CFC MILESTONES | 2001
“United in Christ: Building a Nation, Changing the World” (Ephesians 1:10) became the community’s theme. During this time, CFC continued to deepen its commitment to serving the poor while expanding its vision to embrace the global family. Its work in community development and housing began to draw the attention of key leaders in government and business, accelerating the growth of its shelter and outreach programs. A significant moment came in February 2001, when then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo attended the 2nd Singles for Christ International Conference in Dumaguete City. Deeply impressed by CFC’s shelter initiatives after touring a Gawad Kalinga site, the President pledged support for 1,000 homes through the President’s Social Fund marking a major boost to the movement’s mission of building hope for the poor.
CFC MILESTONES | 2002
2002: “Build Up, Build Up, Prepare the Way” (Isaiah 57:14). This was a reminder for the community not to forget that it is called to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord, and to go to the ends of the earth to proclaim the Gospel. The community was reminded that each and every member is a missionary.
In March 2002, a major milestone was reached as Gawad Kalinga was formally established as an official ministry of Couples for Christ. Soon after, the Gawad Kalinga National Build was launched
CFC MILESTONES | 2003
The theme “Possess the Land” (Psalm 37:34) echoes Moses’ anointing of Joshua in the Old Testament, anointing the next generation of leaders who will continue the community’s mission and vision. The GK777 vision was officially launched, marking an ambitious step forward in Gawad Kalinga’s mission to transform communities and uplift the poor. With this program, Gawad Kalinga is committed to build 700,000 homes in 7,000 communities in 7 years with the supportof CFC. Subsequent events would sideline this ambitious project but the intentwas clear—CFC was committed toserve the poor.
CFC MILESTONES | 2004
With the theme, “Braveheart,” in the midst of challenges to its unity and its mission, CFC members were enjoined to forge a covenant of staying together. The three-year period from 2003 to 2005 was a time of great achievement for the community, of gains no one, not even the top leadership, envisioned as possible. It seemed that Nina Ponte’s prophecy in 1985 was indeed being fulfilled.
CFC MILESTONES | 2005
The theme for this year was “God is Enough” (Psalm 23:1).
On April 25, 2005, the Pontifical Council of the Laity, after thorough evaluation, granted Couples for Christ permanent and definitive recognition as a private international association of the faithful. CFC is the first Asian association among the 122 groups worldwide to receive this recognition from the Holy See.
There were 318 full-time pastoral workers serving across the globe—223 based in the Philippines and the rest assigned to mission areas including the United States, Canada, India, Vietnam, Australia, Europe, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, Ecuador, Uganda, Austria, Timor-Leste, Nigeria, Spain, Tanzania, Thailand, and Singapore.
In a spirit of reconciliation and unity, a historic joint statement was signed by representatives of Ligaya ng Panginoon and Couples for Christ—marking a renewed commitment to brotherhood and shared mission.
By the end of 2005, Gawad Kalinga was able to successfully transform about 600 slum areas into productive communities.
Stay tuned each day as we continue to share our story—our history, growth, and God’s faithfulness—as we journey toward our 45th year as one family.
#CFCJourneyTo45#CFCOneFamily#Happy45YearsCFC
Reference: Journey of Family Evangelizers – Moved by the Holy Spirit (Volume 1)
