The Cabrizoses Travel Around America
On August 2, Erwin and Rowena Cabrizos arrived in Charlotte, N.C. Settling in at the executive house with Executive Director Steve Lawson, the Cabrizoses prepared for the Triennial Convention.
On the morning of Sunday, August 6, Rowena had the opportunity to preach at Hope Community Fellowship in Mint Hill, N.C. Though few were in attendance due to the recent passing of Pastor Jason Russell’s mother, Rowena shared a message with the congregation which the Lord placed on her heart.
“As I shared the Word, I sensed grief and sadness among many who attended the church service. I thank God for his message prepared for us and it was about being a champion for Jesus. We ought to champion even in pains and sorrows that we experience.”
Erwin and Rowena arrived at Ridgecrest Conference Center for the 2023 Triennial Convention. Meeting with new and old acquaintances, the Cabrizos’s enjoyed the first day of the Convention. On the second day, August 8, Rowena was the guest speaker at the annual WHFMS meeting.
“I thank God for the privilege of having been invited as the guest speaker during this gathering. In response to the theme ‘Entrusted with the Gospel,’ I shared three points:
- Agape House ministries or agape agents as God’s stewards
- The Importance of Embracing the Gospel
- Finishing the Race Well
“I Believe it was God’s timely message for all of us, and I thank him for the Holy Spirit’s touch to many of the listeners/participants. We spent the rest of the week listening to updates of ACGC, updates of individuals that we met and spent time with during mealtime and other free time. Lastly, our hearts were so heavy upon seeing that many of these participants were old. We pray that God will continue to raise up more workers for his kingdom as well as we successfully pass the legacy to our next generation: be it in the USA or in the different parts of the world.”
On Saturday, August 12, Erwin and Rowena flew to Portland, Maine and were met by Pastor Alan Chamberlain of the Friendship AC Church and John Ehle. They then drove to the Friendship AC Church in Friendship, Maine.
On the same day Erwin and Rowena celebrated their 22nd wedding Anniversary. They enjoyed a gathering with many church members from Friendship AC Church.
“It was a great treat from the Lash family who are known for having lobster family business.”
During Sunday morning worship on August 13, Rowena shared updates on Agape House ministries during the worship service. Friendship AC Church’s 5-day Vacation Bible School started on this evening from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The theme was “Keepers of the Kingdom.”
“Every night, I shared mission updates. Before the closing of every night, kids were encouraged to give an offering where the proceeds would be for youth Bibles for the Philippines. We thank God for positive results where the amount raised was worth, more than a hundred youth Bibles.”
“We greatly appreciate being with different couples/families to take charge of our lunches and show places around. We had a wonderful intimate time with each of them and were so blessed by their lives and dedication to the Lord. The hospitality and servanthood of Pastor Alan was remarkable. We are grateful to God, seeing the zeal of the whole congregation in their commitment and dedication.”
On Friday, August 18, Pastor Russell Carle picked up the Cabrizoses in Friendship, Maine, and headed to Dayton, Maine to spend time with the Goodwins Mills AC Church.
“After arriving, this lovely couple, Clark and Georgie Cole accommodated us in their humble home. We ate dinner and then joined the youth meeting at the church. We had a great time with the youth.”
On Saturday, August 19, Erwin and Pastor Russell went shopping in preparation for Erwin’s cooking.
“Erwin prepared two Filipino dishes for the potluck dinner at the church in the evening. It was great to meet up with around 20 members of the Goodwins Mills AC Church.”
“On Sunday morning, I was tasked to share a story with the junior church and then to preach during the worship service. The last activity we had at the church was the Q & A. The congregation was free to ask questions about Agape House. It was a blissful time to be with this church family. I thank God for being his channel of blessing to them.”
“We were so blessed by our precious time with the Coles as well as Pastor Russell. We thank the Lord for this church family.”
Erwin and Rowena parted ways, heading to different parts of the country for various opportunities and meetings.
On Sunday, August 27, Erwin, his sister, brother-in-law and mother visited the Advent Christian Church in Margaretville, New York. They enjoyed lunch with the congregation after the service.
“The service went well and everyone received the message with joy. I shared a message from Psalm 121 with them and a little bit of agape house ministry.”
Erwin and Rowena thoroughly enjoyed their time in the United States, visiting with churches, families and so many friends and connections! They were blessed by their time here and the memories they made.