“Why Couples for Christ Begin the Year 2026 by Giving First”
Officially marking the very first CFC-WA activity of 2026, we once again gathered as one community—praying, worshipping the Lord, and giving thanks as we glorified Him together.
More than a time of fellowship, the First Fruits Offering reminded us why, year after year, we return to this sacred practice of offering our blessings to God at the very start of the year.
As a not-for-profit religious community, Couples for Christ exists through God’s grace and the generosity of its members.
Our evangelisation, formation programs, pastoral care, and service to families are made possible when we choose to give not out of excess, but out of faith.
The First Fruits Offering is not about how much we give, but about whom we trust at the beginning of the year.
We were warmly welcomed by our Cluster Head, Brother Kit Palos, who set the tone for the gathering.
With the help of the North Chapter Music Ministry, we were introduced to the 2026 CFC theme song, “In The One, We Are One.” Its joyful and upbeat melody—highlighted by alternating verses from the brothers and sisters before joining together in the chorus—reminded us that we are truly one body in Christ.
As we moved into the First Fruits Offering, Brother Rey Caseres, Southwest Chapter Leader, who travelled all the way from Bunbury, delivered the First Fruits talk.
He beautifully connected the Epiphany of the Lord to the meaning of First Fruits, recalling how the Three Kings journeyed—despite danger—to offer their gifts to the newborn King.
They presented gold, symbolising Christ’s kingship; frankincense, His divinity; and myrrh, foreshadowing His sacrifice. Like the Magi, we too are invited to offer our very best to God through our First Fruits—the fruits of our labour at the beginning of the year. As written in Deuteronomy 26:10:
“Now, therefore, I have brought the first fruits of the products of the soil which you, LORD, have given me.”
Bro. Rey explained that while farmers in biblical times offered their first harvest, today our salary, income, or livelihood represents our “harvest.”
Offering our first fruits becomes a tangible act of trust—acknowledging that everything we have comes from God and is meant to serve His mission.
Through our First Fruits and tithes, we help sustain the mission entrusted to Couples for Christ—forming families, strengthening leaders, and building a community where no one walks alone.
The First Fruits Offering gently calls us to share our blessings—with God, with our community, and with those in need.
Like receiving a phone call from God, we can choose to decline—or answer with a faithful and generous “yes.”
For those who were unable to attend last 17 January, the invitation remains open. You may still coordinate with your Household or Unit Leader to offer your First Fruits.
Bro. Rey also shared that the First Fruits Offering was discerned through a prophetic message given to the CFC National Council in 2003, instructing members to build an altar, enter into worship and praise, pray as a family, and then make the offering—reminding us that First Fruits is ultimately an act of worship.
When we give joyfully and willingly, God blesses us with growth in skills and talents, blessings in our work and livelihood, protection, and mastery of our hearts.
Beyond that, generosity—whether through First Fruits, tithes, or daily acts of giving—opens us to deeper grace: healing, restoration, wisdom, and provision according to God’s will.
The First Fruits Offering, as Bro. Rey reminded us, is a challenge of faith. He shared this powerful truth:
“One seed of obedience can reap the harvest of a lifetime. Nobody can sow your seed for you.”
What we sow, we reap—sparingly or generously.
He concluded by encouraging us, through Malachi 3:10, to obey God not only through First Fruits, but also through faithful and joyful giving of our regular tithes.
With no sharer assigned, Bro. Rey shared his own testimony. During a time when he had only ₱20—his last money after being made redundant—he chose to offer it to God. Shortly after, he received a call to repair a car and was paid ₱5,000. Truly, we cannot outgive God.
As he continued to faithfully offer his time, talent, and treasure, God blessed him and his family in ways beyond expectation—through missions, conferences, travel, and service. His final reminder resonated deeply:
“Your money is not yours. And at the end of the day, if today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”
Moved by Bro. Rey’s testimony and reminded that we truly cannot outgive God, the community was then led into a prayerful time of praise and worship by Brother Osmond Ong, Unit Leader from the North Chapter.
This moment of worship allowed us to respond not just with reflection, but with open and surrendered hearts—preparing us to offer our First Fruits not merely as an act of giving, but as an act of trust and worship.
In leading the worship, Bro. Osmond shared his own First Fruits journey from 2025—a season marked by struggle, complacency, and pride, yet ultimately redeemed by God’s grace.
Anchored in the theme “Rejoice! Take Courage! Return to Galilee,” he reminded us that wherever we find ourselves—joyful or broken, confident or weary—the Lord meets us there and invites us to offer our whole selves.
His testimony bore witness to how faithful surrender led to restoration, renewed relationships, mission, and abundant blessings for his family.
This same spirit of worship and generosity was echoed across Western Australia, as First Fruits celebrations were also held in the Southwest Chapter in Bunbury the following day, 18th of January, with Bro. Kit Palos as speaker, and Bro. Rey Caseres as worship leader.
This continued in Dalwallinu on 1st of February, as Bro. Kit Palos once again gave the talk and Bro. Ramil Malabanan guided the community into praise and worship.
Together, these gatherings remind us that as one CFC community, we respond to God’s call with faith, unity, and generosity—trusting that when we give our first and our best to Him, He faithfully provides and brings glory to His name.
May we, as a CFC community in Western Australia, continue to respond to God’s call with open hearts—trusting that every act of generosity helps fulfil His mission and brings glory back to Him.
P.S.
If you have not yet offered your First Fruits this year, the invitation remains open. Take time to pray, discern, and respond to God with a willing heart. What matters most is not the amount, but the love and faith with which we give.
2026 CFC CFC-WA Cluster Assembly Couples For Christ First Fruit
