Your story doesn’t have to be a wild, sex-filled, drug, gang incredible story. Some people have those stories, but most don’t. Most people come to know God through a process of asking questions, getting answers, watching other Christians, and accepting God’s free gift of forgiveness and love. Nothing extravagant . . . but genuine and real. Maybe you don’t have a story that will make someone cry or stand to their feet to applaud, but if you know God, your story will encourage someone else’s faith journey.
Maybe you grew up in a Christian home and can't remember a time when you didn't believe. Ask your family and have them help you identify the period in time when you realized you wanted something more than church and/or religion, a time when you wanted a real relationship with God.
Maybe even more important than a “when” is a “what”…what is God doing in your life today? Our faith isn't a one-time event. It's an ongoing relationship with the God. So, what are you learning? What are you going through? What's the condition of your heart? What has God taught you through some recent challenges? Keep in mind that great stories aren't always success stories. It's an ongoing process even as you are reading this now!!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
1st Advent Cell - reflections.
Harlow everybody!
Just a reminder, our Friday CG in the Youth room has stopped for this year and in place is our Advent Cell led by Fr Michal at Level 3 St Mary's Room. Do come as it's a wonderful preparation for Christmas! =)
Ay, here's what we started off with.
Discussion on "Hope".
What does 'hope' mean to us?
Some said there's active and passive hope.
You either sit there and dream about it
or you do something about it.
Fr M said there's secular and christian hope.
And here in this christian community,
it's the christian hope that we shld hold dearly to.
So what is this Christian Hope?
It surely is the yearning for a fulfillment,
the fulfillment of the fullness of love from God,
the perfect love, the everlasting and eternal love.
Ha...we also discussed a bit about people of other religions,
what is their hope then?
Ultimately, we believe that it's still the same God,
and we have the similar fulfillment that we're all yearning for.
And what about "hopeless" people?
In God's creation, there's nothing hope-less.
We're given the Gift of Life from Him,
to lead our lives fruitfully and meaningfully
and to be people of hope.
How do we remain hopeful?
The gospel reading of this Sunday tell us to
"stay awake!" and be watchful.
For the first time, I actually interpreted it directly
that I can't sleep! Surely, it's not about that. lol...
It's about us not indulging in the secular world and
not falling asleep in the christian world.
We ought to hear out for God's voice and the
opportunities that he has given us.
We're all beautiful seeds of the Sower
Tiny as it seems
Let it grow and flower
Bearing fruits of hope.
Have a blessed weekend!
-posted by michael.
PS:Grab a copy of the Advent reflection booklet in church!
Just a reminder, our Friday CG in the Youth room has stopped for this year and in place is our Advent Cell led by Fr Michal at Level 3 St Mary's Room. Do come as it's a wonderful preparation for Christmas! =)
Ay, here's what we started off with.
Discussion on "Hope".
What does 'hope' mean to us?
Some said there's active and passive hope.
You either sit there and dream about it
or you do something about it.
Fr M said there's secular and christian hope.
And here in this christian community,
it's the christian hope that we shld hold dearly to.
So what is this Christian Hope?
It surely is the yearning for a fulfillment,
the fulfillment of the fullness of love from God,
the perfect love, the everlasting and eternal love.
Ha...we also discussed a bit about people of other religions,
what is their hope then?
Ultimately, we believe that it's still the same God,
and we have the similar fulfillment that we're all yearning for.
And what about "hopeless" people?
In God's creation, there's nothing hope-less.
We're given the Gift of Life from Him,
to lead our lives fruitfully and meaningfully
and to be people of hope.
How do we remain hopeful?
The gospel reading of this Sunday tell us to
"stay awake!" and be watchful.
For the first time, I actually interpreted it directly
that I can't sleep! Surely, it's not about that. lol...
It's about us not indulging in the secular world and
not falling asleep in the christian world.
We ought to hear out for God's voice and the
opportunities that he has given us.
We're all beautiful seeds of the Sower
Tiny as it seems
Let it grow and flower
Bearing fruits of hope.
Have a blessed weekend!
-posted by michael.
PS:Grab a copy of the Advent reflection booklet in church!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Why should I share my story?
Why tell your story? Because it will probably be a great experience for you, and others need to hear different examples of how God works. There is mutual blessing when a testimony is shared. In Romans 1:12 the Apostle Paul tells us that it is beneficial for us to be “mutually encouraged by each other's faith.”
How? Everyone receives encouragement when a testimony is shared. You get encouraged when you prepare by spending time thinking, praying, and writing. This process will serve as a reminder of all that God has done in your life. Since it’s so easy to lose sight of that, telling your story will bring it all back and give you a proper perspective of God’s work in your life.
As an added benefit, the listeners will also receive encouragement. Like you, Christian listeners will be reminded of how great God is, and this can cause them to be more receptive to God’s presence in their lives.
Non-Christians get a real, live example of how God makes a difference in one’s life. Many non-Christians dismiss their need for God because they don’t see how God is relevant to their daily life. But, they can’t disagree with your story. No one can…This is your story! When a non-Christian hears about your journey with God, it immediately proves that God is real and alive in your life.
Please understand this…no one can deny your story.
How? Everyone receives encouragement when a testimony is shared. You get encouraged when you prepare by spending time thinking, praying, and writing. This process will serve as a reminder of all that God has done in your life. Since it’s so easy to lose sight of that, telling your story will bring it all back and give you a proper perspective of God’s work in your life.
As an added benefit, the listeners will also receive encouragement. Like you, Christian listeners will be reminded of how great God is, and this can cause them to be more receptive to God’s presence in their lives.
Non-Christians get a real, live example of how God makes a difference in one’s life. Many non-Christians dismiss their need for God because they don’t see how God is relevant to their daily life. But, they can’t disagree with your story. No one can…This is your story! When a non-Christian hears about your journey with God, it immediately proves that God is real and alive in your life.
Please understand this…no one can deny your story.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Testimony Project - For adults by the youth
Everyone got a testimony to share! And yes, certainly you!
We are planning to publish a book on youths' faith testimonies for the adults. This book is about youth being a witness of faith to the adults because many the times, adults tend to forget that youths can have a personal relationship with God and they sometimes need to be nourished by a young person's faith too!
How to share? What to share? Why should I share? Nothing to share? My testimony is too simple, who would want to read it?
Many people gave me these questions when I told them about this idea.. So in order to help you guys to prepare your testimony, I have prepared some practical steps on these questions, to be shared over the next few days...
Once your story is told out in written form, you can send it to us at sfa.youthteam@gmail.com for editing. Please include in this document, your contacts: Name, age, telephone number, email address, current status (Working? University? Polytechnic? Secondary school?) and nationality.
We will help to edit some parts of grammar, vocab and spelling in your story but otherwise then that, your story in large content will remain unchanged. These works after sent in, remain the property of SFA Bridging Light Youth Ministry, Singapore, and no money will be issued for your work. Rest assured that those works will still be published under your name:)
So go ahead, look through your every event in your mind's memory for your story and be prepared to share this journey of the Greatest Story Ever Told next to the Bible!
We are planning to publish a book on youths' faith testimonies for the adults. This book is about youth being a witness of faith to the adults because many the times, adults tend to forget that youths can have a personal relationship with God and they sometimes need to be nourished by a young person's faith too!
How to share? What to share? Why should I share? Nothing to share? My testimony is too simple, who would want to read it?
Many people gave me these questions when I told them about this idea.. So in order to help you guys to prepare your testimony, I have prepared some practical steps on these questions, to be shared over the next few days...
Once your story is told out in written form, you can send it to us at sfa.youthteam@gmail.com for editing. Please include in this document, your contacts: Name, age, telephone number, email address, current status (Working? University? Polytechnic? Secondary school?) and nationality.
We will help to edit some parts of grammar, vocab and spelling in your story but otherwise then that, your story in large content will remain unchanged. These works after sent in, remain the property of SFA Bridging Light Youth Ministry, Singapore, and no money will be issued for your work. Rest assured that those works will still be published under your name:)
So go ahead, look through your every event in your mind's memory for your story and be prepared to share this journey of the Greatest Story Ever Told next to the Bible!
BLYM Weekly Updates
Hello everyone!
Time for me again to do the updates as Pat is rather busy this week. The Ubin trip last Saturday was great fun and a success! Although it rained, the youths still had fun in cycling and falling over one another... Oops. So why not join us for the next one? Watch out soon for another activity coming your way! But in the meantime, here are some nitchy-bitey stuff for you guys..
1) Advent is coming so why not join in this Advent reflection sessions led by Father Michal, starting this week, 8pm in St Mary's Room, lvl 3?
2) Youth Mass is on this Saturday, 6pm! Celebrate the first Advent with style during Mass and fellowship in the Lighthouse, lvl 4 after Mass! Potluck dinner is much appreciated so please bring something along to share!
3) Final call for Youth Alpha participants! This week, an introductory session will be held at Lakepoint Condominium, BBQ by the swimming pool at 6pm. Please call Celine, 90906469 to register by Friday. For ages 15 to 20.
4) What's this testimony project? Look up!
The Sec 1s will be having their retreat next week and we ask all to kindly remember them in your prayers as we pray for them to have a fun and reflective retreat:)
Peace,
Joachim
Time for me again to do the updates as Pat is rather busy this week. The Ubin trip last Saturday was great fun and a success! Although it rained, the youths still had fun in cycling and falling over one another... Oops. So why not join us for the next one? Watch out soon for another activity coming your way! But in the meantime, here are some nitchy-bitey stuff for you guys..
1) Advent is coming so why not join in this Advent reflection sessions led by Father Michal, starting this week, 8pm in St Mary's Room, lvl 3?
2) Youth Mass is on this Saturday, 6pm! Celebrate the first Advent with style during Mass and fellowship in the Lighthouse, lvl 4 after Mass! Potluck dinner is much appreciated so please bring something along to share!
3) Final call for Youth Alpha participants! This week, an introductory session will be held at Lakepoint Condominium, BBQ by the swimming pool at 6pm. Please call Celine, 90906469 to register by Friday. For ages 15 to 20.
4) What's this testimony project? Look up!
The Sec 1s will be having their retreat next week and we ask all to kindly remember them in your prayers as we pray for them to have a fun and reflective retreat:)
Peace,
Joachim
Sunday, November 16, 2008
BLYM Weekly Updates
Hey!
This week is Prison Week, a week dedicated to praying for prisoners, ex-prisoners and all who work with them. Let us keep these brothers and sisters of ours in our hearts.
As for the stuff that are coming up this week (and next)...
1. Cell Group this Friday at 8.30 p.m. at the Lighthouse. We will be sharing on the letter "N"
2. This is our last call for the PULAU UBIN trip on the 22nd November (meet at church at 8 a.m.). For all those who wish to go but have not signed up, please call or SMS Lionel @ 96212716
3. Advent Sessions with our beloved Fr Michal every Friday beginning on the 28th of November (Fri) This will be held in place of CG for the 4 weeks of Advent in St Mary's Room.
4. Come and join us for our introductory Youth Alpha session and barbecue at Lakepoint Condo on the 30th of Nov. Call Celine @ 90906469 to register or for more details.
5. Our last Youth Mass, we celebrated All Saints Day. For our next Youth Mass, it will be the First Sunday (technically, Saturday) of Advent. The 29th of November 6 p.m. sunset Mass. There will be a birthday party where all are invited. BLYM's birthday. ^^
6. Youth Choir. A choir that sings once every month which gives you more time to juggle between family and music. We welcome all who want to sing or play any instrument. Call or SMS Michael @ 94765852 for more information.
7. Testimonies Project. We are going to start a project collecting all your testimonies to share with others, especially adults. Send in your testimony(ies) to our email. =D
Hope you have a good week ahead and don't forget to love God. ;)
God bless,
patricia
This week is Prison Week, a week dedicated to praying for prisoners, ex-prisoners and all who work with them. Let us keep these brothers and sisters of ours in our hearts.
As for the stuff that are coming up this week (and next)...
1. Cell Group this Friday at 8.30 p.m. at the Lighthouse. We will be sharing on the letter "N"
2. This is our last call for the PULAU UBIN trip on the 22nd November (meet at church at 8 a.m.). For all those who wish to go but have not signed up, please call or SMS Lionel @ 96212716
3. Advent Sessions with our beloved Fr Michal every Friday beginning on the 28th of November (Fri) This will be held in place of CG for the 4 weeks of Advent in St Mary's Room.
4. Come and join us for our introductory Youth Alpha session and barbecue at Lakepoint Condo on the 30th of Nov. Call Celine @ 90906469 to register or for more details.
5. Our last Youth Mass, we celebrated All Saints Day. For our next Youth Mass, it will be the First Sunday (technically, Saturday) of Advent. The 29th of November 6 p.m. sunset Mass. There will be a birthday party where all are invited. BLYM's birthday. ^^
6. Youth Choir. A choir that sings once every month which gives you more time to juggle between family and music. We welcome all who want to sing or play any instrument. Call or SMS Michael @ 94765852 for more information.
7. Testimonies Project. We are going to start a project collecting all your testimonies to share with others, especially adults. Send in your testimony(ies) to our email. =D
Hope you have a good week ahead and don't forget to love God. ;)
God bless,
patricia
Friday, November 14, 2008
"Non-violent Communication" by Sr Rose
Yesterday was the last session of NVC conducted fortnightly by Sr Rose.
And we had free CHOCOLATES at the end and having a mini performance of the NVC Song....lol. Anyway, for those who missed it, you can refer to the website and go through your own NVC course! [Click here]
Anyway, here's a very brief summary and key points given by Sr Rose:
- Violence comes from belief that other people cause our pain and therefore deserve punishment
- Judgments of others contribute to self-fulfilling prophecies
- When we judge others we contribute to violence.
- Practise translating each judgment into an unmet need.
- Stay conscious of the violent thoughts that arise in our minds
without judging them.
- When we hear the other person's feelings and needs, we recognize our common humanity.
Leave you with a nice writing by peacemaker Nelson Mandela:
Our Deepest Fear
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the World.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people
won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us;
it is in everyone.
As we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates other.
(posted by Mike)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
BLYM Weekly Updates
Updates are coming a bit late this week, sorry. But here they are!
1) Cell group - "M" this week, 8.30pm in The Lighthouse, Lvl 4. Contact Patricia, 91135139 for more details.
2) Advent - Come, starting 28 Nov, a 4 weekly reflection session will be done on Advent by Father Michal. Where? St Mary's Room, lvl 3. Time: 8pm. Join us for an interactive and fun sessions!
3) Ubin Trip - Take a break, have a Kit-Kat around Ubin on 22 Nov. Enjoy the scenary, fellowship and know more friends! Contact Lionel @ 96212716 to register or for details.
4) Youth Alpha - An interactive, fun and comfortable way to know more about your faith and ask things that you had never asked before. For ages 15 - 19. Starting in Nov '08. Contact Celine for more details @ 90906469 or sign up now!
5) Youth Choir - The Youth Choir is still looking for your talents! Vocals and instruments of all kinds are in need. Call Joachim@92394826 if you are interested.
6) Willing to teach? - Our tuition group is off this year but will be back again next year. We are sincerely looking for youths to do peer buddy teaching for secondary level!
5) The Youth Ministry Office is inviting all youths aged 15 and above to a camp entitled "Dare to be Daniel". Attached is more information and the sign up form.
Hope to see you soon!
God bless,
1) Cell group - "M" this week, 8.30pm in The Lighthouse, Lvl 4. Contact Patricia, 91135139 for more details.
2) Advent - Come, starting 28 Nov, a 4 weekly reflection session will be done on Advent by Father Michal. Where? St Mary's Room, lvl 3. Time: 8pm. Join us for an interactive and fun sessions!
3) Ubin Trip - Take a break, have a Kit-Kat around Ubin on 22 Nov. Enjoy the scenary, fellowship and know more friends! Contact Lionel @ 96212716 to register or for details.
4) Youth Alpha - An interactive, fun and comfortable way to know more about your faith and ask things that you had never asked before. For ages 15 - 19. Starting in Nov '08. Contact Celine for more details @ 90906469 or sign up now!
5) Youth Choir - The Youth Choir is still looking for your talents! Vocals and instruments of all kinds are in need. Call Joachim@92394826 if you are interested.
6) Willing to teach? - Our tuition group is off this year but will be back again next year. We are sincerely looking for youths to do peer buddy teaching for secondary level!
5) The Youth Ministry Office is inviting all youths aged 15 and above to a camp entitled "Dare to be Daniel". Attached is more information and the sign up form.
Hope to see you soon!
God bless,
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