A Family Thru The Season For A Reason

By Pastor Jeff Gatdula (59th Veragara Clan Reunion)

Let me start by saying - it’s so wonderful to be back here in our Annual Vergara Clan Reunion. I consider this occasion a very memorable one not only because we are celebrating it with our daughter, Cara Gabrielle, but also because this is my first time to deliver a message before the Vergara Clan. I am already in the second semester of my first year at Union Theological Seminary in Dasmarinas, Cavite. So far, things are going well and going smoothly mainly because God’s goodness and rich mercies continue to sustain me and my family - physically, materially and spiritually. I can never imagine my life today apart from God’s guiding hand. And believe me, this is where I want to be. It is both my prayer and my hope that you are where God wants you to be, as you continue to live for the glory and honor of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

Having attended this annual gathering of families and friends for the third time, I have many perceptions and observations about the reason behind every celebration. However, since last night, I kept on asking the Lord about the real meaning of this occasion as we celebrate it year, after year, after year. Tonight, there are three insights I would like to share with you and hopefully, through the Holy Spirit’s power, God’s words will minister to you.

First and foremost, I have learned that the Vergara Clan Reunion is a realization of God’s wonderful plan. We are here today because this is a realization of God’s wonderful plan. Looking at it from God’s perspective, one will simply be amazed by the fact that everything happens not out of accident or coincidence - but simply because it was all part of God’s wonderful plan and perfect will. Looking back, I believed that our forefathers - Lolo Albert Sr. and Lola Cionang did not even imagine having a family this big. A 59th Vergara Clan Reunion was perhaps for them an out-of-this-world idea. But because of God’s goodness and grace, He chose to continue the legacy of love and strong family relationships that bind us all together. And the joy that is in my heart comes from the truth that the Vergara Clan has a rich past from which we can learn from; a wonderful and meaningful present which we can all enjoy; and an exciting and hopeful future that we can surely look forward to. I pray that from this point on, each one of us will look at our reunion through God’s eyes, and witness the fulfillment of His plans as they unfold in the life of every reunionite.

Secondly, I have learned that the Vergara Clan Reunion is an opportunity for us to reach-out to one another with Christ’s love. It is a God-given opportunity for each one to reach-out with Christ’s love. The Vergara Clan Reunion is an event and a place at the same time, where, people from all walks of life minister to one another in their own special way.

We reach-out by the simple sharing of our stories and testimonies, even our trials and difficulties, our aches and our pains - and how through each one we have become better persons all because of God’s mighty hand and loving care. And yes, we are able to encourage one another even when we share our downfalls and defeats not because we enjoy listing to their failures in life, but because we are inspired that God’s grace allowed them to stand one more time to move on. We reach-out and minister to one another when lives are lost in the family because we recall the times when we are still together and uncover the memories which reminds us of the rich heritage they have left behind, while praising God and thanking Him for once in our lives we have been blessed by their presence. We are inspired every time we rejoice with a family member who receives a blessing from the Lord as a demonstration of His faithfulness in providing all our needs. We get excited upon hearing news of achievements and successes of clanistas in their own endeavors simply because of the assurance that in Christ we are victorious. Our hearts are filled with joy every time a new member comes along for we know that it is by His grace that our family continues to grow and multiply. We also reach-out to one another by our simple Hi’s and Hello’s, our hugs and kisses or simply by the warmth of each other’s company. We look forward to every reunion not only because it is the season when we get together and a time when we are reminded that we have each other, but most especially because we recognize that each time we come together Jesus Christ is in the midst of us all.

Finally, I have learned that the very reason why our family reunion still continues is because we have established our foundation on the Rock and have kept our faith in Jesus Christ. Year after year, even in such a short while of being together, we always manage to spend some time in worshipping the Lord as one big family. And for that God has rewarded us. God has blessed us richly in the different areas of our lives.

You know, I look forward to the day when my children, and my children’s children will someday hold the reunion in a similar fashion, not only to meet and have fellowship with one another but most especially to proclaim in their families the faith which we have received and which we pass on to them and to the generations to come. And I claim this blessing not only upon my family, upon us all, trusting that God will remain faithful and true today and always.

As we enter a brand new year, let us rejoice in the truth that we are celebrating a fulfillment of God’s wonderful plan. Let us take this time to reach-out to one another with Christ’s love while standing firm on the faith that we profess as we sincerely commit ourselves to pass it on to our children and our children’s children - all for the glory and honor of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. May this be our reason as we continue to hold our Annual Vergara Clan Reunion, celebrating God’s blessing and goodness this season and the seasons to come. Amen.