Last weekend, July 15 and 16, we had two
inspiring formations presented by Mr Derek Chong from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The
first formation on ‘A Sense of Being
Called’ was organised for the various leaders and BEC members. About 54 of
them attended this formation starting from morning till afternoon. God is
indeed calling everyone to be a part of the entire parish community. This
six-hour session had brought an awareness to participants about their calling
and response in participating in the life of the Church. The participants also reflected
on how their calling allows them to transform their lives.
The sense of being called is also committing
and engaging ourselves in a particular ministry and developing our talents and
sharing with one another in the parish community. When it comes to work with
the community I am sure we face a lot of pressure, fun, heart-break, adventures
and excitement. It is all right to feel all of these things. In the midst of
all these feelings we should know what path to take, what bridge to cross and
how to go about in ministering in a more purposeful and fruitful manner. When
we have an endurance to go ahead in our ministry we shall find a proper
direction in the ministry. Ultimately, it brings a sense of peace in us.
Despite our struggles and challenges, let’s not
get tired of doing right things for God and utilise our talents, gifts and
experience in serving others meaningfully. The important characteristics of
being called includes listening to God, being consistent in our prayer life and
having order in our lives accordingly. The awesome part is that God is with you
every step of the way. We shall
find happiness and be ‘alive’. Do ask yourselves how God is calling you to be involved
in the life of the Church and to identify God’s purpose for your life.
The second formation was targeted for the youth
of our parish. They consisted of students in Form 3 and 4, post-confirmands,
college students and working single adults. Surprisingly, about a hundred
participants attended the four-hour session on “Living Our True Identity” which started in the afternoon and ended
in the evening. The formation was mainly to help the young people find their
identities and allow themselves to grow in Christ. This formation was aimed at helping
the youngsters embrace their identity in relationship with God and be free from
hurts in the past.
My dear youths, we know today’s culture constantly gives you the freedom
to become anyone that you want to be. No matter how much hard work you
generate, you may end up frustrated and confused. The one and only way you
discover who you really are, is by seeking a true and deep relationship with
Jesus. When you find your identity in Him, you will find that it is better than
any other choice in your life. As you grow from one stage to another stage in
your life, do “focus on discovering more about what God’s image looks like in
you and how you can express it more in your life.”
When you allow Jesus to take
control of every area of your life and trust in Him then you will have the
power to live with integrity and grow into a truly wonderful person. You
only have one identity and it is found only in Christ Jesus, only in Him where your true identity
resides.
“Do
not love the world or what is in the world. If anyone loves the
world, the love of the Father finds no place in him,” (1
John 2:15).
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