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Genesis Chronicles
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 THE OLD HAS GONE,
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THE NEW HAS COME!
- By Chen Manabat
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I was your “typical” Filipino Catholic – born and bred in
a Catholic home, attended Catholic schools, went to Sunday masses and
knew all the prayers and novenas that a usual Catholic knows. Once
during my college days, I joined a Catholic prayer group but I did not
last because I did not feel at home with them. I found people in
religious communities serious people who do not know how to appreciate
jokes an
 d
seldom smile. Basically, I used to be turned off when someone tells me
he or she is a member of a religious community. But that was before…
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- Then came a point
in my life when I wanted to do more than what I was normally doing…out
of gratitude for God’s bountiful blessings to me and my family.
During my eight years stay in Jakarta, I was not successful in finding
the right community for me. Not until two years ago, when God slowly
drew me and my family closer to Him. He used my children (Karla and
Jakk) to bring me into community. My friend, Sis. Tintin (Magbitang),
got my children involved in the GENESIS Children’s Ministry.
Eventually, my husband and I joined the GENESIS’ Empowered Christian
Living Seminar.
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- And now, I found
my opinion of religious communities changing. Being in community could
be fun after all! When I joined the GENESIS Catholic Community, it
didn’t feel like I was new at all. I felt so right at home with the
members who are very warm and accommodating. Lito, my husband, who is
an introvert type, is slowly blossoming with the friends he met in the
Community.
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- While I was
pregnant with Vikko, our third child, I joined the GENESIS Intercessory
Ministry. It’s a small group of at least five nonworking wives who pray
together for all the concerns of the Community as well as other
petitions in general. Here I learned that group praying is so powerful
and that the lives of the intercessors are blessed. After giving birth,
I had to go back to work and thus, cannot be with my intercessory group
anymore. So I eagerly joined the GENESIS Music Ministry that serves at
each Friday community gathering. Singing is one talent I know I can
share for Him. It is also my way of thanking Him. Besides singing,
I love to eat. Hence, I got involved in organizing, ordering or
preparing the food during GENESIS gatherings. I find joy and enormous
blessing in this service - nourishing my brothers and sisters with the
best food or snacks I can think of. And as for me, I get some of the
best nourishment of my spiritual life in the teachings we have in the
Community.
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- In so many ways,
GENESIS has changed me. I can say I became more patient and
compassionate. The brothers and sisters in the Community helped me
with their own genuine examples. I saw brightness on their faces even if
life is tough for some of them. I am so thankful to God and to GENESIS
for helping me and my family especially in our spiritual journey. Of
course, it’s not all bed of roses for us since joining GENESIS but we
are really comforted by the support of brothers and sisters in the
Community, even by just being there, showing us that they truly care.
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- It is my sincere
desire that with the help of GENESIS I will be able to fulfill God’s
purpose for me. For now, I personally lay claim to the words of St. Paul
in 2 Corinthians 5:7, "Therefore, if anyone is
in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
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- TELL US LIKE IT IS!
- Has something
wonderful and unique happened in your life lately? Did God answer your
prayer in a very unexpected way? Did you, like Isaiah, meet God’s
whisper?
- Have you felt His
powerful hand working in your life recently?
- Everyday, people are
experiencing God’s mighty Word in their lives and it is a pity that very
few know about it. Do you have a story to tell? Some Good News to
share?
- E-mail us (genesis@catholic.org) or fax us
(021-6627384), and tell us about it. That’s right! You don’t have to be
a great writer to do this. We can help you write it – just tell us like
it is!
- Don’t forget to write
the subject: “Let Me Tell You A
Story”
Please take a
moment to sign our guestbook.
For comments, suggestions or
ideas:
Genesis Catholic
Community - All Rights Reserved 2004
No part of this website may be copied,
reproduced or modified without the permission from the
webmaster.
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IN THIS ISSUE:
HIS Servant
by Bro. Pete Lapid
Our Faith
By Fr. KJ Veeger, MSC
Place of Refuge
By Philip Yuson
Surabaya Corner
By Ramon Martillano
Inspirational
Community Life ~ Here's the Latest
By Beth Manibog
Genesis Chronicles
By Chen Manabat
Surabaya Sharing
By Bombet Malinao
Straight from the Heart
By Carolle Bautista
On Focus
By Sansu Garin
Saint for the Month
Source: Catholic Online
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Staff
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GENESIS CATHOLIC
COMMUNITY
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