When we arrived at the venue, Bro.Jomar and Sis.Lynn Mondejar were warmly greeting all early birds. Cavite Feast Builder Bro.Rex, together with servants from Cavite and Pasig Feasts were so busy in the preparations-while the Music Ministry from Pasig Feast tried to warm-up with worship songs.
I have been to De La Salle-Dasma several times, but it was my first time to be in that area of the university. The place was so serene, surrounded by trees and cheerful birds. The quietness was a welcome respite for city people like us. It was such a perfect venue for the 1st Jesus Encounter for Feast Cavite Servants.
By 8:30am, Bro.Jay Yogawin of Feast Alabang started the lively Praise and Worship, together with the Pasig Music Ministry. It was followed by the warm welcome and introduction to “God’s Love” by our very own Feast Builder-Bro.Rex Robillos. His short, but very enriching talk reminded all of us that despite all our sins and shortcomings, still God loves us more than we can imagine!
Talk No.1 “ Who We Are”
given by Bro.Jay Yogawin – enlightened us on the humble beginnings of Light of Jesus Community founded by Bro.Bo Sanchez on September 1980. LOJ started with only 20 dedicated attendees at its original home at 56 Chicago,Cubao,QC. Its Mission then was to share the Light of Jesus to others as widely and effectively as possible through Evangelization, Discipleship, Community, Ministry and Worship.
At present, LOJ has become The Light of Jesus Family (LOJF) representing its wide membership growth from all-over the different parts of the country and even abroad. It is now structured by Feast Area, headed by its respective Feast Builders. Talk No.1 can be summarized by the following:
What : Light of Jesus Family
Mission : Make Disciples
Vision : 1,000 Feasts around the world
Strategy : Friendship
Tools : Caring Groups
Talk No.2 “Our Beliefs”
was discussed by Bro. Boggs Burbos – Feast Builder of Feast Cabanatuan. It focused on the LOJF’s 21 core beliefs that reminded all participants that our life has different areas that should be nourished regularly. As Catholics, it is not enough that we attend Sunday Mass, rather, we should also look for a community that would allow us to share our love, our time, our talent and our blessings to those who need them most. As a servant of LOJF, it is good to be reminded of these core beliefs so that we may be able to serve God and the community to the best that we can. To sum it all up, LOJF believed that every human being is a child of God-no matter what race or religion. It believes in working for unity among Christians and non-Christians.
Talk No.3 “Baptism/Day of Anointing”
was conducted by our South District Feast Builder-Bro.Hermie Morelos. He shared with us about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, particularly, the Gift of Tongues, and how we can open our hearts and minds in order to receive them. However, not everybody can receive all these gifts unless they are able to overcome the following obstacles: Sin, Pride, Doubt and an Unrepentant heart. We can only receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit through the ff:
1. We must desire it
2. We must earnestly ask God for it
3. We must believe God will give it to us
Bro.Hermie led the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, followed by the Anointing with Oil by all community leaders. This was followed by a short, but very inspiring “sharing” by some of our brothers and sisters – who, in one way or the other, have experienced God’s love in their lives at a time when they are most vulnerable. Their stories are living testimonies of God’s unconditional love and mercy.
For the last part of the Jesus Encounter, a candle lighting ritual was led by Bro.Boggs – to symbolize the LOJF and Feast Cavite’s commitment to serve God and the community with all their hearts and minds. The Commitment to LOJ Community was led by Bro.Jomar Mondejar, followed by the closing prayer by Sis.Lynn Mondejar.
Indeed, the Jesus Encounter by the Light of Jesus Family was one experience my husband and I would always cherish in our lives. Not only did it strengthen our Catholic faith and love for Jesus as our only Savior—but above all, I believe that by the grace of God – our marriage and relationship as a couple was even more strengthened and inspired to do our share to help make the MISSION of LOJF a realization.
That beautiful day of October 15, we did not only meet wonderful people and servants of the Light of Jesus Family, but above all – we Encountered Jesus!
October 15, 2011
De La Salle University, Dasmarinas, Cavite
written by Sis.Pam Constantino
0 comments:
Post a Comment