Welcome to ANNIVERSARY ISSUE of GoodNewsBulletin ONLINE

Once there was a beautiful forest and as forests are, some parts look like they were never touched by the light of day. One time, someone gathered wood to build a fire. The first armful of wood was taken from a particular kind of tree. Some pieces were ruggedly cut, others nice and even. Several pieces were then ignited until the pile of wood was ablaze. Interestingly, a few flared easily, while others took a little longer to warm up and burn. In no time, an intense flame was roaring. Every now and then, new pieces of wood are added to make the fire stronger and smolder brighter. Half-burned wood is either thrown into the heart of the fire or left to glow at the sides. Over time, some burn ever more, others die out before long. Even then, a steady light and warmth filled the forest. Eventually, certain pieces of burning wood were used to start a fire in other recesses of the forest. Some even beyond that forest…

Each one of us in Genesis is called by God. We profess this in our Community covenant and we all believe this in our hearts. Originally an all-Filipino group, though with diverse backgrounds and from different walks of life, we are altogether raised for a purpose and, bound by the same mission and one God. In due course, Genesis evolved into a blend of several races - an undeniable proof of the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through our Community. Together, we grow stronger in a haven where weaknesses are complemented by strengths, needs are met by generosity, low spirits lifted by inspiration, the young is nurtured by the wisdom of the elders and so on. Sounds idyllic? Don’t get me wrong! The Community is far from perfect, but it is an ideal venue to work on perfection.

Why woods on fire? It’s not for want of a better analogy, but I was actually reminded of the wonderful vision I had during our last intercessory prayer with Bro. Jovie Joaquin, before he left for Canada (with Sis. Regie and their kids.) I could still vividly recall this vision of a bonfire where one of the burning woods was taken away. He was that wood taken away - to bring light to another place. And that is what they are doing now in Calgary, together with the other brothers and sisters from Genesis who settled there. Talk about a vision come true!

I also had a singular “feel good” moment in the midst of hectic work, just recently. I was deeply touched by a sister in the Community leaving a message on my answering machine (yes, that busy, I don’t even get to answer calls!) simply saying that I am being missed. The warm glow that filled me fueled me to carry on, no matter how worn-out I was.

A light that guides and a warmth that sustains are simply but a few words to describe what it is for me to be in a community. Sooner or later, the fire will flicker and die, and the wood will turn to ash. But the light and warmth from a flame kindled by love never dies…

All Glory to God!

E-mail the author: sansu@genesis.faithweb.com

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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?
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