#M7FH2014

Dear Surrey Two,

The St. Matthew's "My Seven From Heaven" Catechism Retreat holds an incredibly special place in my heart. Though I never attended it as a participant, I have been blessed to be a part of the service team for the last 4 years. My first time serving as a facilitator of some sort was for M7FH, and since then I have grown tremendously.

Every year I'm reminded that a good number of Surrey 2 members have gone through this retreat. M7FH has had the honour of being the first to touch the hearts of our brothers and sisters, thus inspiring them to be the leaders they are today. 

I did not expect my heart to be as moved as it was this weekend. After being the last to gulp down this morning's beautiful breakfast, I headed down to the gym to join everyone in their free time before the day officially began. As I was setting down my stuff, I realized that "For You Almighty" was playing on the speakers and couldn't help but sing along. I turned around to join in with the service team, but to my surprise, the first people that caught my attention were the majority of the ones pictured above. And just like that, I burst into tears. It was beyond amazing to see these new members from Camp EX|\LTED singing memorized lyrics at the top of their lungs with such passion and joy. I mean, I know for a fact that I did not do that after my camp. It took me a while to get into the songs, let alone memorize them.

As I walked off to the side to hide now my tear-streaked face, a glimpse of the Lord's plan for them hit me hard. If so many of the people that inspire me experienced this retreat first hand, then it's a given that these new brothers and sisters will inspire those who surround them. I then thought about last year's catechism class and how some joined Camp E(X)CHANGE before M7FH, and some joined Camp True Vine after it. Do you guys know that I cried as I watched you each get confirmed?! Oh, how I have witnessed you grow from all those events to this day. If only you knew how blessed you are to have experienced your camps and M7FH around the same time. I hope that you take the advantage you have as an opportunity to understand the importance and value of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in your life. We really don't put so much effort into these things to just waste your time!

To those pictured above: at the end of the retreat, I spoke to you. It may have taken you off guard (especially with my crying, but you'll get used to that because I do it a lot), but I meant every word I said. I am so excited to see the Lord work through you individually! Continue to open your hearts to His Spirit and someday you will understand my joy through your own.

O Lord Jesus Christ who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. 

Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom, that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal. 

The Spirit of Understanding, to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth. 

The Spirit of Counsel, that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven. 

The Spirit of Fortitude, that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation. 

The Spirit of Knowledge, that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints. 

The Spirit of Piety, that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable. 

And the Spirit of Fear, that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. 

Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen. 

(PS. I am very much behind on a lot of the posts I've intended to publish and will get to them soon, like the one for Camp EX|\LTED. Stay tune, dear reader.)