By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Participants during one of the early morning devotionals of the 12th Global Reunion in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The 12th Global Reunion, held from July 10 to 13, 2025, at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, concluded as a grand success, overcoming years of postponements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The event, a significant milestone for its global community, was marked by a profound sense of unity and gratitude. Its successful execution underscores the resilience and faith of the Centralians, setting a powerful precedent for future events.

Demonstrating the unwavering faith and unity of the Centralian community, the CPUFOAAI Prayer Team played a vital role in the success of the reunion by providing spiritual guidance and support throughout the event. Through regular monthly meetings, the establishment of an individual prayer chain, and the organization of early morning devotionals to begin each day’s activities, the team helped secure God’s covering and uphold His glory for the entire duration of the gathering.

Led by Corporate Treasurer and Northern California AA President, Pastor Edward Pormilos, the CPUFOAAI Prayer Team is composed of nine deeply committed and prayerful members representing various chapters around the world. Meeting regularly each month via Zoom, the team provides consistent prayer support not only for the Global Reunion but also for other important events and concerns such as the recent Meet and Greet with the CPU President, matters involving the Federation and its member chapters, the University, and even personal concerns including prayers for alumni facing health challenges.

The other members of the CPUFOAAI Prayer Team include: Easter Arora (Florida AA Coordinator), Erlinda Galanto (2nd VP for Canada), Nimfa Lim (Secretary), Kathy Kriewall (Asst. Treasurer), Judy Grace Gabuna (Auditor), Yolanda Jain (Midwest/Chicago AA President), Emineh Pacania (NorCal AA VP) and Prof. Perla Deocampo (NorCal AA Adviser).

The organization of the daily devotional was largely made possible through the leadership of Manay Easter Arora, the most senior and veteran member of the CPUFOAAI Prayer Team. Having previously served as Chairperson of the Steering Committee when the Reunion was hosted in Florida, Arora’s experience and spiritual commitment helped ensure the devotional’s success as a key activity in Toronto. Local support was also instrumental, with Nimfa Lim coordinating the logistical needs to facilitate the sessions smoothly.

Each devotional featured Tim Buensuceso as the regular song leader, while members of the Prayer Team alternated in delivering brief exhortations and leading closing prayers. Daily prayer concerns were shared with participants, who were encouraged to reflect and pray individually or in groups.

The devotionals were well attended and received strong support from Centralian leaders. CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy was a regular participant, while Toronto Chapter President Meriam Amy, CPUFOAAI President Lee Plagata, and CPU Board of Trustees Secretary Dr. Elmer Pedregosa also joined one or more sessions during the week-long reunion.

Anchored on the passage from 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land,” the Prayer Team embraced this verse as a guiding declaration throughout the Reunion. It served as a collective act of humility and dependence on God, a spiritual commitment to seek His presence and grace as the foundation of every gathering and activity during the week-long event.

The consistent prayer efforts of the CPUFOAAI Prayer Team, along with the significant decision to begin each day with a devotional, were seen as instrumental in securing God’s favor and protection over the 12th Global Reunion. The event proceeded smoothly and meaningfully, without any incident that could have hindered its fulfillment. This positive outcome has been attributed to the strong spiritual foundation established by the team.