices, milk, clothes and more to the delight of the members. The Rotary Club gave generously, and everyone was blessed and had something to take home. Since Manila Calvary Church is known as the church that helps the poor and homeless, other organizations are now hearing about the generosity of church. Two organizations have approached Pastor Karl Sanchez and have offered to help and donate food.
All the pastors and workers of the Mission wish everyone a very Merry and Blessed Christmas. We pray for all of you who share in this ministry and are very grateful for all your help.
Donations Needed
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” -- Matthew 25: 35, 36, 40
YES! I want to support CMFE-USA ministries, help the homeless children, Pastors and Mission workers.
