News & Pics: Brendan Rodricks & Jessie Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (VA)
Bangalore, Aug 26: ‘God is in control II’, a unique prayer event was organized by the Bangalore Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services (BCCRS), Proclamation & Evangelization Commission (Archdiocese of Bangalore) at the plush Sophia’s School Auditorium here, recently.
It is one-of-a-kind event which was primarily targeted at the working community and provided a platform for the Catholic Businessmen, Entrepreneurs, Politicians, Bureaucrats and chief executive officers (CEO) of various regions in the archdiocese to come together in unity to proclaim how God is in control of their lives. The event gave them an opportunity to join together and contribute to renewal of the archdiocese. It aimed at strengthening the bonds between Catholic communities and to have a deeper understanding of how God could work within the working classes.
The day’s events started with the intercession team from various prayer groups and independent ministries meeting at Sophia’s School Chapel in oneness to pray for the blessing of the Lord and for the healing and anointing of the Holy Spirit on the event and its participants.
There were around 60 volunteers from the Hosanna youth and other colleges who were guided by Bro Cherian, vice chairman, BCCRS to support and help out with the registration, parking facilities and to guide the participants to the auditorium.
The event witnessed a large gathering of over 700 people which included politicians, professionals, businessmen/women, entrepreneurs, CEO of corporates, religious congregation, independent ministries and prayer groups and catholic families.
Bro David Istacky, the master of ceremony welcomed the gathering and gave a brief introduction about the event and the need for a programme that would help all the working people. The programme commenced with a welcome prayer by Fr Britto Jacob C, secretary of the Proclamation & Evangelization Commission/spiritual director – BCCRS.
On the occasion, the National Anthem was played to mark 64th Independence Day, to show the unity and solidarity of the gathering towards our country. A prayer was offered for the unity of country and blessings upon its entire people.
The praise and worship team was led by Bro George and Bro Anand and the team consisted of people employed in the corporate world. The team consisted of young and professional musicians from various corners of the Archdiocese of Bangalore. The praise and worship team sang some soul rending songs.
A short video clip followed the praise and worship which gave a preview of the Bangalore Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services. The clip had a message from Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore and highlighted the various events and programmes of the Bangalore Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement in the Archdiocese of Bangalore.
The Bangalore Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services (BCCRS), Proclamation & Evangelization Commission (Archdiocese of Bangalore) had invited two renowned speakers who have taken up the mission of spreading the word of God within and outside the country.
The first speaker Bro Anand Mahadevan, the business editor of a leading financial newspaper spoke on the importance of taking God into a partnership at work. He believed that his work is a ministry to God and God should be in control of his workplace. He mentioned that it was the duty of every Christian to spread the word of God and the work place is one of the best areas where it can be done.
There was a choreography session that was led by Miriam Joshua and team from the All Peoples' Church. The team consisted of youngsters who toiled hard and presented a scintillating and fabulous new art form of presenting the Gospel.
The second speaker, Bro Simon Singh, director of Multiport International Ltd (a shipping company) located in Mombassa, Kenya shared his testimonial about the hardships he went through when he accepted the Lord and how he changed the lives of his family members. Today he travels all over the world proclaiming the word of God and stands for the truth – Jesus Christ.
There was a question and answer session that was opened to all the participants. The panel consisted of Bro Simon Singh, Bro Anand Mahadevan and Bro Cherian Ramapuram. The panel was chaired by Bro Martin Rebeiro who encouraged the faithful to ask questions concerning how God could be in control of their lives. The panel discussion encouraged and exchanged many thoughts and ideas on how to connect, collaborate and conquer for Christ.
The main segment of the day was the keynote address by Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore. His address focused on the need for unity and fellowship within the Catholic Church. He stressed on the greater collaboration and communion between the laity and the clergy. He appreciated the change in the face of the church by laity, accepting the call to be the ministers of the church.
He said, “We are here to recognize God’s blessings in our lives, where God is still in control. We have come together to thank God for His countless blessings on us. We should choose and use every opportunity at our disposal. We are here to fulfill the mission of Christ to proclaim the good news and be His witnesses. God will make a way where there is no way”. Bro Simon Rodrigues, chairman BCCRS proposed the vote of thanks.
The last session focused on the healing and laying of the hands. The anointing session was led by Bro Simon Singh who focused on healing and deliverance while soft instrumental music was played in the background by Bro George and team. The final blessing was given by Dr Bernard Moras. The event concluded with a fellowship.
‘God is in Control’ was originally kick started in August 2009. It received a good response from the
businessmen, bureaucrats, religious congregations and the laity. The programme opened the door
for interaction on God amongst the Catholic community.