Arising '06 Program Report

Arising 2006 A missionary movement in the service of the Church

Every Bush Afire !!!

PROGRAM REPORT

In an effort to reach out to the thirsty youth of Andhra Pradesh. The Jesus Youths of the Twin City gave to them Jesus through ‘Arising 2006’ “he who drinks of me shall never thirst”. Arising 2006 was a long standing dream for the JY family which got materialized after months of prayers and intercessions of many. The final result was the three day retreat from 27th April ’06 to 30th April ’06. Arising 2006 was a growth retreat for all the Catholics and a time for them to move a step forward in their spiritual lives. As the scripture says, “Therefore let us go on towards perfection, leaving behind the basic teachings about Christ…and we will do this if GOD permits.” (Heb 6:1-3) A team from the ministry of, “ Association of Crusaders for Christ with Mary” was kind enough to commence this retreat for Jesus Youth. The team of six led by Bro. Edmund were a blessing for all those who had attended this retreat. This was certainly a life changing experience for everyone present there. From the day one after the welcoming team had felicitated the group, Bro. Edmund made it clear that they were here to witness Christ as the scripture says,” You are the witnesses…” (John 24:49) All during these three days witnessed the presence of the Trinity among the people present. On 27 th the session began at 6:30pm with the word of God and then followed by praise and worship. After dinner the day ended with the Rosary interceding to our Blessed Mother for her guidance for the next 3 days.

28th April ’06 – Friday 6:15 am The day starts with a “Hail Mary” followed by praise and worship and then by the word of God shared by Bro. Edmund. He took us through various slides of our lives, which made us question ourselves where we stand as a Christian? Whether we are “Cold Christians”, “Lukewarm Christians” or “Hot Christians”? All were quick to realize that most of them present were “Lukewarm Christians” who partially obeyed GOD like “King Saul”. For as the scriptures says,” For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in ONE point has become accountable for all of it.” (James 2: 10) After the brief session by Bro. Edmund, Bro. Jose Mathew shared his testimony. The whole day’s events included lots of Praise & worship, the holy mass celebrated before lunch and again a brief session with Bro. Edmund from where he had left before. In between there were Counseling Sessions going on for those interested. The day ended with a Rosary interceding to Our Blessed Mother for her guidance and prayers. (But the counseling session went on late night till 11: 30) The whole day was observed in silence. Everyone returned to their respective rooms for the night as the day ahead was an important one. Day ended at 9:45pm.

29th April ’06 – Saturday 6:15 am The day began with a “Hail Mary” followed by praise & worship. Today was an important day. Bro. Edmund preached the word of GOD followed by the testimony of Bro. Then Bro. Edmund told everyone the importance of confession, quoting various scripture verses. “No one who conceals transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses them and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28: 13) Bro. Jose gave a small talk on confession as well. As the scriptures says, ”If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” (John 14: 15) After which, “The Blessed Sacrament” was exposed in the chapel and was silently worshipped followed by a heart-felt confession by all present (The Priest themselves witnessed about the confessions later). This was followed by a Holy mass. Anointing of the Holy Spirit:

Now came the most important part of the day’s session, “Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and for receiving the Holy Spirit’s grace.” The people were asked to split in groups of Fives and recite the Rosary, interceding to the Blessed Mother. Before each decade was recited one of the five knelt in the center and was prayed over by the other four for the Holy Spirit to descend on them. After the Rosary everybody entered the hall, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed and adored, clippings from the, “Passion of Christ” were shown in between. Everyone was prayed over by the team members during the anointing session. Everyone was touched by the Love, grace and mercy of our precious Lord and master Jesus Christ. The session ended with a Hail Mary. Everybody retreated in silence for dinner and later to their rooms. Day ended at 10: 00pm.

30th April ’06 – Sunday 6:00 am The day began with the, “Hail Mary”, followed by praise & worship. Then Bro. gave his testimony. Today was the day to prepare ourselves not only to go out in the world and light every bush we come across but to face every temptation and overcome it with the help of the Holy Spirit. Bro. Edmund preached the Word of God after which Bro. Jose took a session on prayer and its importance. After the testimony of Bro. , Bro. Edmund gave his testimony in which he poured out his whole life story. Everybody present were all ears to all the testimonies. After lunch Bro. Edmund discussed the role of mother Mary in our spiritual growth. That Mother Mary was there to guide us always to her Son Jesus Christ. And anyone who sought her help was never left unaided. By the scripture passage from the gospel of Luke 1: 39-45 the grace with which the Lord bestowed Mother Mary is clearly stated. The Holy Spirit’s role was also made cleared. The difference between being filled with the Holy Spirit and the power of the Holy Spirit was explained with the scripture verse, ” Jesus full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness…to be tempted by the Devil.”(Luke 4: 1-2) After being tempted and overcoming the temptations the scriptures says,” Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit returned to Galilee.” (Luke 4: 14) Bro. Edmund even guided everyone as to how to consult the Lord in all circumstances. Then after praise & worship it was the time to give testimonies for the participants. One by one everybody shared their experiences throughout their stay. Though the experiences were different but there was one thing in common. There was no one present there

in the hall who was not touched and was changed, a change only for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ of whom we are all witnesses. Now the last and the most important part of the retreat had come. This was to let everyone know about “Jesus Youth.” One of the members of Jesus Youth himself, Shibu Devasia commenced this session explaining its various aspects. What steps were being taken and done to reach out the youth for their spiritual growth and every other aspect was discussed. The day ended with farewells to Bro. Edmund and his team by Bro. Adolph. Everybody departed with prayers, commitments and thanksgivings. After “Arising 2006”, Andhra Pradesh would never be the same let alone Hyderabad. The retreat was a success and all the glory and thanks be given unto our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yours In Christ,

Annie Stephenson, Jesus Youth, Hyderabad.

A Jesus Youth Initiative