Post-Conference

CFC-SFC USA/Canada Conference 2013
"WITNESS"
August 9 - 11, 2013

650 single men and women from all over the United States and Canada gathered for the CFC Singles for Christ North American Conference last August 9-11, 2013 at The Westin Las Vegas Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada. The first in many years that there was a joint SFC
Conference for the US and Canada.

32 delegates from SFC SoCal West (Los Angeles) Chapter actively participated in the said Conference.
The weekend conference entitled "WITNESS" taken from John 2:5 "Do whatever He tells you"; an excerpt from the first miracle of Jesus of
the Wedding at Cana. It was a victorious event packed with nourishing talks, lively worships, enriching workshops and fun fellowship. A
gathering of men and women seeking for spiritual nourishment, personal affirmations and purpose from God.

Friday; first day was kicked off with a blast and with a slightly new way of treating a talk or session which was an all powerful Praise Concert
session entitled "The Invitation" given by Mike Serapio, CFC Fulltime Pastoral Worker. The second day was jam packed with empowering
activities with four different workshops, competitions and the Masquerade Ball in the evening where in everyone dressed up gorgeously with
fantastic costumes and masks.

The conference was highlighted by the life changing and spirit-filled sessions during Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Session 2 entitled
"Empty" given by John Acosta - SFC National Coordinator of Canada; which taught everyone of their nothingness apart from God, and that being empty allows us to be filled by God. Session 3 entitled "Transformation" given by Chris Metzger - SFC USA National Core member; lead us to know of God's transforming love in our lives. Session 4 entitled "Witness" given by Shok Ariola - CFC Evangelization and Missions Head; sent us off to be effective witnesses to the world. The testimonial sharers became the tipping point of the sessions which really inspired everyone to declare and testifyto the greatness of God in our lives as well.

The weekend was capped off by a strong and compelling praise fest led by Gelo Saludo, SFC Fulltime Pastoral Worker of Canada who truly rallied
everyone to not just be a witness to God's love in our lives but to be a witness for God to others. This what makes us a single man and woman for Christ, to share that overwhelming love of God to others where ever and how ever may that be. And that is how it is to be a WITNESS.

“Do whatever He tells you.”

Last year, I thought I was attending my very last SFC conference. It’s not because I was going to get married but because I felt that the weekend was so good, I wanted to end my conference experience with that memory. Quit while you’re on top, right?

Recently, I was in Chicago grieving over the loss of my cousin when my Viber kept ringing “Are you going to conference? You need to register by this weekend.” I really didn’t want to think about or deal with it, but I knew the ACC’s were doing their job, so I had to figure out how to respond. I started to get tally of who in my Unit would be going because I would go to support them. I had no intention of going for myself. However, given that part of the theme was “Obey”, I’ll admit that a little bit of guilt crept in and forced my hand at registering anyway. Do whatever He tells you. “I’m going” is how I replied to the group…but with much apathy.

Conference season is usually the most exciting time for me: preparing for all the competitions, learning the new songs, and getting excited for reunions with friends from other areas. Maybe it was due to everything else that was going on at the moment, but all this excitement was lost this year. Not until the Friday before conference was when I started to become a bit excited. It started with the fact that I couldn’t drive my car to Vegas anymore because my tires were close to bald. I had to get them changed before leaving, but doing so would cost me more than I had. (I got excited because of that?? Just wait!) I tried to play different scenarios in my head on how my group would get to conference, but at the end I thought it would just be best for me not to go anymore and help find a ride for the other passengers. I went to an SFC Teaching that night with a heavy, heavy heart. I knew God provided, but….I had a BUT. BUT, how was this going to happen?? I approached my ACC’s in hopes for a solution, only to find out they were having car troubles as well (even worse than mine). However, I saw something in their eyes that was lacking in mine – trust in the Lord. I saw hope for provision. I only carried doubt in mine. That point forward, I knew God had something amazing planned for conference (duh). So I took this tiny cross and bore it. By the end of that night, all of us figured out how we would get to Vegas and managed to make it a great and happy evening. The rest of the week consisted of getting sick and dealing with aches and pains, but suffering without offering is a waste. God allowed this to happen to me so I could lift it up and pray for each and every person attending the conference. I prayed that God’s message would rein in their hearts, and they would experience the same LOVE of God that I was experiencing as well (if not more). Were all the headaches (physical and metaphorical) worth it? Well, as you will read in the sharings of my other brothers and sisters, I hope it’s an evident YES.
OBEY. WITNESS. BE LOVED.

I am Maricris, and I am a witness.

As one of the area conference coordinators (ACC) from SoCal, we've been preparing for the day of the North America SFC Conference for months. My experience of being a part of this event was very memorable indeed. I've been part of the other conferences in the past but with this one, it felt personal. Originally, I thought being an ACC would just be marketing the conference and emailing and reminding everyone, but the amount of work to be done in preparation was something that I wasn’t expecting.

It was God’s way of pushing me outside of my comfort zone. I am really glad to have met a lot of good people and with the help of my fellow brothers and sisters that I can fully experience God through pain and happiness. Yes, there were a lot of stressful moments preparing and organizing for the pre-con, for the other Conference related events, but with the help of everyone, we were able to complete the necessary tasks on time.

The Conference talks this year was so far the best, it keeps getting better every year. The sharing was so touching that I looked at myself and realized that these events are real and that I am so blessed to have witnessed it and that it has changed the way I think and live for the betterment of everyone.

I am Mike, and I am a witness.

Obey and Witness

It's my first SFC conference here in the US. A weekend full of fun, friendship and faith. As I listened to the talks and sharings, I can't help but miss/long for my friends and

family/community back home in the Philippines. But at the same time, God allowed me to enjoy the moment with new friends and new family here. I still stand in awe of the Lord like

the first time, seeing the assembly of singles raising their hands, praising and worshipping the Lord and the best thing about that is its in Vegas. Vegas might be considered the sin City but it didn't hinder us from experiencing Christ. O well, God never fails to amaze us and nothing is impossible. It's also a reminder that the mission continues. To obey and witness is an everyday challenge. Its not that easy but we can always try. I'm a sinner. I fail and I commit sin every single day. But everyday is also an opportunity to make things new and to respond to God's call of witnessing and representing Christ in my life.

I am Queency, and I am a witness.

I felt excited and apprehensive to come to conference since it's been a while since I attended anything in the CFC community. Once there though, It felt really good and I enjoyed myself. Until the talk that struck me the most--"Empty". Either you were or not. After that, the rest of the conference was meaningful but I felt shaken inside. I realized that I am empty.

Leaving the conference, I felt deeply saddened and unsure what just happened. After thinking it through, I couldn't let myself sink deeper. I know I'm better than that. After all, it was just a feeling. A feeling can change in a heartbeat. I state of attitude is a decision. So I thought about what God wants for us--for me. I knew there was something missing--a vocation? a purpose? All I do know right now is that I have motivation to fill this emptiness inside. I do miss serving the community like I did years ago; the happiest times of my life.

I would like to serve the community much more and really dive into learning more about Catholicism through self-study. In that way, I can enrich my knowledge in out faith and live a better life, all the while continuing to ask God to fill me with His purpose, and His purpose only.

I am Janzel, and I am a witness.

I was reluctant to go to the conference because of wedding planning, financial concerns and I have to prepare for a job interview. I was tapped to serve with the socal music ministry for friday night conference and , that too, I wasn't sure. I was sharing this with my bro in our HH who was also tapped to serve and he shared about how its going to be hard with his schedule but since its all for the Lord, he will serve.

I was inspired and reminded big time that its all about serving God. After that, I finally committed to go. All the hardships leading to conference felt nothing because God was always along the way and filled our spirits full over the weekend. To be with my fiancee, seeing old friends, meeting new friends, listening to Powerful speakers and sharers of their testimony about God, simply amazing!

I thank my Ablaze Household for inspiring and encouraging me because they are on-fire! REPRESENT! Also a SHOUT-OUT THANK YOU for all those who served in the conference and all the speakers and sharers!
God is truly great that He rendered my worries void, He just blessed me on how it is to obey and witness. Hallelujah! I'm getting married next year and I was able to get an offer for the new job. Thank you Lord! Amen

I am Ian, and I am a witness.

Upon arriving to the Westin Lake Resort and Spa, on August 9th of the year 2013, I knew that this weekend will be a life changing moment. When I entered the resort, I felt so relieved and I knew that God really wanted me to be here.

This is actually my first Conference and I know I will have the best time of my life. When I saw my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I know that everything will go well. Although I didn't meet anyone specifically, I did meet new exciting brothers and sisters and being part of this experience was most important. I particularly love it when I received so many hugs including smiles from them.

That night, I’d never ever cried so much in my entire life and it’s also my number one favorite moment. During the song “Heaven”, it really struck me and I had never felt the Lord’s presence so strong in my life since the day of my birthday last March. I particularly love it when they shared an audio from Sky Angel, a family safe broadcasting service. 13-Years-Old, Logan, talked about his experience with our Lord. It really moved me. The song that was played after happens to be my number one slow song called “Heaven”. Second favorite moment was the night of the masquerade ball because I shared a talent I have to my fellow brothers and sisters.

Overall, just to keep the story short, I love every minute during the conference: the praise, the worship, the mass, the workshop and especially being around people who have the same belief as me. If you know me, I won’t stop. I’m also very emotional, but in a good and peaceful way.

I am Michael Ian, and I am a witness.

Scene: August 9, 2013.
First day of conference,
first event - Maronite Mass.
Entrance procession.

I shake my head as I couldn't believe that I would hear God's affirmation this early in the Conference of what I'm called to do, what I'm called to be.
You know the song Shine Jesus Shine? So yeah, that was the entrance song, and when we got to this part:

As we gaze on Your kingly brightness, So our faces display Your likeness;
Ever changing from glory to glory, Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story;
Shine on me shine on me...

the theme has never been so real and so loud (Witness!) in my head...

Quick flashback: April 8, 2013, Chapter teaching at CTK.
I said yes after being asked if I could be the Area Conference Coordinator (ACC) for West chapter. I did not know then what I got myself into; I had no reason to say no though, because when God says go, i just go. And so since that night, 4 months ago, my life has never been the same.
"Do WHATEVER He tells you."
CLP. DGL. Family Day. Friendships formed. Insane workload. Moving. Household fortified. PreConference. Fundraisers. Personal longings. Impatience. Workplace issues. Multi-tasking skillz enhanced. Bonds strengthened. Humbled. Loving people. Late night meetings. Being nice. Viber. Skype. Blessings.

Fast forward back to the Maronite mass:
All this time!?! All these things I experienced! God ensured that these all happened, because it was through all these I inadvertently became a witness.
But Lord, why me? I'm still such a work in progress.
God said, but it has never been about you, it's always been about Me...shining through you.

God wanted my life to tell HIS story. (mind blown!)

And what an honor that would be. So I resolve to keep obeying.

I am Gaile, and I am a witness.

The Conference was indeed memorable and life changing. With all these personal testimonies, these surely would not just be a "conference feel". This is just the start of the "turning water into wine" experience of everyone which all the people around them should need to hear, see, feel and experience. Let everyone around us witness the very miracle that there is in us, and that is the greatness of God in us.

We are Singles for Christ, and we are witnesses.

for lyrics, chords, video, audio of new conference songs, click here

Be a Witness, submit your Conference Sharing!