CEV Region Christmas Celebration 2021
By: Jireh Bautista
Through the years, Family Christmas has always been the grandest celebration for First Touch Family and the CEV Region Churches. It is remembering the birth of the Savior of the world that brought hope for humanity’s eternal happy-ever-after.
This year had its own version of the celebration because of the typhoon Odette. The power outage rendered us a simple 4-service celebration with acoustic instruments and cardboard fans. Last December 19, a small meeting with the theme Emmanuel reminded the 91 attendees of Jesus’ modest birth. What distinguishes a Christmas celebration from lavish merrymaking is the presence of the body of Christ gathered to worship Him. Indeed, God is always with us, and we thank Him for the successful event. Everyone received door gifts, and 42 needy families received spaghetti and salad kits.
Despite the difficulties caused by the typhoon on December 18, the TeenAgents ministry was nevertheless able to bless the teens. Even though the program had been canceled, Pastor Jay was still able to give the teens a short message of encouragement before handing the food packs. 92 children and teenagers from the city, including FTM and outreach center children and teens, were blessed. In addition, 64 people were blessed from several Connect centers in Consolacion (7), Liloan (10), Naga (18), and Bantayan Island (29).
FTM’s annual tradition of donating to outstation churches continued as well. Baybay had 24 children, Albuera had 170, Balamban had 44 children and 41 families, Tacloban had 60 children, Calbayog had 18 families, Tagbilaran had 60 children, and Balilihan and Cortes had 26 children.
Aside from FTM, the other CEV churches held their own Christmas celebrations, with a total of 588 joyful souls attending.
Even in the Old Testament, Christ’s birth was predicted, and no one could have prevented His arrival, not a shortage of lodging accommodations and not a king’s command. And now it’s time for us to celebrate. A pandemic, or even a hurricane, could not stop it. Hallelujah!
