From late April to early May 2024, the Christian Family Organizations (CFO) officers in various ecclesiastical districts around the world led their fellow Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members in conducting the CFO Day.
“The goal of the Church Administration in launching the CFO Day is to strengthen the bond among family members,” said Brother Pierre Perez, CFO overseer of Los Angeles County Ecclesiastical District.
Present at every designated venue were various activity booths. There were also fun games, refreshments, and musical performances.
America
The Ecclesiastical District of Hawaii-Pacific conducted its CFO Day within the compounds of the Local Congregations of American Samoa, Ewa Beach, Keaau, Lihue, and Wailuku on April 27, 2024. Brethren gathered to the venue nearest to them.
They were even able to bring with them “guests who likewise felt and enjoyed the love of brotherhood evident among the brethren,” said Julene Villar, volunteer worker in the district secretariat from the Local Congregation of Waipahu.
“Many attended. Everybody’s enjoying the bonding moment,” observed Rose Martinez, a guest of the Local Congregation of Ewa Beach, “indeed an awesome day to spend with the beautiful weather and lots of food and entertainment going on.”
Family members in the Ecclesiastical Districts of Ottawa, Los Angeles County, and Northeast California went at Africville Park, Halifax, Canada; Ramona Hall Community Center, Los Angeles; and Sacramento Congregation’s house of worship compound, respectively on May 5, 2024.
The fun-filled booths in Los Angeles County District offered health monitoring, educational handouts, and food kiosks, among others. Its booth for the Christian Brotherhood International (CBI) “made opportunities for us, student members, to meet and interact with one another,” shared Sabrina Rabaya, district CBI officer from the Local Congregation of Eagle Rock.
Asia
On May 1, 2024, many districts in the Philippines simultaneously held the CFO Day, such as the Ecclesiastical Districts of Metro Manila East (MME), Western Samar, and Davao City.
Those in MME held theirs at the Marikina Sports Center; Western Samar at the Northwest Samar State University’s grounds; and Davao City at the gymnasium of the Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc.
Those from the Ecclesiastical District of Misamis Occidental held theirs at the gymnasium of Ozamis City National High School on May 5, the same day when the brethren in Taiwan Ecclesiastical District gathered at Taoyuan City for the same event.
Brethren from the Ecclesiastical District of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur convened at Dao Sports Complex in Pagadian City on May 10. During the occasion, the brethren were taught with new skills, such as Sign Language through the CSD-led seminars. There were also the CBI Literary and Visual Arts Activity, and Human Chess Game.
Europe
The CFO Day in Great Britain District was held in Holiday Inn Wolverhampton - Racecourse, United Kingdom on May 6. Family members gained useful opportunities and experiences getting to know everything about CBI, CSD, and the Christian Employees Association (CEA). There were also live band performances.
“Everyone, from Buklod to KADIWA and Binhi, including the Children’s Worship Service (CWS), Christian Society for the Deaf, among other CFOs, anticipated meeting and being together,” attested Brother Harley Alcantara, supervising minister of Great Britain Ecclesiastical District.
Oceania
In the Ecclesiastical District of New Zealand, the brethren convened in four venues, namely, Templeton Community Centre in Christchurch, Wallacetown Community Centre, Westlake Girls Highschool in Auckland, and 1 Queen Street, Wainuiomata in Lower Hutt for the CFO Day on April 28.
The Trade Fair, which was sponsored by the Buklod organization, supported the small businesses of some brethren. “I’m thankful because in this CFO Day, I’ve been given the chance to introduce my product to my fellow brethren,” Cristy Mascariñas from the Local Congregation of Rotorua expressed.
Other activities that the attendees enjoyed, aside from the interactive booths, were musical performances during Band Together and Songs of Faith, Love, and Hope (SOFLAH) programs.
“What a great opportunity for me and my family to bond together,” said Joselito Padolina, choir member from the Local Congregation of Manukau.
“The brethren united in this activity not only made their bond stronger but also encouraged them to be even more united in all other endeavors of the Church,” attested Brother Arnel del Rosario, resident minister of the Local Congregation of Christchurch East. “Indeed, when we are in unity, the Lord God is truly pleased.” — With reports from INC News Section
