Singapore Experience

Well I am a little late in thanking all of you for your sincere prayers for my Singapore trip for the teens’ training programme. I have all reasons to believe all of you accompanied me in prayer. Well just wanted to share about my experience.

The day I was leaving, it was raining very heavily for couple of hours and that was the day our dearest rickshaw and taxi bhais went on strike. So me and my husband (Lyndon) were stuck in Ghatkopar. We had to walk quite a lot to get a rick. But unfortunately our rickshaw man wasn’t in his uniform so he left us almost 2 kilometers before the airport. So in that heavy rain we had to walk quite a bit. Though we reached on time, I was waiting for Immanuel as he was bringing the lectionary which Jesus Youth Singapore had asked me to bring. He also was caught in traffic.

Anyways a little late when I had to check in I realized, that my passport got all wet and it was spoiled. The moment I saw it I was all in tears, I knew tough time was waiting for me. Though Kingfishers objected, they gave me my boarding pass. But when I went to the immigration, they outrightly rejected. They were pretty clear when they said - "You won't be able to travel with this passport, unless Kingfishers give written undertaking and take your responsibility." I requested them but they were not ready to agree. Time was moving pretty fast. When I asked Kingfisher fellows, they said, they cannot give anything in writing. The boarding pass from there end says they don’t have any objection. Again I ran to the Immigration Officer, after persuading much, he agreed to clear me. But he said, "We are clearing you but once you reach Singapore and there if you are detained or deported no body will take your responsibility."

By now I knew things were pretty serious and after all the running around I was not in a state to take a decision. It was already 10.40 and my flight was at 11.05pm. Immediately I called Lyndon and Immanuel who were waiting out. I was trying George (International Coordinator) but his cell was switched off. The paper on which Singapore JYs no was written it was all spoiled. I was lost I didn’t know what to do. All I could think of was, I asked Holy Spirit my helper to discern the will of God for me and help me to take decision. Meanwhile Immanuel spoke to Soney chechi, she also was a little skeptical, as Singapore immigration is very strict. I called Siljo (India Coordinator) and asked him to get me in touch with JY Singapore. When I spoke to my father, he said - "Don’t take the risk, don’t travel." But deep within me I felt th Holy Spirit telling me, not to worry and to be obedient to whatever JY Singapore says. It was 10.50 when finally I got in touch with them. And they said, "Don’t worry, we will pray. You just board, we will handle." My husband also called. I thought he would not take the risk, but to my amazement he said, "Shiji don’t worry, you go ahead, your Jesus will take care of you and Jesus Youth Singapore is all there for you, they will do the needful." When I heard it from him, tears were rolling down my cheek; he is a person who has no association with JY and spirituality. But I knew this was the act of faith. Time was 10.55, immigration, security check in all remaining. It was a marathon from one end to another. Finally boarding the flight was like my daily local train journey, just last min entry. I was all drenched in rain, the entire night I was shivering. I could hardly sleep except for some little time in the morning.

But morning when I got up, I felt very different. I was feeling very confident. I could sense the power of prayer. When I reached the immigration counter, the official asked me to fill in the details of the sponsor in Singapore, his address and phone no. That’s when I realized I had already lost that paper. But very confidently I said I need to make a call to get the address. She said I can make a local Singapore call. I was asking Holy Spirit now what to do coz I didn’t have the no. And I didn’t have sufficient balance for international roaming (previous night I had finished all my bal). But as per the inspiration of spirit, I checked my cell and saw JY Singapore, Andrew chettan’s no in my inbox. Last min before take off, Siljo had forwarded that. So I could call and get the details. The official looked at my passport and asked what happened. I said it was raining heavily in India. She smiled and said, "Go home and dry your passport!!" And all the formalities were over. Praise God!

In all this I knew Jesus wanted me to be there. A lot of preparation and cleansing which could not happen before, happened in a few hours time and I knew I was all set for the programme. The programme was beautiful. There were 12 teens for the Discipleship Training Programme(DTP). This was the first time Singapore was doing a DTP. Rodney chettan from Kochi was already there. It was beautiful time being with them and sharing Jesus and his love with them. Out of 12, 11 were Keralite kids born and brought up in Singapore and 1 localite boy. The most important part was sitting with them and hear them in person about there challenges and to know how sad they were coz they felt they were failing Jesus in there life. It was a lovely group of kids with lots of love for Jesus and lots of enthusiasm to do his will. It was a great learning experience for me as well; to learn so much from those little kids.

Thanks a lot for your prayers... Through this experience, once again his word came true in my life.... Once again I learned to take his Spirit as my best friend, as my helper and to trust his gentle voice.

God bless!!!!!!

-- Shiji Lyndon

Fourth Sunday Gathering+ FIRE Follow Up

The FIRE ’10 follow-up programme and the 18th anniversary celebration of Mumbai Jesus Youth were conducted on 27th June 2010 at Vinyalaya, Andheri (E). The tea was served to the participants before the start of the program. We started the programme with action song of “Waves of Mercy”. The chart paper in the shape of Hearts was attached to each chair. All participants were asked to take a heart card, write their name and it was returned to the volunteers

Then with lot of enthusiasm the song “Jab se Pyaara Yeshu”, an action song was sung and danced on. Then Bro Shaji and Bro Sumin led the group into a time of praise and worship. Then the audio visual people performed a skit which was based on "The decisions to be clearly made by Jesus and only by him".

After that Bro. Ivan Fernandes took a session on "refined and renewed through Christ". The basis essence of the two Jubilee themes, refined in the fire and renewed by thy Spirit was conveyed. A group discussion followed in which all the people were asked to write their dreams for the ministry and for their personal spiritual lives.

Post lunch we had a skit on how we can "trust in God" by Rachelle and Binoy. A session was conducted by Arun on "a call to holiness". Many Jesus Youth were sharing their struggles and experiences in trying to lead a life of holiness. Then we had a mass celebration by Fr. Brian. In the sermon, Fr Brian shared his call to priesthood and reminded us to look for the calling within ourselves. Then we had a grand celebration of cutting the cake of the 18th year celebration and birthday people celebrating their birthdays this month. Immanuel described about the Jubilee celebrations and initiatives around the world. The day winded up with tea and snacks.

And I thank the Almighty God for the amazing blessings he has been showering on each JY member for the past 18 years; and I thank him specially for the grace that was flowing through each one of us on that day. I thank all the members for their support and all programme team members for the time they have been giving for this programme, for their support, prayers and every effort taken for the grand success of this programme. Thank you and may God Almighty bless you all!!

-- Leo Mauril G

Route Map to reach Vinalaya

Andheri – Chakala

Directions from Andheri Station to the destination, Holy Family Church.

1. Get to the east side of Andheri, that is Andheri East
2. There is a bus depot just touching the station.
3. Below are the list of buses from station. Stop name is Holy Family Church, Chakala.
4. Auto Rickshaw will cost u Rs.25/-

These are the following buses numbers from various location .

1) ANDHERI EAST - 443, 434, 184, 186, 415,

2) KURLA STATION EAST - 332

3) KURLA STATION WEST - 349<

4) GHATKOPAR - 340

5) WORLI - 324, 39

Note that bus no.39 will directly stop in front of Vinalaya.

18th Anniversary of Fourth Sunday Gathering

4th Sunday Gathering
Vinayalaya Retreat House, on 27-06-2010 from 10am to 5pm.

Alleluia Alleluia,

The days are back when we shall reunite ourselves to experience the mighty presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. A wonderful time to come and praise Him, worship Him, sing with Him and dance on His tone. Your presence shall be important for the Lord Almighty; you all are welcomed in the time of grace. Be a part of the family.

Venue:

Vinalaya Retreat House, Behind Holy Family Church, Chakala , Andheri (East), Mumbai - 400059.

Contact:
Immanuel - 9768087191, Sumin - 9820197538, Leo - 9930259526.

Report of FIRE'10

Dear friends

The much-awaited program Fire’10 was held in Tabor Bhavan from 27th May to 30th May. It was blessed to have the presence of Br Alex Njavally, Bro Cherian Rampuram and Fr Francis Eluvathingal as the resource persons.

The retreat started at 6pm on 27th May 2010 at Tabor Bhavan with music followed by the rosary and dedication(Consecration) of the program to Mother Mary asking for her special intercession. The program officially began with the celebration of the Holy Mass by Fr Lijo Mullonkal (Jesus Youth Mumbai Director). Dinner followed the mass, which was followed by a small time of music. The keynote of the program was given by Fr Lijo, followed by an introductory talk by Br.Alex Njavally on what to expect here Br Alex Njavally. Instructions given by Immanuel Joseph (Co-ordinator Jesus Youth Mumbai) followed the talk. All the participants were sent to their respective dormitories by 10:15p.m.

The next day, 28th of June 2010, started with a time of intercession by the volunteers from 6:00am. The MC’s for the day were Tania and Dixon. The day started with praise and worship led by Agnel and Leo. A session by Bro Alex on God’s love and Jesus as my personal savior followed the break. Video clips and music kept the participants energized in between the sessions. The sessions on sin and repentance were given by Bro Cherian, which made the participants realize many dark areas in their hearts. The confession that proceeded was a wonderful experience for many of the participants. It was the best confession in the lives of many, especially for those who had decided to go for a confession after many years. We really thank the priests who have taken the pain to conduct the confessions without even having lunch. Music started by 3 p.m., which was followed by an introductory session on the Holy Spirit by Rev Dr Francis Eluvathingal. Following the sessions was a break time for the participants. They were back by 5:30p.m. and started again with a song, followed by the conversion testimony of Bro Binu Ashokan and a video clip of Archbishop Romario who was shot down during the Eucharistic celebration. A group workshop was done to sink the idea of God’s love more into their hearts with each of the leaders sharing their experiences.  A session on the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit was taken by Bro Alex and all were sent for dinner. Following dinner, a special deliverance mass was celebrated by Fr Rony VC, Fr Francis and Fr Lijo which created an everlasting impact on many of the participants. It was a time when many people experienced the real presence of Jesus and the grace and deliverance received through Holy Eucharist. Around 11pm, they were sent to their dormitories.
 Saturday the 29th May, 2010 started with the time of intercession by volunteers. The MC’s of the day were Sheryan & Steffi. The day stared with the Music and Audio visual ministries teaching a new action song. It was great as everyone sung and danced for the Lord. The praise and worship was taken by Bro Shaji and Steffi. A session on the Word of God and its importance in our lives was given by Bro Cherian. A session on Catholic Church by Fr Francis followed the breakfast that reminded us that the church is the mystical body of Christ. The next session was taken by Bro Alex on the topic of Forgiveness; He explained why it is important to forgive as it builds up the block between Lord and us. He also told us to list down all the people to be forgiven, right from our childhood till date and ask the Holy Spirit the grace to forgive. Bro Alex reminded us to read more spiritual books, which would improve our personality. If you are taking in thrash, only bad things will come out. He encouraged us to pray to remain holy. Music, action songs and videos were packed in between the sessions that helped the participants to sink those ideas completely into them. After the lunch participants were sent for a group workshop, which was a prologue to the inner healing session. The Holy mass was celebrated at 3:30 pm by Fr Antony (Arch diocesan Youth Director) in which he stressed upon the aspect of relationships. Following the break a session dedicated for relationships was taken by Bro Alex. Session on inner healing by Bro Cherian started at 7pm. After dinner the inner healing adoration was done which was a great experience for all the participants. Many experienced healing from many of the dark areas of their lives.

The last day of the retreat, Sunday 30th May, was started by Holy Mass by Fr Mathew Naikkamparambil, Fr Joshi and Fr Lijo. This was a holy mass during which many of them received physical healing and Fr Mathew shared many of his experiences on how praising God has worked wonders and miracles in so many different situations. Following the break, introduction to Jesus Youth lifestyle was projected upon with the help of a panel sharing co-ordinated by Immanuel Joseph. We mainly stressed upon the six pillars of Jesus Youth movement and how it has helped each one to grow in a relationship with Christ. A session on evangelization was taken by Bro Cherian where he stressed the need to evangelize in our daily life situations. All groups were asked to conduct a model prayer meeting in their groups. Participants were asked to gather on the basis of their regions and plans were chalked out. The retreat concluded with final anointing session with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. It was the call to each one of us to go to the world to evangelize by receiving the strength from above. The people started dispersing from the venue by 2:30p.m post lunch and were in real fire to go and proclaim the good news to the ends of the world.

Tanya and Rachele

We really thank the Lord for all the grace he has showered to all of us during the program. We specially remember all the people who prayed for us, word of God packed sessions. The best of whole was that each of the holy mass was an experience for all the participants. To conclude sister from the team of Fr Mathew, who prophesized during the retreat told that the FIRE'10 was a Blessing.

Jesus Youth specially remember all the volunteers and elders and others who tirelessly worked for making this program a wonderful one. We specially remember Fr Lijo (Pastor Jy Mumbai), Sr Cicily (Mother superior, Clelia convent ),Mrs Soney Noble, Simon (Gen Co-ordinator) and Rachele (Program Co-ordinator) for their efforts. Music ministry and the Audio visual ministry was appreciated by everybody and we really pray for their works for the glory of Lord. We also remember all the elders who were there with their families to help and guide us in each and every step related to the program

FIRE Experience - 3

Hello All,

I am on my computer again, to jot down my small experience. I love this moment of sharing my experience with all. Don’t know who all will be touched by what I went through. I think, that’s the reason, we all share our experiences with others. As the song goes “Can you believe what the lord has done in me, He has saved me, cleansed me, turned my life around, set my feet on the solid ground”.

Before coming for Fire 2010, I had 3 – 4 prayers in my heart of which only two of them will I be highlighting. About the rest, I will speak when the right time comes:

My First Prayer: Teach me to pray.
My Second Prayer: Teach me to learn and understand your word.

Fire started for me not on Thursday 27th, but a week ago, when I was asked to take charge of the music ministry as Shaji had left for Kerala. That was the start of FIRE inside me, because I was in a mess. ‘Cause I knew I cannot take it. If you ask me to take charge of a choir, I will surely do, because I know what needs to be done, but not the music ministry of Jesus Youth. It’s because to lead the music ministry of Jesus Youth one needs to be grounded in prayer and take the group together in prayer. And I knew I was not at all in prayer. But still, I had to take up the charge, in the absence of Shaji and set up the stage. A week before Fire, when I was asked to schedule the songs for Fire, I had no clue what to do. BTW, even before the start of FIRE, we had no clue of the songs. (Binu helped me a lot to set the songs for the retreat, in the retreat). I never knew how to select the songs but I had to select it and give it to Simon the coordinator, who was behind me with a stick all the time. When I was asked to select these songs, I was working 12-hour shifts (8am to 8pm), so I was sitting late night to get the songs selected and coordinate for music ministry. But still I wasn’t that serious, I just had to select the songs, and I knew the lead will be taken by Shaji when he returns from Kerala. I selected the songs for Thursday (Day 0) and Friday (Day 1) so that we could at least practice the next Saturday and Sunday. We did have a practice session on Saturday before Fire with the Audio Visual Team. Since, I was working; I had to skip the Saturday’s practice. The next scheduled date was on Sunday and the venue was decided as St. Clelia convent, Sakinaka and FIRE was supposed to happen next week. I was all set for Sunday’s practice, notified all to reach the venue for practice via way2sms, which I was not planning to do, because everyone knew they had to be there in the morning 10:00 am. But for confirmation, I put an SMS. I was shocked when I got a reply from Heartina, that the venue has been changed to Tabor Bhavan. I knew that was a joke or some mistake. I called her up to correct it. To my surprise, the decision had been made by the coordinators of FIRE. I said hey, you need to understand the situation here - We are not ready for FIRE. Well, I said this to myself.

I then, called up Simon, because he was the culprit in changing the venue. But no use, we had to reach Tabor Bhavan as the JY’s from Indore and Nagpur, who were supposed to conduct the Teens retreat, would reach one day late. So, I asked the music ministry to reach Tabor Bhavan for practice. I was excited of going to Tabor, but don’t ask me why, because I myself didn’t know why it was so. We reached Kalyan station, and we get news that we have to handle two groups. So, we need two keyboardists and singers by the side. I said, yes, we will surely handle them. Hope they don’t handle us first. But, I knew if HE has asked for it, HE will provide for it. We had only one keyboardist i.e, Jobin and a half keyboardist, I. I had lost the touch of keyboard months back, since I do not have a keyboard at my place. I thought, let’s give it a try, I may not be able to give the best, but whatever I have, I will give.

The days at Tabor:
23 May, Sunday – Reached Tabor for the Teens Retreat
24 May, Monday – Teens Retreat
25 May, Tuesday – Teens Retreat
26 May, Wednesday – End of Teens Retreat
27 May, Thursday – Start of FIRE’ 10
28 May, Friday – FIRE’ 10
29 May, Saturday – FIRE’ 10
30 May, Sunday – End of FIRE’ 10

This would help understand the events which I am to share.

When we reached Tabor, we had no clue what to do. Some people came around us gave us the Time table for the three days and vanished. I said WOW! What do we do now. Since, Immanuel was waiting at the station for two more volunteers to reach; we had to plan for ourselves. We had a small prayer and then decided to split and make two groups and move as we were already late. We started the rosary as per the timetable and then a session started, which gave us some time to think. Well, after that it was “Rock Rock Rock in the light”. You won’t believe me; I was playing the keyboard and singing as well, which I never did in my life. I have always done only one thing at time, play the keyboard or sing. At tabor it was really an experience, because I had no other choice but to do it. Well, it did teach me that I can do things if I can just believe in HIM. Praise the lord!

That was just a trailer of the Storm I was going to experience. Things started flowing; I really do not know how it went so beautifully. I remember what Beena chechi of REX Band once told us in Talent Gallery Sep 2008, “Take that faithful first step and He will take you a mile”.

Before coming to Tabor, Femin (for those who do not know him, he is one of the elder’s in the music ministry and takes care of the Keyboard) and I had planned to have some practice sessions on Monday afternoon and Tuesday afternoon for FIRE and set as many songs as possible, since we were planning to move out the next morning from Tabor and since we needed to practice for FIRE’ 10 . After attending the sessions, I didn’t feel like moving out of Tabor. Its then, that we got to know that the music ministry of JY Indore and Nagpur will not be present with the group, who would be reaching Mumbai the next day. So, now I felt a stronger urge not to leave Tabor. Next morning Femin called me up about the practice on Monday and Tuesday, I did not have any words to tell him, but say “SORRY” and that we cannot move out of Tabor, since we had to be there and help out. So, that was the last hope of all practice sessions of music ministry for FIRE coming to a big FULL STOP. At tabor, we had also planned to do some practice sessions for Music Ministry, but the days were so tiring and the temperature there was so high, which caught us really badly and that plan also got foiled.

Those three days at Tabor, shook me off from my ground due to the sessions of the priests there. It was a devastating experience for me. The sessions taken by the priests were so piercing, which I can never forget. The experiences shared by Fr. George, the director of Divine Retreat Center of Bangalore, of changing the climate conditions with the Blessed Sacrament in front of him, kept me thinking if these things really happen. Before his session Immanuel had given us a hint about this Priest and I was waiting for his sessions. After his session, Fr. Joseph and Fr. Joshi shook the ground beneath me and I am sure same thing happened to all those who were listening to them.

It was really beautiful. The deliverance mass celebrated by Fr. George in the Teens retreat and Fr. Rony at FIRE was simply heart throbbing. I was Joseph at my best, shouting to my Lord, not fearing what others will think about me. It was amazing, just amazing.

I really do not know how I could sing for those seven days even after drinking cold water (due to the temperature there), shouting at the top of my voice and still not have a sore throat. Every day was a new beginning for me at Tabor. New lessons learnt. Well I didn’t feel content of what I got, since we had to run to two groups simultaneously and conduct action songs, skits and different things. I am just thinking of other volunteers as well, they must have had an amazing experience running around, whole of Tabor Bhavan.

And then came FIRE’ 2010.

The change had already started in me by the sessions by the priests of Tabor.

Thursday 27th, when Shaji was supposed to be there informed that he would be there only in the evening. I said, “OK, no problem, at least he will be there in the evening”. But still I was a bit sad. The music ministry was not prepared to take it. We had new people coming in for music. I did not know how it will go without any practice. Joseph Vincent, the guitarist is a real boon and Christine, Jerome’s wife. It was great to have Jerome in the AV Team. This fire, we had new faces, but they knew more songs than me.

I got many corrections, the next day from FIRE coordinators, and I did not know how to handle it. Without Shaji, it was getting very difficult for me to handle the situation. Binu was a big support then. In the evening, Shaji came and suddenly he left with a message that he will be back only the next day evening. I was crying inside, cause it was really getting tough to handle and I could see music ministry needed Shaji a lot. Right at that moment, I should have taken these things to my Lord. But, I didn’t feel the need of it. Its only after FIRE’ 10 did I realize, that these small things were taking root in me for a disaster later on. That disaster was not long way off. Something inside me was crying for something, I didn’t know. I just wanted to be with my God for some time and I didn’t even have time. On Saturday (DAY 2), Shaji was there, and I decided to be in Chapel as much as possible, but still could not get time. It was then, the music ministry was divided in two, so that the other half of the team can be in the chapel for intercession. But I felt as if the ministry is breaking up. This added to my sorrow. I really didn’t know why I was thinking in that manner. All these thoughts were tearing me apart, but still had a big smile on my face. I think it was at 11.30am or 12pm we were asked to go to chapel and sit in front of the blessed sacrament and intercede for all the participants. This was new to me. I never knew what intercession was, or why we need to intercede. My stand was, since God knows our need what difference do we make by interceding. Everything happens according to HIS will.

Still I was there in the chapel because I needed the strength to go on. We all were in the chapel started praying for the participants in our own words. But I wanted to be with my Lord for some time. After some time we were asked to have lunch and come back. When we went out Rachel was waiting for us. I had never seen Rachel in such a mood. She was like an angel standing with a sword in front of us. She blasted all of us for – the way we were interceding for the participants. That did it. That put me one more step lower, but I did not realize it then. After that, I don’t know negative thoughts started creeping all around me. After lunch, I said to myself, “I have to go to the chapel and will not come out until He blesses me”, since; I was in sorrow and didn’t knew, what was eating me inside. It was then Immanuel, Agnel, Shaji and all the elders joined us in the chapel after lunch. They were praising with loud voices, but I could not, not even a word came out of me. I felt really bad; of the thought what would other JYs think about me. But then, I had to clear my conscience in front of God and He knew something is wrong in me. I was crying inside, but could not express. I was silent, with all the sorrow. I even felt like going out of chapel. But I had a firm decision to stay in the chapel until Jesus blesses me. I don’t know how much time I was there in the chapel. I think before we left for supper, a thought went through my mind, “Why am I so depressed, why am I so broken”. It’s after that, I felt all those negative thoughts melt away and I was able to praise again freely. I thanked my Lord, for that moment. I really did not know what actually happened, it was only after FIRE (the next Friday morning) that I realized, the events and the reasons, of all those thoughts in me, which I explained to you; one by one. I thanked my God that he delivered me of those thoughts that night. This was a great realization of how thoughts can put you down and restrict you from doing good things or make you do things, which you don’t want to do.

It was then, the great battle – the Adoration started. I really don’t remember the time, possibly 8pm or 8.30pm after supper. We were strictly asked not to go on stage but stay behind the participants and pray for them. I decided to obey. I was there thanking the Lord for my deliverance and to touch the participants, that they too may experience what we have. That adoration, I’m sure touched many. After the adoration, as usual we had a volunteers meeting to discuss the next day’s schedule. It was then that Alex chetan shared his experience that he could see a big difference in the way the participants were so closely listening to the session before the adoration. He also said, it was because of your intercession. At that time I was not in the mood to take anything, I was badly exhausted. But I did keep that in my mind.

The day, when we were all supposed to be moving out of Tabor, all the participants were jolly-jolly. May be because they won’t have to see our faces again or may be because they got what they wanted – Jesus. Hope the latter is T-R-U-E. The music ministry and the Audio-Visual Team had a blast the whole FIRE, even without practicing. All thanks to Leo Chacko, Leo Maureel and Simon the coordinator (I appreciate his patience). Things went perfectly as planned not by us but by GOD. These new experiences taught me a lot. I also apologise to the coordinators, that I was not able to keep the Music Ministry together in prayer. I just remember one thing from the bible – “How can a blind man lead others”.

You know what; my best experiences are always after the retreats. After coming back home, I got a call from one of my friend, who was not there in FIRE, that her sister, whom I had asked to be a part of FIRE’ 10, but had to go to Kerala for a medical check-up, that her sister is not detected with any illness. She used to have severe pain in the knees and joints in the past 3-4 years and was detected with GOUTS, which is related to the bones. I don’t know if that is the correct spelling. This year Jan or Feb, Jesus youth had gone to Ghansoli for conducting a Night Vigil. Fr. Binoy of Ghansoli, the main celebrant asked us to offer all who are in pain, in need of something on to the altar. His Holy Mass was very meaningful and was alive. I had surrendered my friend’s sister to the altar and also, two others. Father had also asked us to go and ask all, if the illness or the pain has left them or not. I was a bit shy to ask her to go again and have a check-up done, for fear – What if it’s not healed. Well, after this FIRE He showed me who He really is and also the answer to my question – Teach me to pray. He also made me understand the importance of intercession and to keep praying, as any child would bring their sibling’s need to his/her parent and not to be doubtful in the providence that HE is. I think that’s how we get closer to God, through our pain and through others pain. As Femi shared – Why does he put pain into the lives of people. It is for us and others to be stronger and come closer to God. The illness, GOUTS had left her forever. Doctors told that she is less of calcium. Nothing else.

There is another situation, which also changed my thinking, which I will be sharing with a testimony of my friend.

WOW! This FIRE really Rocked my life.

I WENT to FIRE’ 10, SAW and Jesus CONQUERED me head to toe.

Praise the Lord!

Halleluia!

Would like to hear any corrections or insights that you can provide to enlighten me.

In Prayers,

-- Joseph Thanickal

Vasai Outreach

Dear friends,

This is really a time of victory for the Mumbai JY, as we have crossed to another level of our mission i.e. the Syro Malankara church in Mumbai. It was special since the month of June is celebrated as the mission month in this Jubilee year. THANK YOU for all your prayers for Sunday's programme. The 1-day programme for the Syro-Malankara youth organized by JY Mumbai at St. John the Baptist Malankara Catholic Church Vasai was a great experience as we could share our lifestyle with the people of Malankara rite for the first time in Mumbai.

The programme started at 10.00 am with some action songs followed by a small game to group them and break the ice. Praise & worship was lead by Arun & Hilda followed by a sharing by Coordinator Immanuel on Jesus as my companion. A small skit by Simon & Mark worked good for the participants which conveyed the idea of "We as the Masterpiece of Lord". An active group discussion based on the companionship of the Lord was organized before breaking for the lunch. Many of the group members instantly shared various experiences that happened in their life.

In the second half, we started with an action song which was followed by a panel discussion led by Leo Chacko explaining the 6 pillars of Jesus youth. After the discussion we had a time of adoration led by Immanuel and music team. The program was concluded by the Syro-Malankara Holy Mass which was a different experience for many of the youth from Syro Malabar and Latin rites.

After the programme, we went to Vasai Syro Malabar church to meet Fr Sheen, who was instrumental in the growth of Jesus youth Mumbai in the past couple of years .Fr Sheen and Fr Davis (he was also there) blessed the gathering. We went to Mark's house for a time of fellowship and evaluation. Everyone had a positive opinion about the programme. Some improvements in the co-ordination were also suggested.

Sony Chechi discussed about the future vision

• There is good scope to spread the movement in the Malankara church.
• The Vasai west Syro Malabar church could be a meeting place for the Jesus Youth in Syro- Malabar, Syro- Malankara & Latin churches nearby.
• The importance of prayer groups especially in the time of growth was stressed upon.

Some of the Jesus Youth members have stayed in the families on previous night, which was also new beginning in the history of Jesus Youth Mumbai. It helped us to have a deep personal relationship with some of the parishioners.