Companions in Christ
By Thomas Handoyo
In February 2024, HVMC launched its second Companions in Christ (CIC) course, drawing 15 participants, each ready to embark on a spiritually enriching journey. CIC promises a transformative experience that goes beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge. It invites participants into a deeper relationship with God, helping them develop spiritual habits that nurture authentic and lasting growth.
At the heart of CIC is the life-changing power of Scripture. However, the course is not just about facts and understanding the Bible; it is about letting Scripture take root in the participants' lives, leading to personal transformation. Each session guides participants beyond intellectual comprehension, encouraging them to embrace a more immersive, heart-centred approach in experiencing the Scriptures as living, active and transformative in their everyday lives.
THE VARIOUS FORMS OF PRAYER taught throughout the course also opens new avenues for participants to communicate with God. Whether through silent contemplation, intercessory prayer, breath prayer or creative prayer methods, they discovered fresh ways to express their faith, deepen their trust and grow in their love for God. Each prayer method introduced was an opportunity for participants to develop a more vibrant and dynamic prayer life, one that helped them engage with God in the busyness of life.
JOURNALING PLAYED A KEY ROLE in this journey, as participants were encouraged to capture their thoughts, prayers, emotions and reflections on Scripture. This practice of writing became a tool for processing their experiences, gaining insight and recording the ways God was speaking to them week by week. Many found that as they poured their hearts onto the pages of their journals, they encountered God in ways they had not anticipated, discovering new layers of meaning and connection with Him.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in this course. I especially benefitted from the daily exercises which prompted me to reflect on my habits, actions, thoughts and sins of omission. They have encouraged me to seek God's forgiveness for both the wrongs I have committed and the good I have left undone.”
– Lily
“CIC’s many probing reflection sessions challenged me to have the courage of the apostles Peter and John “unschooled, ordinary men… they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).
– Soh Huan
“It was a truly unique and life-changing spiritual journey for me. CIC brought me closer to God by being in the presence of kindred souls, merging our experiences together to achieve spiritual growth. Thank you HVMC for organizing such a course for us. I hope other people will be able to experience its joys like I did.”
– Mika
“I expected much homework but was pleasantly surprised. CIC was an experience which helped me understand and reflect on my life as a journey with Christ. It taught me to practise being in the presence of God. The candid sharing amongst the participants during the experience was heart-warming and enriching.”
– Bala
The CIC Course concluded with a meaningful Holy Communion service presided over by Pastor Loretta. During this sacred moment, all participants actively took part in serving one another the elements of communion. This shared experience fostered a sense of community and reflection, allowing everyone to deepen their connection with God, and with each other, as they commemorated this significant act of faith together.
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