by Sis. Peng Palmera

 
     A total of 85 people responded to God’s invitation to attend FDMC-Viet Nam's Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar Batch 2 in Tan Dinh Church, 289 Hai Ba Trung St., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City last Sept. 21.

     The one-day seminar began at 9:30 a.m. with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by Fr. Peter Cung. Expounding on the gospel, he said God is really a generous God that even if we don’t deserve His love, He still shows how much precious each one of us to Him.

     After the mass, this author joined with Sis. Liezl Dawa and Sis. Mayet Abella for the joyful dance. Sis. Liza Guinto welcomed the participants.

     Bro. Allan Tigue was the first speaker, delivering the Introduction/Praise & Worship. He emphasized the four basic truths and taught the group the ways to praise and worship God. Then he invited the crowd to join him in a praise and worship.

     Sis. Belle Fabian followed and discussed God’s Love. She shared her own struggles and trials, and how she found the immense love of God for her and her family. The sharing drove many participants to tears.

     The participants partook of the sumptuous lunch prepared by Batch 1 members and Batch 2 coordinators.

     The afternoon session began with a joyful song. Bro. Manny Fabian then came in with Salvation. The participants, who earlier attentively listened to Sis. Belle, his wife, were all curious to see him. After all, she told the crowd he nearly lost his face in an accident but they were surprised to see him all restored.

     Bro. Manny stressed that God really so loves the world that He sent His only begotten son Jesus that whoever believes will have eternal life (John 3:16).

     Bro. Rene Tumang, the community's adviser-director, followed with New Life and Receiving God's Gift/Baptism. He shared his own experiences and how he found new life with God. The Lord's blessings continued to flow to this very day, he said.

     During the RGG, he invited all sick participants for healing. Sis. Yoly Rodil, who was feeling back pains, stood up infront. Bro. Rene told her she was not sick and there was no pain. She affirmed it and the pain was gone. Bro. Rene told the crowd that God is a generous God and that they, too, can have the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

      Strangely, a bat entered the venue and moved around the altar when Bro. Rene was about to begin the baptism. When he started to praise in tongues, joined by the participants, the bat went away.

     Then Bro. Rene prayed over the participants. Sis. Belle and Fr. Cung joined him.

     Everyone had a wonderful experience with God that day. Miracles did happen with mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, and siblings, finding themselves in each other's loving arms.

     One participant said it was the first time in more than 30 years that she was able to express her love for her father. Husbands and wives were also asked to have the longest and sweetest kiss of their lives.

     The seminar ended at 7 p.m. with happy and contented smiles.