There is currently a best-selling series of computer training books which all have titles ending with "For Dummies." These books contain simple step-by-step directions. They have great popular appeal, because many people including me, feel computers are overwhelming and that we are not smart enough to understand them. Simple, specific directions are exactly what overwhelmed people are looking for.

Are YOU overwhelmed by the demands of the “Christian life”? Are YOU desiring to live Christianity the way it is written in the Acts of the Apostles but seem to be going no where? Are you seeking for the POWER of PENTECOST. The POWER that gave birth “The Church”. This POWER that transformed self indulging men to be Witnesses of a risen LORD. Who forgot themselves and embraced all kinds of trials and persecution and even death so that, they might bring the Good News of what Jesus accomplished for every person through His Life, Death and Resurrection.

Look no further . This TRANSFORMING Power can be yours.

“I hope the Holy Spirit will meet with an ever more fruitful reception in the hearts of believers and that the 'culture of Pentecost' will spread. It so necessary in our time.” (Pope Benedict XVI)

WAIT! : The 120 gathered in the room before Pentecost did. They prayed and waited for Jesus promise of the Holy Spirit. They became aware of how powerless and weak they were without the Master. They must have cried out earnestly in prayer seeking God's Mercy and for His promise to be accomplished in their lives so that, they could fulfill the mission entrusted to them.

UNBELIEF is our your greatest stumbling block. St. Augustine says, “while unbelief continues all other sins are retained and when it departs all others sins are remitted.”

God the Father wants us to experience the forgiveness of our sins through His Son Jesus. Jesus wants us to experience the dignity of being sons and daughters of God whose sins have been forgiven by empowering us with His Holy Spirit. We need to REPENT! and acknowledge our poverty. “ Dismiss all anxiety from your minds...Then God's own peace...will stand guard over your hearts.” (Phil 4:6-7)

WAIT NO MORE!

Receive the breath of the Holy Spirit which brings every good thing see (Jas 1:17). His breath brings life, peace, forgiveness, boldness, miraculous unity, and worldwide renewal (see Ps 104:30).

All we need to do is listen to the Spirit and be ready and willing to follow His directions, just like Phillip did in the Acts of the Apostles Chpt 8:26,29-30. By doing so the Gospel was carried to Africa .

The Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly reminds us, 'Whether extraordinary or simple and humble, charisms are graces of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church, ordered as they are to her building up, to the good of men, and to the needs of the world.' (CCC 799)

SUSTAIN YOUR GROWTH

The Charismatic Renewal was born with a powerful drive to return to the essentials of the Christian life: the Holy Spirit, the Lordship of Christ, the Word of God, the Sacraments, prayer the charisms, life in community and evangelisation. Remember that you need the Holy Spirit and others in your community to continue growing in the Spirit. Stand tall and Rejoice that you are a Child of God!

“It was to us that this message of salvation was sent.” —Acts 13:26

Serving you,

Gerry Pereira