| Living as People of Hope |
| Date: 14-10-2009 |
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This year’s Community weekend took place on the 9th- 11th October 2009 at Gattard House, Blata l-Bajda. The Community members were regaled with the presence of Jeff Fountain who was invited to the weekend as the guest speaker.
Jeff Fountain is the director of YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Europe. Originally hailing from New Zealand, where he graduated in History, Jeff took up residence in Europe after a short stint working in journalism. Jeff is the author of the book “Living as a People of Hope”, which was also the theme chosen for this weekend. His expertise in history, together with his journalistic experience, and his immense love and knowledge of God, made him the ideal candidate to speak about the influence of Christianity in the development of Europe as we know it today, while shining the torch of hope forward into the Europe we would like to see tomorrow.
The weekend started on Friday evening with the topic “Is there a hope for Europe?” With all the negative events and influences that we hear about and the consequences of which we have started to experience first hand, Jeff presented his case for hope. He rose above the discouragement that we are left with on seeing what is going on around us, and outlined the possibilities of the creation of hope. Hope for a Europe as God intended it to be. His dynamic presentation and passion for Jesus stirred up fresh zeal and enthusiasm in the hearts of those hearing him, and his challenge for many was his parable of the light. Jeff explained that if one walks into a dark house where the light switch does not work, the problem is not so much with the house as with the electricity supply. Likewise, the intensity of the spiritual darkness around us may be a result of us not being good suppliers of the Light! This eye-opener compounded by Jeff’s conviction that within the Community alone were already enough “light bulbs” to bring about the spiritual change needed in our island, sent us home challenged to take up the invitation!
The symbol of hope, the anchor, was also studied, and its navigational significance despite its size provided another parable for the spiritual realm. Jeff spoke about the importance of creative minorities who are firmly rooted in Jesus, and therefore have a huge potential to influence the spiritual direction of Europe. He assured us that hope that change may come about, lies in groups such as the Community.
With untiring energy and zeal, Jeff traced the origins of the European Union back to the moral rearmament movement which was founded by Frank N.D. Buchman after World War II, as an interdenominational drive to avoid war through the embracing of Christian principles. From this movement emerged the seeds of the European Coal and Steel Community which is most commonly credited with the creation of the European Union’s foundations. Jeff went on to give more examples of Christian beliefs and customs that are not even acknowledged today or even known, and yet form part of everyday secular life. Jeff’s underlying conviction as he speaks, is his belief that the story of Jesus has been the single greatest influence in shaping Europe’s past, and he is confident that it should be the single greatest influence in shaping Europe’s future too. To this end, Jeff put forward fresh insights into current issues that Europe is facing, which are generally perceived as problems, such as the influx of non-European immigrants. He combated the negative image that these people are given by the media by looking into the spiritual “re-wakening” that they bring along to European churches. Whereas Europe has become a spiritual backwater, the growing churches of the developing countries are breeding fervent believers who are becoming the hope for Europe’s spiritual revival. In keeping with the theme and the subject of hope for Europe, during mass on Saturday, there was also a representation of the 27 European Union member states through their flag, and a moment of prayer was held for these nations.
Besides Jeff’s sessions, the weekend also included great times of Praise and Worship, testimonies by members of YWAM, opportunities to get to know what is going on in the Community’s teams, group discussion where points from the talks were shared, and moments before the Blessed Sacrament and Mass. Needless to say, lots of breaks also provided the time for catching up with Community friends over a coffee or a bite to eat! One of the highlights was the ‘Come Holy Spirit’ session on Sunday morning. The members of the community were reminded by Andrew that despite the many everyday problems they faced, like the disciples in the boat swamped by the waves, the key was to recognize that in all things God is with us. Submitting to the same storm, Jesus knew that His heavenly Father was in control. He rebuked the wind and the waves but also encouraged the faith of his followers. The community were of one heart and mind when they called upon the Lord and all were very much encouraged by the manifest signs of his presence. Many testified that the Holy Spirit has touched them once again in a significant way.
All in all, this weekend left the Community members empowered, inspired and looking beyond the grey spiritual clouds that seem to surround us. They were brought to a freshness and a renewal of hope in keeping with God’s Word in Jeremiah 29:11 “Yes, I know what plans I have in mind for you, Yahweh declares, plans for peace, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” |
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The Youth Ministry |
For a full schedule of the Youth Fellowship meetings visit the website. |
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