October 2003 | Volume 2 Number 1 | ARCHIVES
Christ the True Foundation Christian Ministry Official Newsletter
Time to read your Heartbeat!
Ladies’ First Inter-fellowship
By Annette Aquino
The Christ the True Foundation Christian Ministry, Inc, (CTFCM, Inc.) conducted the inter-fellowship for Christian Ladies for the first time in six (6) years on September 28, 2003 at the CTF Church, 851-B Dos Castillas, Sampaloc, Manila.
The said inter-fellowship aims to gather and unite the mothers/ladies from among the satellite and affiliated churches, also to give them ample time to know each other, an then later on see them all get encouraged in serving God first over anything in this world.
The affair was attended by women from three (3) different churches namely; CTF Antipolo City- under Ptr. Noel, The God’s Presence Fellowship, Binangonan, Rizal- under Ptr. Edgar and CTF Sampaloc- the Host Chruch under Ptr. Albert Aguino.
Pastor Abet graced the occasion, as he talked on “The Role of Christian Ladies in Today’s Ministry”. He said that women are the prime leaders and apparently have great roles in the success of every ministry. Their gestures of faith will uplift the spiritual outlook of every believer. He further noted that women in the bible did many remarkable things, making them FIRSTS in almost everything, among were: the first evangelist, and first who committed sin. This may sound funny but it is true.
The CTF ladies had their FIRSTS too: one was Sis. Chit who led the Praise and Worship for the first time with Sis.Vilma and Sis. Annette as back-ups.
There were games carefully prepared for all, not everybody did it in the games but at least gave their best to join and enjoy each other’s fellowship and company. Snacks were served right after the games.
It was indeed a breakthrough. Everyone else had their part and contributed to the success of the activity. Let us pray to God to hold the same activity once in every month. To God be the Glory!!!
CTF UPDATES | TRUE WORD | TIN TALKS | HEART OF JOY | DOODLES | DEVOTIONS | FEATURE |
LITERATURE |BIRTHDAY CELEBS | PRAYER FOCUSES
Heartbeat is 1 year old
It's been a year since Heartbeat--the official newsletter of Christ the True Foundation is in circulation within our church. It has gained its readers' support for its purpose and visions. Many have been encouraged to contribute for its growth and expansion, and for its sentiment to reach out more souls.
Heartbeat's prime goal was to be an instrument of the God we serve. Its object is to minister to every people from all walks of life, and deliver to them the Good News by way of writing.
Team is committed to serve your needs and wants, and since we will only know them through your feedback, we would also expect your comments and suggestions, through a letter to the Editor.
Thank you for the support! God bless you brothers and sisters!
CTF Reaches Out Batangas
Our sister Dory Leron welcomed CTF outreach, in her town Tanauan, Batangas. Along with her family, she has wholeheartedly opened up their home for a bible study, which was held in the past two consecutive Saturdays. Included is the visitation by Pastor Abet Aquino, which is scheduled at least once a month for follow-up.
Youth Updates
There has been a number of young people who are joining the CTF Youth Ministry. We are on the journey of the Great Commission. Preaching the Gospel and making disciples of Jesus Christ are the two aims of this Ministry.
One of the upcoming projects this October 2003 is the Youth Games—a sports fest. This is to develop and establish a brotherly and sisterly bond among the members by involving them in a team environment. Youth unbelievers shall also be invited for the purpose of evangelization.
Youth Ministry’s Mission in Action (MIA)
It is the idea of evangelism to penetrate the lives of the people in bringing them to Christ. Let this be a fast effect of our light. Let our light shine with visible hands, such as Social Works. This is one of the objectives of MIA. During October and November, the team shall qualify indigent families that shall receive Noche Buena packages this December. Fortunate individuals who will work in partner with MIA’s objectives will also be shared by the Gospel. They will be given a “spiritual package’ and a pass to a dinner fellowship.
Writer’s Bloc Unveils
Since you requested for it, you got it!
“Heartbeat” is on for slight modifications regarding its content to be more informative and more inspiring. The staff-writers are undergoing some sort of mini-seminar every Saturday, headed by Jennifer Ranches, the said newsletter editor-in-chief. The recent topic discussed was about what and how it takes to be a writer—especially, a Christian writer. Being a writer is not an easy task. It is not write-all-you-can. It needs cleverness, sensitivity to the readers, and sincerity. Nonetheless, it is genuinely fun and exciting. Basically, you could express your “heart-beat” through writing. You could influence people through your printed works.
So what are you waiting for? Be a part of the freshly innovated “Writer’s Bloc”.
Overnights: Holy Spirit-Filled
SEEK TO SEE THE FACE OF GOD. The Holy Spirit-filled and so powerful said prayers by believers during every prayer meeting were so evident. It has been four (4) consecutive months of regular meetings since the church primarily gather to pray and to seek the help of God. The Bible says in Phil 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which far more wonderful than the human minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” It is very enlightening for us children of God as we come to Him as one body and united in prayers and petitions. We can unburden our loads to God and be assured of His mercy and love that as we do our part God will do the rest. He can change our lives for as long as we believe that He is more than ABLE. In Ephesians 3:20 said “Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope” So let us not grow weary in our prayers. KEEP ON PRAYING. 1 Thes 5:17.
By Pastor Albert Aquino
HOW TO GET MORE FROM YOUR BIBLE
What Every Christian Needs to Grow - Part 1
"Like newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby." I Peter 2:2 KJV
TO GET MORE FROM MY BIBLE:
I. I MUST ACCEPT ITS AUTHORITY "We also thank God continually because, when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but actually as it is, the Word of God, which is at work in you who believe." 1 Thess. 2:13 NIV
Unreliable "authorities"
·culture (Exodus 23:2) ·tradition (Mark 7:8) ·reason (Proverbs 16:25) ·personal feelings (Judges 21:25)
"The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well-prepared at every point..." 2 Tim. 3:16-17 LB
II. I MUST ASSIMILATE ITS TRUTHS
1. BY RECEIVING GOD'S WORD "Those on the rock are the ones who receive the Word with joy when they hear it, but they have no roots... Therefore consider carefully how you listen..." Luke 8:13+18 NIV "We must pay more careful attention to what we heard, so that we do not drift away." Hebrews 2:1 NIV
2. BY READING GOD'S WORD "Happy is the one who reads this book." Rev. 1:3 GNB
3. BY REASEARCHING GOD'S WORD "Happy are those who reject the advice of evil men ... instead they find their joy in obeying the Law of the Lord and they study it day and night." Ps. 1:1-2 GNB
4. BY REMEMBERING GOD'S WORD "Remember what Christ taught and let His Word enrich your lives and make you wise..." Col. 3:16 LB "I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Ps. 119:11 NIV 5. BY REFLECTING ON GOD'S WORD "Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." 2 Tim. 2:7 "The Reflection Bridge" (How to apply scripture to life) Joshua 1:8
By Kristine Solomon
FAITH WALK
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
CTF church had just launched another practice that would definitely inspire and motivate every church member. This is to give recognition to every church worker who has been faithfully serving the Lord. The first to be acknowledged was Sis. Levi Hinog. She was given a token last August 3 for the dedication she’s been giving to the ministry entrusted to her in Cavite. In the following month, September 7, the second servant of God to be recognized was Sis. Chit Solomon for the encouragement she’s been imparting to the brethren to unite in prayer. Indeed you know how busy these two people are. From Monday-Friday they work in their different offices. But during those times they never take for granted what God is asking them to do. Don’t you think it’s tiresome? For them, it’s not, because they are doing all this for the glory of God. They know that our Lord Jesus Christ is always there to give the strength and power they need.
Perhaps before you have read this, another servant of God could be receiving his/her own token of recognition. Do you want to know how God moves in the ministry entrusted to him/her and in his/her life? Watch out for the next Heartbeat issue.
By Joy Torren
By Jennifer Ranches
NO MORE REGRETS
Have you ever wished you could go back from the past and change something you had done? In short, have you ever had any regrets in life? I remember, once, I told my youngest sister how much I hate that feeling of regret. I can only see how powerless I am to alter anything in my past. I thought I would rather put blind eyes to those pieces of me. I think one of the hardest and painful truth we will ever encounter or have encountered in life is the fact that we cannot change our past. Similarly, it is hard, for some reasons, to move on if a regrettable past has happened to anybody. The initial cry we would say when we try to contemplate on our past mistakes is endless if only's. If only you have been braver. If only you have been more patient. If only you have been wiser. And the list goes on… So what are we to do now?
I have had my own share of regrets for sometime. For instance, there will be times I would open the day's newspaper and look at all the jobs advertised in the employment section and I can't seem to find which one fit my qualifications. Then I started to think I should have studied this or that, so I can have choices. More choices is, of course, a hopeful sign for getting a job.
Then again, back to my conversation with my sister, I will no longer entertain regrets. I can only have hope for a brighter future. As the old saying goes, no mistakes, only lessons to be learned. But what if the lesson learned was to go back from the point where you started? Sometimes, it asks you to stand up from where you stumbled? Wasn't it just tedious and even embarrassing to start again because of the miscalculations and wrong decisions that we had?
God said we shouldn't dwell in the past. He knew our tendencies to remain locked up in our former lives. He knew we would make mistakes and regret them in the end. But here He comes telling us to forget the former things and tells us to turn our eyes to the new things He is doing. Our hope to become better is not in changing our past and agonizing or crying over it, because we believe in constant love of God who offers far better things never before heard.
I have come to understand that true success is not achieved through our own efforts and resources but by walking in the will of God in our lives. Let's just put it this way: We wouldn't be here if things didn't happen in the past. What matters now is that God found us. Until then, we became wiser and stronger since we rose up and discovered better ways to reach our goals. We need not worry of our future. We don't need to get bumped and bruised to finally realize we are in a wrong path. We have God, so we can have just about everything.
By Coney Ranches
PERSEVERANCE
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18).
Our life right now may contain some trials and sufferings, but this may be a way of shaping us. We all may desire to be rich and successful in our careers or be content that our needs our met everyday. In spite of all this desires, sometimes we fail to have all this things. But God did not leave us orphans; He gave us the Holy Spirit to comfort us in times of failure. But think of this, most of the successful people had many failures before they become what they are. Like Thomas Edison who failed much before he had created a bulb light. But I do not encourage you to make your life full of failures, but rather look at failures as winners do, not losers. Losers don’t try but winners try and try until they succeed. Commit all your ways to the Lord and you will succeed.
Your perseverance is seen by God. He is now preparing a place for us (believers) in Heaven. Heaven is a place where things never perish, spoil or fade. No more tears of pain in your eyes, no more hurts… Can’t wait? Take joy for sooner the glory of the Lord will be revealed!
Children’s Time…
(Sis Rhea Macam shares her invigorating experience in the recently concluded Skills Enhancement Training Seminar for Sunday school teachers for children.)
When the word “children” is heard, what comes to our mind? Normally, we think of kids, innocent little ones, and “mga makukulit”. Teaching children about God is one of the missions of every church. That’s why in CTF a Sunday School Teacher (for children) Enhancement Seminar was held. With this, we can study more about the Christ-inspired ways to deal and treat children during their Sunday school. The first session was held at CTF Dos Castillas, Sampaloc last August 2, 2003. A total of 13 energetic participants from different churches attended. Among them include: CTF Dos Castillas (Henry Ranches, Jesmon Garcia, Giji Solomon, Ginalyn Allana, and me—Rhea Macam), CTF San Mateo, Rizal (Neneth de Guzman), CTF Antipolo City (Ivy Malaque, Angelica Aguilar), God’s Everlasting Covenant Church (Liezel Peralta, Ludritz Peralta, Jeson Bumagat and Lorena Nuñez) and The Presence of Jesus Christ Church (Fe Sarita). The 6-hour seminar was led by Sis Annette Aquino through a series of lectures, and workshops. Refreshments were served afterwards. The session was a lot of fun and truly enjoyable. I felt like a kid again. I thought that, in God we can enjoy life.
A rehash of the seminar took place last September 6, 2003 at Cogeo Day Care Center in Antipolo City. In this session, we demonstrated what we have come up from the workshop. We pretended as if we were kids when we presented our works like a mock-up discussion during children’s Sunday school. Inspired by the Spirit, we were able to bare our creativity and diligence. To see children grow up in the knowledge of Christ is very fulfilling in every teacher’s life. After all the fun and enjoyment, and learning that we gain, we were given certificates. Joy glowed in our faces upon receiving them.
Teaching children about God, about the life of Jesus Christ our Savior we need patience, creativity, knowledge, wisdom, and power; and all this come from only one big source—our Almighty God. As for myself, a teacher, I need to be a good model to the children, too. Truly, serving God wholeheartedly brings fulfillment to our lives.
POEM by Jessica Ranches
"PLEAD"
Lord, where will I go If not in your presence Where will I live If not in your arms
What shall I be If not your servant What shall I give If not this life
As I plead, “use me” Let these eyes see your glory And, may the wholeness of this life Be pleasant at your sight
4 – Michael Arana
13 – Dominador Ranches
14 – Rona Santiago
15 – Ginalyn Allana
17 – Marilyn Habitan
19 – Tirso Caasi
25 – Melchor Arellano
World Scare of Terrorism; Our Philippine Nation; Unity of the Filipino Church; CTF Ministries; Church-building fund of 16M; Our Pastors and their families; CTF Family/Members