By Brother Ruffy Tagudar
A Christian Life Program (CLP) does not just happen. It often takes team effort. Of course, one person cannot do all these tasks on his own, but there is a certain satisfaction within our brothers and sisters that works together towards a common vision. In June 2019, bro. Allan and sis Amie Balais launched the first CLP in Coffs Harbour, a small coastal city located on the east coast of Australia, halfway between Sydney, NSW and Brisbane, Qld. This CLP graduated five couples. A mere six months after, we asked the Pastoral Care and Support (PCS) Team headed by bro. Noli Robles to help us facilitate these graduates in formation teachings so they can help in future CLPs.
Supported by the Elders and NSW Service Teams – including the former Lim (with Soon, Salcedo and Tagudar units), Bondal and Eli Reyes Chapters – the community worked together to add another regional CFCA in Coffs Harbour. Members, some driving six hours from Sydney, showed remarkable dedication. Ultimately, the success of the CLP rests in trusting God’s plan.
In 2022, the second CLP faced a COVID-induced pause but eventually resumed after months of lockdown. Despite the challenges, four new couples joined the community.
As we started the 3rd CLP, it is vital for the community to realize that building a team requires collective effort. As a CFCA member for many years now, I know that a team leader cannot do it alone – he needs the cooperation of all brothers and sisters. Just as Jesus needed His apostles to accomplish His mission, working with people is essential for success. In gathering trustworthy individuals who share the same passion and eagerness, we can achieve a common goal.
Imagining how the apostles spread the Good News despite their differences, it is clear they felt the intensity of the call to serve and commit to God’s glory. This Spirit should guide our efforts in Coffs Harbour.
On 28 September 2024, we welcomed 11 couples, one returning couple, and three handmaids to our community. This day marked a new beginning for the Coffs Harbour team, who were called to follow and work for Him. To honour this invitation, we must cultivate a regular prayer life, adhere to the commandments and teachings of the church, and live in humility. By deepening our faith and remaining open to the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, we can strive to be better each day, in accordance with God’s will. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of both participants and service teams. Their commitment- whether coming straight from night shifts without sleep or attending in their work uniforms ready to go straight to work after a CLP session – has truly inspired us to serve with even greater zeal.
Despite numerous challenges, including managing 22 kids and dealing with unexpected speaker absences due to health reasons, the Holy Spirit provided the necessary support to fulfill the community’s vision. The result was that there was “MORE THAN ENOUGH” to complete the task. The CFCA Coffs Harbour team’s perseverance and faith have led to remarkable outcomes, echoing Exodus 36:5 – “The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the LORD has commanded us to do.”
Well done to the team for their unwavering dedication!
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