GOOSE CREEK—Couples for Christ-SC held two recent Christian Life Programs in the Upstate and the Lowcountry.
Adorno Father Jason Caganap, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Goose Creek, was so impressed by the Christian Life Program held at his church in March and April that he asked to replicate it for the Hispanic parishioners, according to a press release.
On June 28-29, the very first Hispanic Christian Life Program in the state was held at Immaculate Conception.
During the two days, children’s activities were held at the All Ministries Center, with outdoor and indoor fun coupled with teachings about the faith.
Brothers Luis Paez and David Sanchez served at the main venue and conducted six talks on the first day.
One of the most powerful sessions occurred on June 29 during “Receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit,” when the presence of the Holy Spirit was felt across all four corners of the venue, according to participants.
With the help of Brothers Luis and David, the service team dedicated 11 couples to Couples for Christ (Parejas Para Cristo), nine individuals to Servants of the Lord, 20 women to Handmaids of the Lord, and 41 children to Kids for Christ (Niños Para Cristo). Four household groups were formed to start their spiritual journey.
Simultaneously, 14 youth were dedicated at the Youth Camp held at Prince of Peace Church in Taylors.
The weekend for Couples for Christ-SC was like Noah’s ark: filled with a diverse group of people from Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua and Spain. Both singles and couples attended, plus children ranging from 6 months to 14 years.
While most people were watching the World Cup, these folks chose to participate in the Christian Life Program. They came with one purpose — to know and learn more of the one true God, the release stated.
The joy of the children who attended was visible. When asked about their experience and what they learned over the weekend, their replies included:
“I learned to love and that God is love.”
IVAN, 9
“Share my toys …”
WILSON, 6
“Don’t say bad words.”
GISELLE, 10
“My favorite Bible character is Jesus.”
BRIAN, 11
“When I grow up, I want to be a priest.”
EUGENE, 7
“Help my mom by cleaning dog poop.”
CARLOS, 8
As the day closed, the non-Spanish-speaking service team laid their hands on the children in prayer, and without prompting, Brian, 11, started praying in Spanish and the other children bowed their heads and joined in.
The Christian Life Program is a conduit for knowledge and love of God. It lets people see how closely intertwined they all are through Christ, in spite of diversity, the release stated.
Submitted by Cheryl Sarmiento and Merlita Carandang.
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