I am God’s beloved: Singles for Christ Regional Conference

DAVAO CITY – Last September 13-15, 2013, more than 900 young men and women of South Eastern and South Central Mindanao from provinces as far as Compostella Valley, Kidapawan, Davao del Sur to Cotabato gathered in the CAP Grand Auditorium for the Singles for Christ’s annual Regional Conference.

The first day started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Rev.Fr. Danny Montana. After the Mass and dinner, the participants were welcomed by Alan Baiño, Davao City Family Ministries head and followed by the formal declaration of the conference open by the Events Head and Singles for Christ Davao Provincial Couple Coordinator, Rowen B. Pausta. A night of “Dekada Nobenta” was very much evident that night as the participants wore outfits of that decade’s top fashions while the 90’s hits concert filled the entire auditorium marking the start of the program.

After the fun in flashbacks and reminisces, Bernard Chucky Garcia, Southern Mindanao YFC Coordinator led everybody into a wonderful, spirit-filled Opening Worship. Afterwards, SFC Glen Doel Fernan, SFC Island Coordinator for Mindanao gave the first session, entitled, “Love Never Ending”.

Day 2 of the conference started with an early celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Rev. Fr. Tiburce Barbeault Mouyeke of the Cavanis Brothers.. The Mass was followed immediately followed by an SFC brother from Gensan, Aimiel Agcauili leading the Opening worship for the day.

Various workshops were held simultaneously for the entire morning within different areas within the CAP grounds ad designated areas for the R.A.K.(Randon Acts of Kindness) workshops. SFCs were given option to choose among these workshops:

– Somewhere down the Road (Magallanes/community at the back of CHDC Hospital) – This workshop challenged the the participants on walking unfamiliar paths and welcoming strangers into their lives;

– Way back into Love (Bankerohan Public Market) – Spreading love and kindness in the market place where kindness seems lost in the hustle of rushing people and trade;

– Surf from the Heart (Vista Verde – Magsaysay) – An applied training into being stewards of God’s creations;
– 50 First Dates (Gaisano Mall) – A challenge on building relationships beyond “eyeballs”, “meet-ups” and “hang-outs”;
– Where is the Love (Rizal residential areas) – Finding a home amidst strangers and spreading the warmth of God’s love;
– Moments of Love (CAP Auditorium grounds) – A photography workshop aimed at showcasing God’s great love;
– Shakespeare in Love (CAP Auditorium grounds) – Using the power of the pen to tell the world of His love;
– All the love in the world (CAP Auditorium grounds) – A workshop on marketing, advertising and events planning, and;
– Loving responses (CAP Auditorium grounds) – A workshop for all SFC Chapter heads and Couple Coordinators.
A plenary workshop on Obedience as Discipleship was led by Fr. Noel Nuguid, spiritual director of the CFC Bataan in the afternoon that was attended by everybody. Afterwards, an enlightening message on vocations, entitled, “Living in Faith is everyone’s vocation” was presented by Sr. Rachel T. Darantina, OP.
At the same moment, everyone was invited for individual consultation and confession held at the auditorium balcony supported by priests and sisters from different congregations of Davao City.
After dinner, two powerful sessions were given, Session 2 titled “Beloved” delivered by Iris Joy Suministrado, SFC Philippine Missions Head, and Session 3 titled “Be Loved”, given by SFC Western Mindanao Coordinator, Ritche ‘Bong’ Sagales.
Right after the talk, the participants were led into Prayer Stations activity where everybody had a chance to experience God’s loving grace through their leaders.
Praise fest followed after led by SFC South Central Mindanao Region Head, Darwin Ranario to cap off the day’s activity.
Finally, on the 3rd day of the conference, a Mass was once again celebrated by Rev. Fr. Danny Montana at 7am, followed by Brother Sol Noel, a YFC fulltime worker from Davao Oriental leading the opening worship.
The final session, “Live Love” delivered by SFC International Core Team and PFO head, Adrian Enaje inspires marching orders which ended with the handing over of the cross to each participant by their leaders through honoring.
The entire event was capped off by a lively spirit-filled praisefest that our visitors from Manila affirmed witnessing “Bibo Mindanao!”, led by SFC Eastern Mindanao Coordinator, Milan Punsalan where banners of each chapter in every province were raised declaring God’s beloved rejoicing in our lives.
Truly all the men and women who attended the conference were reminded that God’s presence in our lives should never be doubted, a great weekend announcing “I am God’s beloved!”

RECON 2013 Documentation Team – Chassy Tesoro, Landel Pascua, Cha Sabado, Dallin Escabas, Rhyze Llanos, Cams Antonio, Zai Factolarin, Bebie Olano, Analou Malaza, Audrey Maypa, Shikino Manopaz, Winlove Santiago