2014 – The Vineyard Magazine

13/06/2014: The Agony of Defeat

I can hear the sound of electric fan; the wind blows left to right and vice versa. Random sounds of the people clamoring about the heat of the room and individually finds a handy fan and/or a paper to at least lighten up the temperature. It was around 12:30 in the afternoon at Al Ain Church. CFFL Brethren once again gathered in our quarterly National General Assembly (NGA). What we experienced on that day is the exact reflection of the day’s teaching.

Tito Arsie (our newly appointed Country Servant) delivered the talk in titled “The Agony of Defeat”. This is not your ordinary National GA. This is a GA with a test! The venue was half filled or shall I say at least 2/3 of the place was filled. No AC – it was not working and the audio was not cooperating too. A defeat seemed to be coming. Nonetheless, His servants were way stronger than the heat, his servants were way stronger to stand up & take the victory. Therefore – with God’s grace Tito Arsie & the rest of the brethren were able to surpass the current situation & found beauty about this teaching. But before I wrapped up the success of this GA, allow me to highlight some very important points.

Who are defeated?

Those who never joined the race – people who don’t want to go out of their comfort zone.
Those who easily give up
Those who don’t follow the rules of the game – people who don’t show obedience
Those who don’t give their best.
Those who are never contented with their achievements.

Note that the above are not just a life’s teaching in for the general, but it applies to specifically for us; “WE” as part of a community is a mainstream target. Remember – CFFL is a way of life. So I urged you to reflect – make a reality check on the above type of people. Have you been defeated? If your answer is yes – pray & ask for God’s guidance on what should be done.

Furthermore, additional explanations were done & the slides shall explain them.

Nonetheless, though the day was hot, the teaching was warm too, excessively heartfelt not to notice & not to get your attention on. Praise God for Tito Arsie’s loud voice, He was able to bring the message across to the uneasy, uncomfortable yet interested & involved listeners and brought the bridge to God’s warriors.

I personally hope that in every GA or teaching we receive – may we allow to be open & ready to accept what has been taught & accept it not only through our ears but keep it in our hearts and put an action to it.

These are some of the slides, during the talk; something to reflect on and use as a tool in continuing our service.

CFFL Banners stand tall on the side of the stage with the humongous electric fan aiding the tested martyrs.