Lifeline Camp 7th - 9th September "Be you, Fully you"

Self acceptance, forgiveness and the Creed were among the topics shared by Derek in this year's Lifeline Camp at Pace Bene.

Here are some pictures during their afternoon activity as they prepared their collage after listening and reflecting on the session on Erikson's 8 Stages of Life.

SAC2 31st Aug - 1st Sep

After running 3 Spiritual Accompaniment Courses (SAC), we finally did a follow up to it and conveniently named it SAC2. 7 participants who have done the SAC attended the 2 day course.

This time, we included topics on codependent relationships, the roles in a dysfunctional family and identity. With the openness in sharing personal experiences and practise in listening, probing and questioning, the participants were able to connect and make concrete steps as they recognise certain patterns in their lives.

Through imagery prayer and accompanying the soft toy/doll representing the inner child, we witnessed healing and reconciliation in the participants. It was again a sign of God's presence and faithfulness to His people as we saw lives changed and minds opened.

When praying for the event, I had an image of a nest, a place of safety and new beginnings. We invited all the participants to lay themselves in the nest through the symbol of their soft toy/doll.

Derek enjoyed himself ministering with the keyboard; something he has not being doing for a while...

E2E

Powerful Learning

As I coach many students, I began to discover that students have been forced and pressured to study which brought negative results. This programme aims to help students to see further than their text books and exams as well as expectations from parents. It consists of 8 sessions, helping students to understand their emotional state which would help them study more effectively. I have recently run this programme with Sabah Women's Organisation (SAWO).

Spent the last few days in bed, suffering from great pain in my back. Slipped disc, says the physiotherapist... Since I had to stay in bed, I took the chance to read this book I got last week - My sister's keeper by Jodi Picoult. Wow, what a read!

I was really moved by the story of love, of letting go of rights and justice, of life full of choices yet none is dictated as right or wrong but always to be measured in its context.

It spoke of God being bigger than all that we are. He is the one who creates, he is the one who gives life and he is also the one who takes it away from us. And in all of this, the story is always beautiful, beyond what eyes can see.

As I was lying in bed, the only position I have no pain as I couldn't walk more than 10 steps..., this book spoke of pain in a deeper way and I was able to relate with the pain of the characters. I was so caught up by this book and the wonder of life and events that are out of our control. It brought me to see my choices in life, of how I live it and make the best out of it alongside with many unexpected turns.

While reading, I also received a saddening news of the death of a friend. Liz Lee died after most likely suffering from the effects of her dialysis which she went through that morning. Fell flat on her face after excess vomiting, she was unable to breathe and no one was able to help her breathe again.

Saying good bye to her at the funeral brought back gratitude of a dear friend who introduced me to Jesus in a very personal way. She faithfully journeyed with me in my teenage years, the years I was so on fire for God. She was there to give me answers to my questions about life when I had many of them, gave me a shoulder to cry on and shared lots and lots of laughter and joy together. She believed in me when no one did. She brought me to every meeting or training that she was attending as a pastoral leader which gave me bigger perspective of life in community, of God and of journeying with His people.

I am so grateful to God for this dear friend who has served me wholeheartedly. And now, it's her turn to be served and welcomed in glory. So significant, as she died on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Many things to reflect about in these days of physical pain. Indeed, God has a time and a season for everything under heaven!

So this is what has been happening to me these last 2 months. This agonising pain had kept me awake and really uncomfortable in any position.

With a clear and extensive explanation today, the orthopaedician gave some enlightenment to my situation.

So, there you go. It's old age!! That's what's causing the extreme pain!

Hopefully, as what was recommended, rest and back exercise will bring the disc back to its position...

July Calendar

Derek

JumpStart (12th -14th July)
9 participants attended the recent JumpStart. This time round, 4 people from the JumpStart team presented the weekend. I had only to observe and give feedback. Proud to have seen the team presenting well.

St Simon's Parish - Family Life (21st July)
For the second time, I was invited to speak at my parish on Life in the Family, which focused on principals of reflection of life.

Powerful Learning
I had 3 sessions with a group of teenagers organised by Sabah Women Organisation (SAWO). There were 4 - 10 people per session. It was fun introducing them to getting to know their emotions which has its connection in focussing on their studies.

Chinese Youth (28th - 29th July)
Assisted in ministering to 29 teenagers by ministering to them through the keyboard.