Oswald J. Chambers, the author of the widely-read devotional My Utmost for His Highest wrote, "I have to get to the point of the absolute and unquestionable relationship that takes everything exactly as it comes from Him. God never guides us at some time in the future, but always here and now. Realize that the Lord is here now, and the freedom you receive is immediate."
Two weeks after the SWRYF Conference came to an end, I realized what to write. The SWRYF Conference happened from Friday, October 28 - Sunday, October 30, 2011. We held it at Camp Copass in Denton, TX. The theme was, "Prison Break: Breaking the Chains of Sin." The theme verse is below. Our speaker was Rev. Alan Hitt, a well known Methodist Minister. Many people told me how amazing the conference was, and how they had a blessed time. They felt the speaker really hit the topic on the spot, and the theme itself was a great theme which people really needed to hear about. I contemplated on the weekend the following week, and I realized how true what the people said were. Rev. Hitt was truly led by the Holy Spirit in the words he spoke. I don't think it was him that spoke, but it was the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, there would be no other way the youths would feel a sense of conviction. As I mentioned in my previous post, the Praise & Worship team was amazing! The vocalists were probably the youngest to ever sing for a regional conference, and yet, they stepped up to the plate. How could that have happened if it wasn't for God? I absolutely loved my small group. I had the youngest group of middle school to tenth grade guys, and initially, it seemed like they were a little reserved in sharing, but in our second session, I could tell those boys really learned a lot, and they were excited to share. I heard that the gender breakout was very powerful. Both guys and girls alike told me that there were some really impacting things talked about in there. Dedication was unbelievable. People came before broken and repentant sharing personal stories of their lives. To those people, I pray that you find the peace that surpasses all understanding in Christ Jesus, and that the joy of the Lord be your strength. Everything in between flowed very well. During the open forum, there was a very striking question that was asked. "Why can't women go into the altar? What are women's roles in the church?" (I guess that was two, but whatever.) The Achens addressed this very well. It's not that women aren't allowed Biblically or even according to Marthomite teachings, but rather, it is something that our culture has yet to break free from (pun intended). Due to this, I asked for permission from our vicar Rev. A.P. Noble as well as Rev. Jaisen Thomas and Rev. Shibi Abraham, our two youth chaplains. They, then contacted our Bishop and got official permission from him. On Sunday, we had myself, another guy, and two girls that assisted in the Holy Qurbana, a first in the South West Region. It was awesome! I felt that there was a lack of knowledge about this, and I believed it had to be addressed, because this question seems to arise in every open forum I've taken part of. Now, we need to take it back to our churches. It's time to end this cultural norm. I do not hate the Indian culture, and I don't take everything away from the American culture, but there should be a balance. We are 21st century Indian Americans, so therefore, there should be a blend of both cultures, not a complete shutdown of one or the other. In this case, I don't think women should be banned from assisting in the Holy Qurbana. Now to reel back a little bit. Overall, this conference went well by the grace of God, and all glory goes back to Him. I know there were many in the planning committee that worked unbelievably hard, so that everything in the conference went well, and I know just as much that God's favor was on us, so that it would be a reality. To be honest, I don't think I, as the regional secretary or as one of the members of the planning committee of the host church can ever take credit for it. I don't think the regional committee or St. Paul's YF would ever be able to take credit for it. It was all because of God. I mean, credit is definitely due to St. Paul's YF for sure, because we came together as a YF and worked really hard, and we also had the faith that we can do all things through Christ, but what we coordinated and what we put together could just as easily have been a failure if God's hand wasn't with us, and if He didn't bless us. We as a YF went through a lot of obstacles this past year in planning for this conference. The devil wouldn't stop trying his hardest to keep this conference from being a success. He even went as far as bringing divisions within our own YF. Yet, our Lord God always prevails. Despite all the obstacles, this conference came together splendidly, and many youths were forever changed and enriched by it. Now, my prayer is that we all that attended may continue in that growth and as YFs, we may go back and foster that spiritual growth.
In my previous post, many people agreed with me in what I stated, but I fear that some people think I hate nondenominational churches, and I was bashing them. That was in fact, NOT what I was doing. I respect them, but I also believe that shouldn't deter us from our teachings. Theodore Beza put it best when he said, "In essentials unity, non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity [love]." Two reasons I have a lot of respect for the nondenominational churches is: One, whether or not you're a covenant member, you are able to attend any of their events, and two, they do not just try to get people saved and become satisfied with that. They also have events catered to provide spiritual growth for all age groups. At Watermark Community Church, they have the Porch every Tuesday nights for young adults. In these meetings, they have Praise & Worship and a sermon from JP. This helps to foster growth for folks that are young adults. There are things for men, women, children, and all kinds of things at Watermark. I believe that the Mar Thoma Church has different organizations, but they need to work harder in fostering that growth. From what I've heard, and especially from what I've seen at my own church, our Bible Study attendance is around five. On a good day, we might get ten. There is hardly any attendance, and Bible Studies have become simply a gathering. These Bible Studies are meant to foster spiritual growth in youths every week. What they get from New Year Revival or Regional Conference or any retreat for that matter should be growing within them during these sessions, and it shouldn't five to ten people showing up. There should be many eager and willing to fill their hunger for Christ. If we as Christians refuse to grow spiritually, then what happens to Christianity as a whole? This is something we must examine for ourselves and strive towards resolving.
In the morning, when I was walking to the UNT Library, I saw the leaves falling from the trees and how many of the leaves have begun changing colors. No, I am not oblivious to the fact that we are in the season known as Autumn or Fall. It was really just a moment I took to be in awe of how amazing God is. There are four seasons, and each season, something different occurs to the trees. In Spring, we see the flowers blossom and leaves start to grow on trees. In Summer, we see the leaves as thick as can be and fully grown. In Autumn, we see the leaves begin to change colors and fall off trees. Finally, in Winter, we see the leaves completely gone from the trees. Of course, this does not happen to all trees, but it does to many trees. I find it amazing how it is such a systemic process that God had designed so well, and this morning, it took my breath away. For some reason, I just stopped and soaked it in instead of taking it for granted, like I usually do. It also brought back childhood memories whenever I would rake the leaves and then jump in them. I know that folks before my time had some memorable times outside with friends and such, but even during my time, that was still pretty prevalent. In today's time, kids have such vivid and graphic video games and other technology which they would rather spend time with. Now, I know I'm old. When you start criticizing the kids today, that's when you confirm that you're old.
In other news, my friend Abigail Nakhro is an amazingly talented singer, songwriter, and dancer. She has released her EP Album, and she has officially left to India and South Asia for her tour! I'm really proud of her. Not many people chase after their dreams due to various reasons. She is definitely not one of those people. I know she will do great. Abby, you have been blessed with incredible talent. Never let go of those talents or the One that has given those talents to you. Wishing you a safe journey! I can officially say that I know a famous singer!
I will close with one last story. I am finally an employed member of society! Slightly over a month ago, I had an interview, and on Thursday, I was confirmed for the job. Today, I just filled out the paperwork and got all my work assignments. I work in the UNT Library Technology And Computer Operations sector (LIB-TACO) (yes, that is what they call it). My job position is a multimedia technician. This was another way of God showing me His gracious love. I had been searching for a job for quite some time now, and I finally got one. Praise the Lord! Thank you to all those that prayed for me. God has listened to those prayers! :)
"But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe."
-Galatians 3:22 (NIV 1984)
