by Aidem Almojano
No distance can divide nor ruin a relationship that is anchored in God's love and trust.
"The CFC is a gift from God. While we unwrap this gift, we find solutions, empathize, and help each other. It is God's way of saying that we have each other- a community of brotherhood and sisterhood where Christ is the center and the couples are the stewards"
Have you heard of a couple who parted ways because they could not bear the temptations and limitations of a long-distance relationship? Or couples who grew apart due to their distance? Well, this is not the case for Nancy and Ramil Mercado.
In their 24 years of marriage, Nancy and Ramil have spent their nine years away from each other. Ramil has been an OFW since 2013, where he works as a machine operator in Kuwait.
To support their growing family back then, Ramil had to work abroad and temporarily leave his life in the Philippines-- a tough yet selfless and brave decision.
To ease their longing, Nancy shared that every 6 PM, Ramil's break time, they make sure to call and update each other.
"Our communication is constant. Even though we are not together, at least physically, we assure that we will always find time to talk to each other," said Nancy.
Despite being apart and the inevitable temptations surrounding them, especially Ramil, his love and devotion towards his wife and the Lord was never shaken but grew stronger and deeper-- a testament that love and faith know no distance.
"Temptations are everywhere. We cannot deny that. But whenever I feel lonely or weak, I just pray to the Lord to guide me in my life here in Kuwait and to remind me of my undying love for my wife and family"
He added that it was the teachings of the Couples for Christ that made him a better person.
"The CFC community taught us to surrender our troubles to the Lord and not let our distance be bigger than our faith to each other. They guided us towards a hopeful path. We learned that good communication is the key to a healthy relationship."
Nancy said that despite their situation, their love and faith remained as the CFC helped them strengthen their relationship and cultivate their trust in each other through their activities such as the Marriage Enrichment Retreat, Household sharing, and Chapter Prayer Assembly.
"Through the teachings and activities of the CFC community, we grew and matured to a better husband and wife."
Nancy added that perhaps, even after years of marriage, they are still learning about each other, which also strengthened their bond.
"We realized our differences and learned to accept it. It was not easy, but through the help of the teachings of the CFC, we got to know more about each other and used our differences to humble our relationship."
Moreover, even though Ramil is in Kuwait, he never failed to show his commitment and service to the CFC community.
"I still attend virtual prayer meetings and set a good example to my fellow Filipinos here through praying, spreading the Word of the Lord, doing small acts of kindness, and providing emotional support to them-- a sense of brotherhood," Ramil said.
Being a member of the Couples for Christ
May 2007 was the beginning of a new chapter in their married life when Nancy and Ramil joined the Couples for Christ Cavite- Sector 2.
According to Nancy, joining the CFC was never a part of their plan as they used to argue most of the time due to her short temper and Ramil's drinking behavior.
"Ramil was a heavy drinker, which made me really mad before. I used to tell him to quit drinking or at least set limitations, but he would not listen. We were both immature and young back then," she recalled.
They first encountered the Couples for Christ community when one of Ramil's friends sent him a worship invitation, however, they declined it on suspicion that it was just a scam.
They did not attend the first two worship activities, but days later, the couple received a call that there was an incident at home, and Nancy's first thought was maybe it is God's way of telling them not to doubt His will-- a sign to join the CFC.
"God has his ways of telling us to follow his will, and in our case, it was my mother-in-law's incident"
Since then, they have been committing their time and faith in serving the Lord through sharing their story and journey with other couples.
In almost 15 years of being members of the Couples for Christ Cavite - Sector 2 and despite being away from each other, the couple learned to position God at the center of their relationship and surrendered their marriage to Him.
How the CFC strengthens relationships
"Two different individuals living under one roof are bound to clash and cause some arguments along with their relationship," said George Jonson, former CFC Cluster A- Chapter 3 head.
According to George, the community helps couples foster their marriage into a healthy and Christ-centered relationship.
"We cannot avoid arguments and problems, but we can choose to face and solve them with grace, love, and faith. That is the beauty of the CFC, it teaches its members to see and let God be the foundation of their relationship," George said.
"The CFC is a gift from God. While we unwrap this gift, we find solutions, empathize, and help each other. It is God's way of saying that we have each other- a community of brotherhood and sisterhood where Christ is the center and the couples are the stewards"
Angelita, the wife of George, added that the CFC community enables its members to know their spouses more and relate to other couple’s stories and experiences.
"In this community, couples grow and mature together while exploring their individual identities. You will meet other couples whom you could relate with or help. We do not weigh or compare hardships," Angelita said.
In their 22 years of serving the CFC as members and former heads, George has found the purpose and the value of their relationship-- to guide the lost and troubled couples.
Marriage, as they say, is not something you could easily give up when things get rough. It is a commitment-- a promise of unconditional faith and love for better or worse.
However, no marriage is perfect. Along the way, trials, temptations, differences, and even boredom will occur and challenge the serenity of relationships-- and this is where God beams hope and new direction.
A marriage where God is the center and foundation of love is a relationship that can withstand any ordeals as home does not just refer to the structure itself and the people we live with, but home is being with God and entrusting Him our lives.
Comments