Heaven on Earth

It all seems a bit of a dream now – but it really happened. We were together for 3 days in an urban retreat centre run by the Carmelite Fathers in Mira Road.

“We” means our JSK team and 45 of our dear friends – most of them HIV positive.

Which really made most of us HIV positive. Seeing that our JSK team also has members who are living with the disease.

And there were lots of kids too.

Theme of the whole time was "Blessed to be a Blessing."

It spoke to us all. We are being blessed - but for a purpose - not just to get out of the difficulties (or boredom) that we face - but for the benefit of others too.

John Forbes - who was our main facilitator - lead us through a series of explorations of God's word. And did God ever speak.

A small example. Jacob used a rock for a pillow. How often do we do that? Use something for our own comfort - which gives very little comfort in the first place? But after an encounter with God - he gives it back to God as a memorial to who God is. Can we do the same?

Sheba took a session on being useful vessels in God's hands. Powerful sharing.

Bro Oliver led us through the life of David.

And then there were times of personal ministry and prayer - focussed times of private sharing and intense prayer for healing inside and out!

During all of this, Seema and Lata worked hard at child-care - looking after all the kids so that the mothers could have time to reflect and be blessed.

And did they ever. There were games too - and time to just relax. We tried not to fill our time just with session after session.
Trevor and Hoofriz were on hand to lead us in some superb times of worship and adoration. We have been so blessed by their involvement with us over the years now!

An 'art attack' meant that everyone got creative - and came away with their own posters.

Giri and Akshay organised a series of hilarious games too.

The good folks at the Anubhav Retreat Centre served excellent food - and lots of it. There was not a hungry person in sight!

But most of all - it was precious to be together. Many of our friends face such broken situations. One man - a silent brooding type - who we have just made contact with - said "there is no discrimination here - everyone loves each other."

A small taste of heaven.

As we gathered round the table on the final day - we could only thank God for His goodness to us all.

There was a real presence of peace and joy throughout our time.

John urged us in his last session to bloom where we are planted - while always remaining in the vine. Without a direct link to Jesus we are doomed to dryness and unfruitfulness. But when we abide in Him and He in us --- then we can bear much fruit - fruit that lasts!

Mrs. Laila is a case in point. She shared about how when she goes to sell her dried fish in the bazaar - she prays for people she meets. The other day a young man told her to push off, since he was selling pants and did not want her nearby. She sweet talked him into letting her stay for some time. All the while she prayed for him. The next time she came he called out to her and told her to sell her dried fish near his place - the last time his business had been so good.

We are all blessed. So abudantly. And we all have so many opportunities to bless others. Lets keep doing it!