Concrete Pouring Ceremony

At the crack of dawn last Tuesday, January 26, 2010, a large crowd of people assembled at the construction site of the CCF Worship and Training Center at Frontera Verde, along C-5. It was the day set for the first concrete pouring for the Building Project, but it became clear early on that the gathering was about something much bigger than that. For as daylight broke forth in the horizon, so did the gathered people, led by Pastor Insong Nolan and the CCF worship team, break forth in song to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“We are standing on holy ground,” they sang fervently, “and I know that there are angels all around.” Indeed, at that moment God’s presence was more real to this worshipping community than what physically surrounded them – whether it be the clouds overhead, or the soil on which they stood.

A short prayer was thereafter led by CCF Elder, Ramon Manzana, after which CCF Senior Pastor Peter Tan-chi gave a message to the congregation made up of CCF members, guests, and co-workers in the Building Project.

The pastor’s message was on 1 Chronicles 29, where King David, in the midst of a great assembly, uttered one of his most memorable prayers to Yahweh, thanking Him for the abundant gifts which he and the people were able to pool together in preparation for building the Temple. In that prayer, David’s passion for God’s glory shone through very clearly. Although he knew that God did not dwell in earthly temples, he endeavored to build something magnificent for the glory of God.

Pastor Peter pointed out that we, too, should have the same perspective as we build the Worship Center. We should always remember for whose glory we are building it, and be thankful that we are part of this work which, through God’s grace, will be instrumental in bringing multitudes to Christ. Nonetheless, he warned the congregation not to be deceived into thinking that participating in activities such as this project is, by itself, a guarantee of a heart devoted to God. He cited what happened to Solomon, who died with a heart far from God despite being the one who actually oversaw the building of the Temple. Ultimately, our hearts are the most important thing to God.

The congregation then proceeded to a time of prayer. Many prayed standing, others were seated, some were on their knees, but all were united in asking God for His blessing – for the project, for the country, and for themselves, petitioning God that the hearts of each one be always firmly fixed on Jesus.
The moment then came for the pouring in of the first concrete. With gold-painted shovels in hand, special guest Mayor Robert Eusebio of Pasig City, Pastor Peter, members of the CCF Building Committee, Mr. Rex Drilon of Ortigas & Company, which sold the property to CCF, Mr. Manny Mendoza of Monolith Construction & Development Corporation, the general contractor for the project, and other honored guests pitched freshly mixed cement into one of the nearby holes on which stood a metal post for the upcoming building. Other CCF pastors followed. Then everyone was given the opportunity to do the same. Pure joy and excitement were on the faces of these people of faith, even to the end of the event. And how can it be otherwise, when their Lord was answering their prayers before their very eyes?

The whole event would have been an ordinary kickoff for the foundation-laying of an upcoming edifice, had it not been, from start to finish, such a resounding tribute to that one Foundation, of whom it was said: “no other foundation can anyone lay than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ”.

To Him be the glory forever and ever.

by Macky Ong