GoodNewsBulletin ONLINE

SURABAYA CORNER

For the past few weeks, the Genesis Surabaya (GS) Community was showered with several blessings from the Lord.

Ash Wednesday - The Community attended a Mass held at the Redemptor Mundi Church here in Surabaya. The celebrant, Fr. Thobby, reminded us once again the need to repent from our sins and "renew our lives."

Bakti Luhur Orphanage (BLO) - On March 5, a holiday, about 15 kids from the BLO were invited to spend the day in Surabaya. They arrived at about 10:00AM and were immediately taken to an educational tour at the Sheraton Surabaya Hotel and Towers. From the Ballroom, the final stop was at the hotel's Presidential Suite and the kids were awed with the luxuries surrounding them, from the living room to the master bedroom. Luxuries that are only meant for kings and queens and yet were within their reach.

The next stop was at the Funpolis playgrounds where they were treated to "unlimited" children's rides. The happiness was not limited to the kids alone because our brothers and sisters from the community also enjoyed the rides. We went back to the Sheraton Surabaya Hotel and Towers to take our lunch at the employees' canteen. After the lunch, the kids were taken to the Regency Condominium for a dip at the children's swimming pool. One of the kids, a child born without legs, demonstrated the true meaning of determination. His physical disability did not stop him from enjoying the clear and cool water of the swimming pool. It was an inspiration for us to see his fighting spirit.

The kids went home at about 4:00 PM, tired but were quite happy with the day's experience. On behalf of Genesis, I would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the General Manager of Sheraton Surabaya Hotel and Towers, Mr. Tim Steckbeck, to Mr. James Teo of Pakuwon Funpolis Indonesia and the members of the Works of MercyMinistry for their unwavering support to the BLO.

Kerygma - Through the help of Sis. Nenette Dizon and Bro. Percy Cabauatan, this famous Catholic magazine finally made its debut in Surabaya on March 8, 2001. We would also like to thank Bro. Frank Brosas who has devotedly been our courier to Surabaya for the hand-carried magazines and for the Good News Bulletin. God bless you for your service.

Ron Kenoly Concert - Several members of Genesis were able to attend the concert of a famous American gospel singer, Ron Kenoly. This was held at the Tunjungan Plaza III on 15 March 2001. It was a 3-hour non-stop praise and worship with the audience standing and dancing most of the time. Now this is something for those who are still uncomfortable in raising or clapping their hands during prayer meetings. Ron Kenoly emphasized that when we worship Him by raising our hands, clapping and dancing, God becomes our audience. And if God is our audience, shouldn't we give our best performance?

Repairing Wrongdoing - The following day, 16 March, the GS' Spiritual Director Fr. Aurelius, SVD delivered a talk about the process of reconciliation. He stressed that aside from repentance, confession and penance, our action to repair our wrongdoing is equally important. We could repent, confess and say our penance for our sins several times but if we do not follow this up with a concrete and sincere action to repair such wrongdoing, then the process of reconciliation is not complete. Sad to say, this is true for some of us, including myself. We repent, confess and say our penance but we commit the same (habitual) sins again and again. Fortunately, God is full of mercy but this should not be taken for granted.

Reducing Stress - On March 23, the GS was also blessed with a talk from Bro. Frank Brosas, entitled "Reduce Stress”. It was a very timely topic because most, if not all of us, experience stress everyday in varying degrees. Be it in the office, at home and sometimes even in the Community where we belong. It was a very compact and yet very meaningful talk. For those who were not able to hear the talk, there are four basic principles on how to reduce stress (1) Worry about nothing, (2) Pray about everything, (3) Thank God for all things and (4) Think about the right things. For some, the talk was truly an eye-opener. Principles 2 and 3 would be relatively easy to do but principles 1 and 4, especially #1, would be easier said than done. Nonetheless, I honestly believe that through the grace of God, we should be able to reduce and hopefully totally eliminate stress in our lives and become better Christians. And please don't forget! Our company doctor says that "stress is one of the main causes of hypertension".

For all these blessings, please join me in praising and thanking the Lord for all His goodness! Alleluia, Amen!