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Melaka District Nine Weeks LSS
Tamil Nine Weeks LSS-Penang Diocese
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Melaka District Nine Weeks LSS
3rd June- 5th August 2007
By Alexander A. Jothy
Secretary, MSST
The 9 week L.S.S. was conducted by the Melaka State Service Team (MSST) for Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) for the first time in Melaka, from 3 rd June to 5 th August, 2004. We followed the Malaysianised format for L.S.S., which was launched on 17 th April, 2006 by His Lordship Bishop Antony Selvanayagam.
The sessions were held at St. Peter's Church on Sunday evenings. They were attended by a total of 135 participants from all the four parishes in Melaka. The sessions lasted for about one and a half to two hours, with praise and worship, talks on the topic for each session (as prescribed in the L.S.S. Manual) by a priest, group sharing, testimonies and a fellowship at the close of each session.
Participants went through the following :
- A Penitential Service, to be reconciled with God, in Session 4 (Repentance);
- The act of Forgiveness for the hurts harboured by them so as to achieve Inner Healing, in Session 5;
This was followed by the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, to experience the “in filling” of the Spirit through the Gifts that they may received.
During the last session (the 9 th Session) a questionnaire was handed out to each participant to get some feed-back on their experiences from the L.S.S.
Of the 86 questionnaires returned.
78 expressed being touched by the Holy Spirit;
the sessions on Inner Healing and Baptism in the Holy Spirit touched a larger number of participants (52 and 54 respectively) compared to the other sessions;
45 expressed having rested in the Spirit during the 5 th (Inner Healing) and 6 th (Baptism in the Holy Spirit) sessions, whilst 4 were unsure as to what “resting in the Spirit” meant;
71 experienced spiritual/emotional healing in the L.S.S.;
80 experienced the peace and love of God in the L.S.S.; .
43 experienced having received the gifts of the Holy Spirit, mainly the gift of tongues.
Participants also gave verbal and written testimonies during the last two sessions of the L.S.S. The following are edited versions or excerpts of some of the testimonies.
1. “I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed-up for the L.S.S., This was my first LSS. To my surprise it turned out to be an overwhelming experience. I was able to establish a closer relationship with God. The praise and worship sessions were uplifting. Having gone through repentance, inner healing and baptism in the Spirit I now firmly believe to be privileged in receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit in God's own terms. Having humbly prayed for the ‘cleansing of my soul', I yielded to Him completely, to feel that awful spiritual experience of ‘resting in the Spirit', an experience that will remain in me for the rest of my life.
Thank you Lord for filling me with Your Holy Spirit, for I shall now be able to serve You and my neighbour with the gifts bestowed upon me.”
2 . “Before the commencement of the 9 th and the last session of the L.S.S. I received a call at about 6pm informing me that my grandson was admitted to a hospital in Singapore for a severe bout of food allergy that caused his body to swell. The doctors were rather concerned about his condition. A second call at 7pm reported a sharp decline in his blood pressure. I became so worried for him, but decided to attend the last and closing session of the L.S.S. Upon entering the doors of the church I wasted no time in placing my grandson's deteriorating condition in the hands of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. I knelt down and prayed to God begging for His mercy to heal my grandson.
After the L.S.S. session I quickly returned home to find to my great joy that my grandson was out of danger. The doctors at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore were amazed at his remarkable recovery, acclaiming it to be miraculous. I then realised how powerful prayer can be – God did hear me and answered my prayer at the L.S. S. Thank You Father! Thank You Jesus! Thank You Holy Sprit!”
3 .“ It is God's love for me that drew me to participate in the L.S.S. I am glad that I did it, as I now feel so much lighter in my mind and in my heart, after emptying myself of all my sins and the hurts that I had harboured in my heart. I have truly allowed the Holy Spirit to take control of me, to fill me with the gifts that would help me to serve others with the love that Jesus that had taught us. Thank You Father. Keep loving me more and more each day.”
4 .“ At the 6 th session of the L.S.S. (Baptism in the Spirit) I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit – it was a warm and tingling sensation all over my body, and I could see a ray of light even though my eyes were closed. It is really hard to describe in a few words, but I had a pleasant feeling, and I found myself unwittingly praying to God – not so much in tongues, though it was just a soft humming sound coming from my throat.
At that point when Farther Benedict Yeo anointed me with the holy oil, I had no control of myself but to slump down and rest in the Spirit. It was indeed such a peaceful and awesome experience. I cried and cried shedding tears of joy during the rest of the session, being thankful to God for filling me with the Holy Spirit and for empowering me with His love. I love you Father!”
Tamil Nine Weeks LSS
Penang Diocese
The Tamil Diocesan Service Team has monitored and assisted in conducting the LSS in the following Parishes at the Prayer groups. Preference was given to the LSS Presenters who attended Fr Gino's seminar on the 9 weeks LSS in 2006.
Penang Island . The LSS was held from July to Oct 2006 at the Church of St John Britto Penang . About 70 participants from 4 parishes attended the seminar.
Testimony : Youths were impressed by the daily reflections on the Word of God. More time was given to personnel prayer. The talks were a practical & easy to understand. For many anxieties, burdens & unforgiveness were taken away during the seminar.” Compared to the weekend LSS, I personally prefer this format, as it was encouraging”, said one of them.
St Louis Church, Taiping . From 13 August – 11 October 2006. About 105 participants.
Testimony : Some of the members were set free from bondage of evil spirit & Sin. The majority received an out pouring of the Holy Spirit & new Life.
Church of St Michael . Alor Star from 27 April – 21 June 2007 About 84 participants.
Testimony : A couple testified that they did the daily readings and reflections together. The outcome was that they felt a sense of deep belonging to God and one another. They confessed and asked forgiveness for their faults and failings. They have come to realise how important it is to pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to live their family life and their vocation of marriage. Many Participants received the Gift of Tongues and experienced the Love of God.
Church of Holy Name of Mary, Permatang Tinggi from 6 May – 8 July 2007. About 84 participants.
Testimony: A youth shared, “Initially the thought of attending the LSS for 9 consecutive weeks looked like a very difficult commitment to keep.” But I got more excited after each week as I came to know and experience Jesus in a personnel way. I also discovered my role as a Christian ‘Youth'. I realised I belong to Christ not to the world and have committed myself to live the Gospel values.
Many received the gift of prophecy, tongues .The joy, in singing and praising God and a new found love for the Sacraments.
Church of Holy Name of Mary . Batu Lapan. Tanjung Rambutan. Perak
From 22 June – 12 August 2007. About 75 participants.
Testimony : A lot of physical and emotional healings took place. A lady protested against CCR apologise, saying that she had a very wrong idea of prayer meetings. She had talked against prayer groups but now realized that it was the Holy Spirit in various ways leading the people to pray in various ways. Sharing of faith is my responsibility said a youth. 2 ladies who had severe leg pains, one could not kneel, were healed during the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Many received the gift of tongues, and a freedom to pray spontaneously. They also learned the importance of praising and thanking God.
Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Ipoh from 3 July – 28 August 2007.
About 60 Participants.
Rev Fr Joseph Stephen was total involved in this LSS. He gave talks encouraging the people to live the life in the Spirit. He said that it is not a Sacrament or a 2 nd baptism but ‘the Power' of God to enrich you to live your vocation to which you have been called. Many were happy with the 9 week LSS. The Experience has brought them healing, peace and Joy in the Spirit.
Church of St Joseph . Batu Gajah Perak from 27 June – 29 August 2007. About 75 Participants.
Testimony : Many received gift of tongues and healing. “Attending the 9 weeks Life in the Spirit has brought me to know the importance of ‘the word of God' and Prayer life.” Others said, “My attendance has made me know the importance of BEC, the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation.” “Daily reading the word of God and prayer has become a “must” in my everyday life.” “I received many new insights into Word of God.” The forgiveness prayer and inner healing prayer led to reconciliation among enemies and healing of old wounds. Husband & wife relationship were renewed. “My husband has started family prayer.” “I have a Thirst to go for Mass. ” “Presentation of God's Word was very encouraging and practical; inspiring to yield to the Holy Spirit totally.”
Church of St Anthony . Nibong Tebal from 9 April – 4 June 2007. About 60 Participants.
Rev Fr. Francis Xavier encouraged the participants to be Transformed like Jesus Christ and to be the light & Salt to their fellow brothers & Sisters. Full support from the Parish Priest. Most of the participants had the experience of being a Christian to fulfill the teaching of God's Word. And also to spend more time to personal & family prayer.
“I am looking forward for more seminars like this”, said one of the participants.
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary , Butterworth.
From 14 August – 9 October 2007. About 180 participants.
The rest of the prayer groups are planning their LSS early next year.
International News
ISAO UPDATE
ISAO EXCO MEETING
This was held on 28 and 29 July at Marymount Convent , Singapore . Those attended include Cyril John (Chairman), Felix Ali Chendra (Vice Chairman), Gerard Francisco (Secretary), Brendan Woodnut (Treasurer), Allan Panozza (ICCRS) and Bro James Shin (ICCRS).
Here are the main points:
ISAO CONFERENCE
• Postponement – the initial conference planned for 2007 has been postponed due to timing, as many expressed that they were unable to attend. Others found the cost too high.
• Confirmed Conference Dates – it was decided to have it in the year 2008 as follows:
Sunday 14 September – Ex CO Meeting
Monday 15 September to Thursday 18 September – Conference
Friday, 19 September – ISAO Committee meeting (morning), Ex Co Meeting (afternoon).
• Venue – confirmed to be Kinasih, Bogor , Indonesia because of good infrastructure and support. Other venues like Thailand , Vietnam , etc. are to be considered for future events.
• Three important elements of the conference – this include teaching, fellowship and prayer experience. There will be workshops in the afternoon and sharing by the different nations.
• Confirmed cost - US$100.00 for registration and US$150.00 for accommodations and meal.
• Budget - final budget for the conference will be forwarded to the Ex Co Treasurer. The Indonesian NSC has formed an Event Secretariat, who will work closely with the ISAO Secretariat in Singapore .
• Program, registration forms and publicity materials – these will be ready by early January 2008, and all are strongly encouraged to start publicising the event as from now.
• The Indonesian NSC has already booked the venues, accommodations, and has made other arrangements with regards to the Conference. Arrangements will also be made for post conference tours.
ISAO MEMBERSHIP
ISAO statutes state that each NSC is to appoint its Chairman or a nominated member to be a voting member in ISAO Committee. A copy of this statute will be sent to you soon, with a letter requesting the NSCs to appoint a member. Additional non-voting members may be co-opted because of their expertise, but they need to be in good standing with their respective NSCs who should write a letter of approval.
MEETING WITH ARCHBISHOP
A meeting with Archbishop Nichloas Chia of Singapore took place after the meeting. Archbishop Nicholas shows his support for ISAO and welcomed members in that meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to tell him about the needs of ISAO, starting a bank account in Singapore and the relationship with SACCRE (the Singapore NSC) Council, and to invite him to the ISAO Conference in Bogor . As to the invitation, if time permits His Grace will join us for the Conference. His Grace will also make the necessary arrangement to authorise the starting of an ISAO bank account here in Singapore .
FUNDING
A bank account for ISAO will be opened here in Singapore once the necessary procedures, and approval is given by Archbishop Nicholas. Once opened, a letter will be sent to all NSCs for fund raising and contributions to ISAO. To help save cost, there will not be a physical office for ISAO in Singapore until the funds are at a healthy state.
For now ISAO will operate through a mailing address. However, phones, a website with email address, etc. would be necessary for effective communicate. The ISAO Secretariat is also helping on a voluntary basis and will not be paid.
We also encourage NSCs to provide financial support for members to attend meetings abroad.
Work on an ISAO website is being carried out and we hope to commence as from January 2008. This will be linked to ICCRS as well as all NSCs in ISAO.
Annie Mary Gattenby ( Australia ) has agreed to form an intercessory network to pray for ISAO and the Conference. An intercessory page will be hosted in our website sometime in January 2008. As from now, we appeal to all the NSCs in ISAO to form their own prayer network for the same intentions.
As from now ISAO monthly updates will be emailed to everybody. If you have interesting news of CCR development in your country, or information about particular programs, which you like all members to know, please send them to this present email.