Reported by DaliusLL
Sandakan: “TO BE MADE NEW SELF IN TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HOLINESS” Eph 4:23-24, the theme chosen by the St. Mary Cathedral Parish CHARIS in English, Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) held on 7th – 9th July in St. Joseph Catechetical Hall. The seminar was initiated by the Star of Yahweh Covenant Community (SYCC) with the support of the parish priest and collaboration with the team from Light of Jesus Christ Covenant Community (LJCCC) of Kota Kinabalu. Prior to the English LSS, the Parish CHARIS has also conducted the same seminar in Bahasa through their Bahasa Prayer group two months ago.
In his welcoming address, the elder of SYCC Philip Mosinoh re-affirmed the 46 participants that their presence at the seminar is by no accident, but prompted by the power of the Holy Spirit to re-establish a deeper personal relationship with Christ.
Fr. Simon Kontou with his opening remarks “Is Jesus God?”
The first session started with the Talk entitled “The Lordship of Jesus”, delivered by the St. Mary Cathedral Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Simon Kontou. With his opening remark, “Is Jesus God? Where in the bible Jesus said I am God worship me?” has drawn intently the attention of the participants and are in stitches fully knowing the phrase is popularly being used by the enemy of Christian. Fr. Simon session has set the motion of the preceding Talks which were delivered by the team from LJCCC on the second day. The subjects covered are “God’s Love by Aline Lim”, “Salvation by Daniel Kong”, “New Life by Hector Jintoni” and “Receiving God’s Gift by Peter Thien”. In the evening of the second day of LSS, the session culminated by Praying over baptism in the Holy spirit whereby participants may get to experience the action of the Holy Spirit in the praying over session. The seminar includes prayer, song of praise, small group discussion and personal sharing.
Aline shared about “God’s Love”
Daniel Kong gave his talk.
Hector Jintoni with his talk about “New Life”.
“Receiving God’s Gift by Peter Thien
Praying over baptism in the Holy spirit
Personal sharing from Alice Wong.
On the last day of the seminar was a Talk on “Growth and Transformation” presented by the team leader Daniel Kong. He reminded the participants that growth and transformation is not in an instant, but it will be a gradual process and some might experience trials and difficulties, a painful process as we grow. Rest assured Jesus has said come to Him all you are burdened for “My Yoke is easy and my burden is light”. The Holy Spirit is at work in us to change us and make us holier. Transformation is a gradual process of change and it needs to be nurtured. In order to nurture the transformation process, he encourages the participants to join the many ministries and groups in the church in their journey of faith. One of them is the SYCC which hold their gathering on every Friday evening at the same venue.
Elder bro. Philip Mosinoh handed over a token of thanks to Aline Lim.
The LSS concluded by words of thanks and a token from the participants were handed over by the Presiding elder to the LJCCC team.