This prayer meeting was impactful in a number of ways. First, what an awesome blessing to be able to celebrate the birthday of the church and realizing the blessing and the faithfulness of the Lord in our Catholic Church for over 2000 years!. Second and currently the most impactful was the joy of being able to enter into public commitment with my wife and four other great, faithful brothers and sisters.
The prayer meeting was filled with a number of movements of the Holy Spirit for me. First I was called on by a word that was shared by Len Foreman from Zechariah 4:6. “This the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, not by might and not by power, but my spirit” says the Lord of hosts. The Lord convicted me to stop striving on my own and holding on to all those things in my life I ultimately can’t control. I also was blessed to be able to be prayed over by two brothers who have been impactful in my life. In this time of prayer the Lord through these brothers reminded me of the truth that he continues to bring up, in which he wants me to allow them to impact my daily walk of faith.
"Shifting to our public commitment, I see it as such a joy and a blessing to fully enter into this community I grew up in."
Shifting to our public commitment, I see it as such a joy and a blessing to fully enter into this community I grew up in. This was definitely a decision that Katie and I did enter into with joy and peace because of the love and support we have felt over the years of initial commitment because the community has fostered an atmosphere of home. It took some time for me to feel that way but when I finally entered into being committed especially within service in our community life I felt a great peace. Reflecting on what my friend Rex Poyaoan told me over 15 years ago that “giving yourself away in services is the way to really find true life”. These words over time, helped my heart and mind be transformed. Entering into service changed everything for us both and just gave us a great sense of joy. We have entered into public commitment because we have felt love and support in raising our children for Heaven in this community. We also best been able to make our marriage more truly Christ centered within this way of life.
"Within these relationships I have been able to truly enter into community life, as well as be vulnerable, called on and encouraged in my walk with Christ. It is such a blessing to have this haven in a dark world. I am so convicted as we enter fully into this life that I must and we must continue to bring this Light of the Lord to all."
I love our community and am very grateful for all within it and all those who laid down their lives in building it and who currently lead this body. I am also truly grateful for my pastoral leaders over the years and my men’s group most especially my current one. Within these relationships I have been able to truly enter into community life, as well as be vulnerable, called on and encouraged in my walk with Christ. It is such a blessing to have this haven in a dark world. I am so convicted as we enter fully into this life that I must and we must continue to bring this Light of the Lord to all. As well as bring mercy and love to our church , friends and families. The best way I believe we can do this is by just loving all those who are in our life wherever they are at. Lastly by just being as Christ was to all he encountered by being genuinely ourselves and extending his love and mercy daily to all.
Overall this Pentecost Sunday was one that the Holy Spirit more deeply came into my life and reminded me that seeking him is all I truly need to be Christ to all who I encounter daily. I am so grateful and blessed for the rich life we lead and have within our Catholic faith and the People of Hope community.
By Leo Buganski, People of Hope member
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