Come near to the Lord and He will come near to you
Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up – James 4: 8 &10
OMNIPOTENT OMNISCIENT OMNIPRESENT
Retreat and aftermath
The above , if it sounds like a testimony, I am not at fault. Because of interminable and laborious goading and chiding by Dr. Clington, we could not but take upon ourselves the spiritual responsibility. Retreat is the only way to keep the doctor in good humour and harmony.
Under his hawk – eyed glare, we , meaning our team, managed to mastermind administrative and organizational chores, peppered, time and again, with his pastoral outburst. At last we, with all our bag and baggage including musical paraphernalia, drove through a traffic bedlam and reached a place which was serene and spiritual.
I was, at first sight, visibly bowled over by the holy calmness that pervaded the place. Already people –ladies, gentlemen, children and tiny toddlers- were hanging about in introductory smiles. Our team, commandeered by Doctor Clington consisted of four important protagonists with me tagging along with uncertain looks. Our spiritual journey, far from the madding crowd, started unfolding and I started blending in for I was fresh and all nerves. I had no choice but to take baby steps.
After an unceremonious supper, doctor guided me through a prayer assemblage ensuring that I did not suffer any prayer-phobia. Nervousness not withstanding, some untold bliss descended upon me. Later, in the room, in the dark, innumerable scenarios criss-crossed before sleep ultimately held sway.
Day one
Preparing myself to get attuned and cope with the spiritual onslaughts on stage and around I went through all nuances-be it sermons or testimonies or musical gaiety in nervous perfection. I envy, though understandably sinful, others for their spontaneity.
We all started with the bang glowing in Godly ecstasy and peace. Praise and Prayers rang out all over. People swayed mumbling indecipherable words, happiness largely writ on their faces. Songs blared in weighty notes. Messages emanated from people of pastoral depth and maturity laced with anecdotal humour. God’s overwhelming presence floored all of us and I could literally feel the wholesome congregational oneness.
Day Two
Doctor’s scriptural coverage is all pervasive. Br. Singmer Correra’s are riveting sermons. Br. Ravi Paul transcends linguistic barriers. Br.Victor scaled spiritual heights. Br. Albert, very down to earth, walked all of us through total involvement
Day Three
Bonding with fellow congregants was so intense that parting pangs smarted us all on the last day. Even good byes were muted. Language of tears came into full play during valedictory moments. Spiritually quenched and wrenching assurances from amongst us of perpetual perseverance in the tenacious faith towards our only God, Our Lord,we all went our ways, metamorphosed into a state of a disciple with an inner urge to turn out disciples in droves. Mark my words God’s presence lingers ever after
PRAISE THE LORD…. hallelujah hallelujah
By Mr. Karun, Participant
Salvation & Mission 