FOUNDER of Youth Arise in Singapore Paul Wan asked a probing question.
“Have you ever been touched by the power of the Holy Spirit?” he said.
Thirty young people answered “Yes” when they attended a Life in the Spirit seminar with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Bard-on (CCR) in early August.
It was “an intimate and profound encounter” Paul said, adding that the participants were “enthusiastic and eager to learn more about the Holy Spirit”.
The speakers were from the Youth Arise ministry, CCR, Joshua Prayer Ministries and Emmanuel Community.
Topics covered included “God the Father loves you personally”, “Jesus Christ – our personal Lord and Saviour”, “The Holy Spirit – the Lord and Giver of Life”, “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit” and “The importance of connecting in community”.
“At the seminar there were hungry hearts which were reaching out for a touch of God in their lives,” Paul said.
“Many were filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“To most it was their first tangible encounter of the realness of God in their lives.
“The presenters brought the scriptures alive in their sessions – the (imparting) of the Word of God was good and solid teaching for the participants.
“It was easily digestible and applicable to their lives.”
During Mass at the retreat celebrant Fr Vince Hobbs brought the experience “alive by his enthusiasm” and his homily “was inspiring to all”.
“Some individuals shared that they had a strong passion for the Eucharist after the retreat,” Paul said.
“Many shared that this was just the beginning of what God wants to do here in Brisbane and in their lives.
“It is amazing to see how hungry the participants were for God. (And) even more amazing to see how the Holy Spirit works so powerfully even today.
“I believe this is just the beginning of many good things to come in the Lord.”
International student from Singapore Sean Lee described the two days as “incredible”.
“I was touched by the Holy Spirit in a very personal and profound way,” Sean said.
“The sessions have really deepened my faith and awareness in the power of the Holy Spirit and I will build on what I have gained to help me in my daily life.”
Student Fabian Camilo Herrera Perez also spoke favourably.
“I had never experienced God’s power in my life but encountering the Holy Spirit has just changed my whole life allowing me to understand that God is alive and loves me personally,” he said.
“Before this I thought the gifts of the Holy Spirit were just for special people, but now I am convinced that they are for every single person who accepts Jesus Christ in their lives as their Lord and Saviour.
“God sends his Holy Spir-it to encourage and empower us.
Having encountered God’s love I cannot deny God’s existence in the Church and in my life.”
Paul is confident there will be more Life in the Spirit seminars.
“We hope to continue to shine God’s light into the world through reaching out to the people around us and making a difference in the Church,” he said.
