By CFFM Staff
It may be cold and wet in some parts of the country, but a group of Christian Family Fellowship believers have been experiencing sunshine and glory days! Brothers and sisters-in-Christ from across the country recently returned from a Western Caribbean Carnival Valor cruise. The ship started out in New Orleans, Louisiana, and sailed to Cozumel and Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico.
The fun started before the ship even left the port! Five couples from Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, and Illinois met up ahead of time to explore the city’s sights and foods…without a single disgruntled member.
“On Friday, we all went into the heart of New Orleans for Mardi Gras,” Ann Hucke described. “We spent around six hours and way over 10,000 steps walking and eating and chatting. Not one time was there an argument or disagreement on what or where we should go, do, or see. It truly was an example in action of esteeming each other before self!”
That selfless attitude continued on board the ship, especially at meal time.
“Breaking bread together at dinner was both full of laughs and sharing,” Sara Guigou noted.
And not just for the diners – many of the CFF group had individual “life-giving” words for members of the cruise staff, Sara said! Those testimonies and spirit-filled moments flew at dinners, and at official meetings, too.
On the Sunday get-together, Pastors Mike and Judi Magel shared stories of healing and deliverance that God had wrought through Jesus and they got to be a part of – thank you, Jesus! – and it spurred into a time of healing and prayer right there. We have learned that God answers prayers on a pew, on a street corner, and on a ship in the middle of an ocean, too!
“It was such a great reminder of how God takes care of His people and calls us to do the same for others,” Sandi Furst shared.
Her cruise companions included her childhood friend Gayle – they got into the Word together 40-some years ago – and her new Christian friend, Kim. Kim and Sandi attend Bible fellowship together out in Texas.
Connecting with old friends and making new ones was definitely a theme of the whole trip.
“The cruise was a glorious time with old friends and making new friends; though some we may not see again until eternity rolls,” Sara said.
There were times of serious conversation, contemplative nature viewing, and time to relax and refresh.
“It was a wonderful time fellowshipping, relaxing, and recharging with our amazing brethren,” January Parker exclaimed.
But Christian Family Fellowship recognizes Jesus loves to laugh and have a good time, too. There was plenty of goofiness, Mardi Gras-style masquerades, and get-down dancing!
One of the cruise goers made colorful feather crowns for all the women. And during a special musical interlude, Pastor Judi was even serenaded with one of her favorite songs, “Sweet Caroline.” Yes, it was “so good, so good!”
