THE BO-BE-NkA’A PROJECT
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ABI Stage of the BO-BE-NKA’A Process. A Review on Stage 2: NGWE
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, once more congratulations for having chosen to embark on this spiritual life-long journey we once promised to undertake. Having refreshed ourselves by reviewing the first stage -Awunka’a, I hope we will not relent efforts to continue into the next stage – NGWE. Gradually and steadily, step by step and bit by bit, with the grace of God, we are refreshing ourselves and gaining more knowledge and fortitude to carry on with our lives as Christian and most especially Children of the Light. Humanly speaking, I know it might not have been the best on my own part but I believe the Holy Spirit is at work, so let us continue to journey together that we’ll always be united – that is our goal. This forum may serve as a resource to renew our spiritual strength at any time we are down; come here and reflect on any topic the spirit would lead you to, and be refreshed. If this review is touching you in any way, testify to others by your life, in that way you are letting your light shine before men. This week I will give a summary of the next step we are going to review so we reflect on it and then get into our first session next week. Comments Proposal, questions are welcomed. Remember always to let your light shine in everything you say and do.
Daily Prayer for the Week
Scripture Reading: Psalm 107: 1-3.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.”
Prayer
With everlasting love, we thank you with all our hearts o lord Jesus for having led us this far in this review process. Before the angels, we will praise and adore you because you are good to us. We consecrate ourselves to you once more this moment o lord, and to your gentle Holy Spirit, pleading that our steps be guided in the right path of life and our lights be reignited as we continue journeying as Children of the Light. (add your intention). We ask this through the same Jesus Christ our Friend. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Blessed Spirit of Holiness renew us” Glory be…
Stage 2: NGWE (Seed)
Definition
NGWE is the second stage of the BO-BE-NKA’A Process which comes after the Awunka’a stage. It begins with the Basic Promise which is an initiation into this stage. NGWE in Nkwen culture is a word that means SEED. The youths in this stage are considered seeds planted that are supposed to grow in the vineyard of the lord and bear fruits. Thus the symbols of this stage are the cutlass, hoe, and shepherd staff. This entails that they would begin a spirituality that reflects the world of farmers and shepherds. They would begin to cultivate farms or gather sheep (good Christian values) which will form the basis of their future life as mature and responsible adults. Thus the pedagogic way of doing this is by means of cultivating the fruits of the Holy Spirit. So the formation at this stage is focused on ten spirits that follow the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The age group here would be Adolescents of age 13 to 18 years and the duration of formation is one to two years. The summarized program for this stage looks thus:
- Stage 2: NGWE (SEED)
- Symbols: Cutlass, hoe, and shepherd staff
- Spirituality: The world of the farmers and shepherds.
- Pedagogical way: Ten Spirits which follow the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
- Initiation: Basic promise, Ngwe initiation
- Age: Adolescent I; 13 – 18 years
- Duration: 1- 2 years
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit is a biblical term that sums up nine attributes of a person or community living in accord with the Holy Spirit, according to chapter 5 of the Epistle to the Galatians: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Our review on this stage will be focused on the Pedagogic way just as we have done with the Awunka’a Stage. So each of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit will constitute a theme/topic that we will review in several sessions, say 4 – 6 sessions depending on the topic. We shall start with LOVE next week which might give us about five sessions on the different kinds of love.
Take time to reflect on this introduction this week, give your contribution, and comments if any, and ask questions. Remember always to let your light shine in everything you say and do.
Stage 2: NGWE Theme 1: LOVE
When it comes to love, many people would say it is one of the most important human emotions. Yet despite being one of the most studied behaviors, it is still the least understood. However, love is a set of emotions and behaviors characterized by intimacy, passion, and commitment. It involves care, closeness, protectiveness, attraction, affection, and trust. Love can vary in intensity and can change over time. We shall take about four weeks to reflect on this following these sub-topics.
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
- Types/kinds of love
- Signs of True Love
- Potential Pitfalls of love
- God Loves You Personally
Stage 2: NGWE Theme 1: LOVE Session One: Types/Kinds of love
In one of our previous sessions of review, that was: Stage 1 Theme 4 LIFE Session 3 Emotional/Social Dimensions. we discussed the different types of love relationships which were Friendship, infatuation, Frustration, and love relationships. This week we are going to focus on four different kinds of love that usually may influence our lives. They are known as Storge, Eros, Phileo, and Agape.
Daily Prayer for the week
Scripture Reading: Romans 12: 9-12
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer“
Prayer
I praise and thank You Father, for Your steadfast love towards me. Thank You, Lord, for Your never-failing faithfulness, comfort, and grace which is new every morning and refreshed every. Help me to demonstrate Your love, not only to those that are lovable but also to those who exposed to me through pain or anger, disappointment or loss. May the love of Jesus be manifested in me, and may the love of Jesus be distributed, by grace through faith, to all with whom I come in contact. (Add your intention) In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Jesus, help me to love unconditionally as you love me” Glory be…
Reflection
STORGE: Storge is family love. It is the natural love that family members feel for one another. It accepts people for who they are and loves them where they’re at. Family members will continue to love their own in all conditions; even when they are disabled, wayward, or hearth hearted. We never grow tired of loving our own no matter what. That is to say, there is no room for unforgiveness or bearing grudges with your blood brother or sister. It is based on a family connection. Bible Verses: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
EROS: It is a kind of Sexual Love that says: “I want you.” It is referred to today as Erotic love. This word is not used in the Bible, but the concept is seen throughout. It describes a sexual love that is either good or bad based on the context. Eros is a physical attraction that is highly emotional and sensual. It can only be fully enjoyed with God’s blessing within the covenant of marriage. Bible Verses: Song of Solomon 1:2–4 Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine. How pleasing is your fragrance …”
PHILEO: It is a type of Brotherly Love that Expresses feelings over reason. There is a reason why I like you. A kind of affection that says: “I like you because of …. ” Maybe your ways, your hard work, sportsmanship, swimming ability, or your way of talking. today It is also Philanthropy – Love of Mankind related. This word is used often in the New Testament as the underlying word for love. 1 Thessalonians 4:9: “Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.” Hebrews 13:1 “Let brotherly love continue.” A compound word of phileo and storge is found in the words “be kindly affectionate” and speaks of the special familial relationship of God’s people through Christ.
AGAPE: It is also known as Divine Love. This is godly Christian love. It is committed sacrificial love. It says, “I commit to you.” or “I love you because I choose to love you.” I do not put any condition to it neither do I want you to give it back. This is the love that God has for us, that we should have for Him and also have for others. It is the strongest of all loves. Bible Verses: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 13:34–35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you have love one to another.” Characteristics of God’s Agape’ Love are found in 1 Corinthians 13:4–8.
May this reflection help us to grow in our love for God, our family, and for one another. Don’t forget your daily prayers for prayers help us to grow in true love and shine as children of the Light whom we are.
Stage 2: NGWE Theme 1: LOVE Session Two: Signs of True Love
The Bible in 1Corinthians 13 gives us genuine qualities of true love. Using this Bible text this week, together with other guidelines on signs of true love, let us examine our lives and make amendments where necessary.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hope, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails… “
Prayer
Living on love is giving without limit.
Without claiming any value here below.
Ah! I give without counting, truly sure.
That when one loves one does not keep counts!
Overflowing with tenderness, I have given everything.
To his divine heart… lightly I run.
I have nothing left but my only wealth
Living on love.
Living on love is banishing every fear.
Every memory of past faults.
I see no imprint of my sins.
In a moment love has burnt out everything.
(Therese of the Child Jesus)
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Jesus, help me to love truly” Glory be…
Reflection
Our scripture text above has presented to us the qualities of true love. Let us reflect on it and also on these practical tips on signs of true love and try to see how they directly influence our lives and so take more reasonable decisions in our lives.
Here are some guidelines for true love in a relationship.
- He/she Makes You Want to Be a Better Person.
- You Want to Be There for Him/her in Good Times and Bad.
- You’re Confident in Your Relationship.
- You Can Be Yourself Completely Around Him.
- You Allow Yourself to Be Vulnerable. When you’re truly in love, you are willing to expose your heart to potential pain. Love is trusting that this person will not break your heart.
- You are not Playing Games, you mean everything.
- You Want to Do Nice Things for Him/her.
- It’s Not Fleeting, I want to be with one man/one woman.
- One Argument Does Not End the Relationship.
- You See Him/her in Your Future.
- It Feels Natural.
- I Would Gladly Sacrifice for Him/her.
- His/her Successes are Yours.
- It’s Not All Roses and Unicorns (and That’s Okay!) I know it will not always be sweet, and it’s ok.
- You’re Truly Partners in Life.
- You Don’t Rely on Him/her to Make You Happy (Though He/she Does.)
- You Communicate, Not Fight.
- You Love to Make Him/her Smile.
- You Would Do Anything for Him/her.
- People Say You’re Perfect Together.
- You Can Accept His/her Flaws.
- You Want to Live Together/Have Kids/Get Married.
- He’s the First Person You Turn to with News.
- You’re Always Excited to See Him/her.
- You Spend Time Apart…But Think of Him/her.
- You’d Rather Watch Movies on the Couch Than Go Out.
- You’ve Told Him/her EVERYTHING About You.
May all these guidelines help us to grow in love the way God wants.
Stage 2: NGWE Theme 1: LOVE Session 3: Potential Pitfalls of love
Daily Prayer for the Week
Scripture Reading: Romans 16:17-18
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”
Prayer
Loving Father, please help me to let go of all the disappointments of the past and to forgive those that have hurt and disappointed me so deeply. Keep me from all bitterness Lord. I thank You for granting me the resolve to stand before You today in acceptance of my faults and wrongs. I know I have treated him/her badly and the pain I’m feeling is due to my lack of respect for his/her feelings. Please, God, I pray for an opportunity from You to apologize for my wrongdoings. (add your intention). We ask this through the same Jesus Christ our Friend. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Lord Jesus help me to love truly” Glory be…
Reflection
As Shakespeare said, “The course of love never did run smooth.” No relationship is perfect, so there will always be problems, conflicts, misunderstandings, and disappointments that can lead to distress or heartbreak.
So while love is associated with a host of positive emotions, it can also be accompanied by a number of negative feelings as well. Some of the potential pitfalls of experiencing love include:
- Anxiety: Anxiety can cause nervous behaviors like being confused, sleeplessness, uneasiness and worry, and overreaction( intentionally or unintentionally exaggeration). It can also cause tension, restlessness, fatigue, and problems in concentration. Anxiety is closely related to fear (Mostly fear of the unknown, or of future threats. A simple solution for people facing anxiety is to withdraw from situations that have provoked it. This is the case with many who practice false love or have been disappointed in a love relationship.
- Depression: A depressed person would have little interest or pleasure in doing things, feeling downcast or hopeless, either sleeping too much or facing difficulties sleeping, feeling tired, or having no energy. They develop a poor appetite, overeat, or have considerable weight changes. Face difficulties to concentrate, thinking, or making decisions. They feel bad about themselves—that they are a failure or have a lot of guilt. They move or speak slowly, so that other people have noticed, or are so restless that they’ve been moving around a lot. They think they would be better off dead, or hurting themselves in some way. This is a horrible situation for someone who is heartbroken in love. The solution is not to hurt yourself but meet your spiritual director or your doctor and explain all that you are going through.
- Increased stress: Stress is the body’s method of reacting to a condition such as a threat, challenge, or physical and psychological barrier to one easy life. When force or emotional pressure is applied to the body causing strain. The one concerned is worried and develops poor body health. This is what a person who practices false love or has been disappointed in love would experience.
- Jealousy: Jealousy or envy is a feeling (or emotion) people get when they want what others have. This is a negative feeling. When someone is jealous of someone else, he or she usually dislikes the other person. He/she keeps suspecting the other person. This is usually the fruit of false love.
- Obsessiveness: It is often associated with anxiety and mental illness. Being preoccupied with a particular activity or thinking intensely and persistently of something. One who is infatuated would experience this. They mistake strong emotional feelings for love.
- Possessiveness: It is a type of excessive desire to possess or dominate greed; excessive desire to acquire or possess more. It is associated with false love which is taking as opposed to giving in true love. He/she wants more and more so long as it is satisfactory to him/her without considering the well-being of the other. With this presence in a relationship makes it short-lived for there is no love but exploitation.
- Sadness: Sadness is an emotional pain associated with, or characterized by, feelings of loss, despair, grief, helplessness, disappointment, and sorrow. An individual experiencing sadness may become quiet and withdraw from others. This is what false love or a broken relationship will bring.
Of all the above, there is no reason to harm or kill yourself for God still loves you no matter how far you’ve gone from him. He is is still there, standing and waiting to receive you when you turn back to him. Remember the Prodigal son, he practiced false love and found himself in a mess but after taking a firm decision to repent his father received him back to sonship with a big feast. So will it be to us when we find ourselves in a similar situation and decide to repent. God will receive us back to himself and help us to live a new life. The perfect key is repentance. You may start by seeking spiritual counsel from a Priest or a trusted Christian; an individual or a group that offers spiritual guidance.
Stage 2: NGWE Theme 1: LOVE Session 4: God Loves You Personally
Daily Prayer for the week
Scripture: 1 John 4:7-9
Beloved let us love one another, for love is from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God for God is love. The love of God was made known through us. God sent his only-begotten Son into the world that we might live through him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father I thank you with all my heart because you love me beyond compare. You see me always as the apple of your eye. I am wonderfully and beautifully made by you. You give me life and everything I need. Above all, you gave me your Son to suffer and die for me to save me from everlasting death. Father, please give me the grace to love you truly and love my neighbors as you love me. (Add your intention) We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Lord Jesus help me to love God truly” Glory be…
Reflection
God’s love for us
- Nothing is purer than the love of God. His love is forgiving and unconditional. He’s there for you like no one else.
- Nothing can break the love of God for you. It’s strong and unbreakable. He knows you by name, He understands you, you are the apple of his eyes, and He is there for you whether you acknowledge it or not. He loves you. You just need to have faith in His presence. You can love someone as much as you can and feel the love of others in your life too. But none of it can be equal to the love of God for you. He is there, always, letting us know that he still loves us despite our weaknesses.
- God’s love has no barricades. It takes no exceptions, it makes no mistakes. It just loved us all, beyond our looks, our capabilities, our background, and our faith.
- There is no person on Earth who can love all with the same unbiased nature as God. God has always loved us equally and it is the most beautiful thing in the universe. He does not discriminate.
- Yes, God is mighty. Yes, he is powerful. Yes, his glory is loud and clear. But, none of this is as great as his love for us. He loves us beyond power, beyond might, and beyond glory.
- He has blessed you with all the love by giving you all you need. Everywhere you look, you’ll see God’s love. It’s in the sunshine just as much in the rain. It’s in the water you drink and in the food you eat. It is in everything we use to live well which He created.
- God’s love is strong. He preaches to you to hate the sin and forgive the sinner. He teaches you to be forgiving and accepting towards all. And this is something no man can teach you.
- God has given you a purpose, a faith to stand for, a motive to live for, and the strength to fight through obstacles. His love has everything you need to live a life of glory, a life that serves the greater good.
How do you prove that you love God or accept God’s love?
- Pray to God. Tell God that you love him and love his creation.
- Do good things. This will show how much you actually love God.
- Honor God’s name. Do this by helping people to believe in God and by sending messages of hope to others to encourage them.
- Love yourself so that you can love your neighbor. You cannot give what you don’t have.
- Love others unconditionally.
- We love because God first loved us. If a man says ‘I love God,’ and yet hates his brother, he is a liar; for the man who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. Indeed, we have this Command from God—’ He who loves God must also love his Brother’ (1 John 4:19-21).
True love is something that is real and can be found in today’s world. God has given us our partners, family or someone out there for those still to marry that is waiting to give you the love that you deserve. Until then, it’s important to share God’s love with those around you. God wants us to show compassionate, caring love to others just as he loves us. That is how you show your love for God.
Brothers and sisters let us bear in mind that God loves us personally despite all our weaknesses and shortcomings, thus, you should endeavor to reciprocate his love for you by loving him and one another unconditionally.
Stage 2 Theme 2: JOY
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we completed the fourth session of the first topic (LOVE) of sage 2 (NGWE), and this week we will begin the second fruit which is JOY. JOY is the second fruit of the Holy Spirit, our second topic, and I propose we reflect as follows;
Points/Sessions for reflection and sharing
- What is the difference between joy and happiness?
- The joy of being a Disciple.
- The Joy from living in harmony with others.
- The joy of the Lord.
- The joy of worship.
The above points would help us keep our lights burning in five sessions for five weeks beginning next week. As we are looking forward to reflecting on the first session; “What is the difference between Joy and Happiness?” next week, let us take this week to look around us and try to identify people whom we think have JOY in them and do well to follow the Holy Week Program.
Happy Holy Week and a Joy-filled Easter in advance.
Stage 2 Theme 2: JOY Session One: What is the difference between joy and happiness?
Daily Prayer for the Week
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Prayer
My Father, You created me out of joy. When You made me, You said that I am perfect. You made me live a prosperous life, full of happiness and peace. Heavenly Father, It is your will that I may live happily and joyfully. Fill me with unending joy in all circumstances o Lord my God. (Add your intention) We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Holy Spirit fill me with everlasting joy” Glory be…
Reflection
- Joy isn’t like happiness which is based upon happenings or whether things are going well or not. No, joy remains even amidst suffering. Joy is not happiness. Joy is an emotion that’s acquired by anticipation, acquisition or even the expectation of something great or wonderful. It could be described as delight, sheer gladness, and can result from a very beautiful or wonderful experience like a wedding or graduation but the definition of joy that the world holds is not nearly as amazing as biblical joy which is a gift. It also develops from a fulfilled lifestyle. Joy also wells out of happiness (happy situations) and lasts longer.
- Joy is a permanent possession while happiness is fleeting. Joy wells out and moves you from within. Joy stays, as present as the air but happiness comes and goes like the weather. I can be happy now because my son has passed his exams but in the next few hours, I may be sad because I don’t have enough money to further his studies. This does not cancel the fact that I have joy. I decide to be joyful because I believe, trust and have confidence in God that he will provide and lead him in the right direction according to his plan and promises for him.
- Joy is one of the fruits or the results of having the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You cannot fake joy, you either have it or you don’t. Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica that “for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thess 1:6) indicating that joy is associated with God the Holy Spirit and that the “righteousness and peace and joy are in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17) and finds it source in God as even “the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52).
As friends of Jesus Christ, Easter is a moment of great joy for us as we are happy and rejoice in His resurrection. After His suffering and death on the cross for our salvation we are filled with joy as we are sure of everlasting life with Him.
Rejoice and be glad, Our Lord has risen, he is alive and he lives on with us till we meet him face to face. ALLELUIA!
Stage 2 Theme 2 JOY Session Two: The joy of being a Disciple.
In our session on Discipleship, we learned that the Disciple learns the Master and not the book. How happy is the one who passes the Master’s exams, for He is just saying to the one, “You resemble me more, you see as I see, you hear as I hear, you talk as I talk, you do things as I do them, you love as I love, your are mind and I am yours, I love to live with you, etc.” Let us reflect on the joy of being a disciple this week.
Psalm 97: 10 -12
The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the souls of his saints;
he sets them free from the wicked.
Light shines forth for the just
and joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice, you just, in the Lord;
give glory to his holy name.
Prayer
Risen Savior, We rejoice for you are risen, and are we us. Yours we are and yours we want to be always. Fill us with the joy of being your disciples. Give us the grace to always do what you want and not what we want so as to be happy with you now and forever (add your intention) Amen
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Risen Lord, fill me with your joy” Glory be…
Reflection
Our knowledge that Jesus is our friend, he loves us and we love him, he is with us, he will never fail us, makes us happy and filled with joy. Peter wrote about this saying: “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Pet 1:8)..
As his disciples, even in our trials, James writes that we should “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2). This helped Jesus endure the cross “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2). Nothing brings us great joy than being fully aware that one is carrying his cross and following Jesus, that is doing what he said, “If you want to be my disciple, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.” With this in mind even though we suffer we have inner joy.
Psalm 119 is one of the Bible verses about the joy that adds some important principles about following God and being honest with following the scripture. It says: The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. Brothers and sisters, the statutes of the Lord; his commandments words, and promises are means of great joy for us. Just put them into practice as best as you can.
The joy of the Lord is my strength. Neh. 8:10. When we claim all the promises of God for us we will be filled with joy for those of his disciples who have left everything and follow him shall be rewarded a hundred full. This is our joy and goal as Christians.
ABI Stage of the Bo-Be-NKA’A Process. A Review on the Awunka’a Stage
Stage 2 Theme 2 JOY Session Three: The Joy of living in harmony with others.
Scripture Reading Psalm 133: 1-3.
How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Prayer
Truly it is so wonderful living together in you o lord our God. In your presence there is anointing, the spirit moves within us. Together in your presence o lord, anointing breaks the yoke and we are free, happy, and full of joy. When we gather two or more you lord are with us. Bless us and bless these our group o Jesus that we may always be united which is our gold. (add your intention) Thank you, Lord Jesus.
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Risen Lord Jesus, keep us always united in you” Glory be…
Reflection
Recall the joy we experienced together as small and big groups in the BBN Process, the Nkungse, excursions, pilgrimages, big games, joint Masses and celebrations, visits; they were always moments of great joy. Let’s reflect on this week and also these points on saints Paul.
- Paul received joy from Philemon from which we see him writing “I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you” (Phil 1:7) When we love one another as Jesus loves us we fill each other with joy.
- and in his remembrance of Timothy by writing “As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy” (2 Tim 1:4). When we are touched by each other’s life, we are filled with joy and long to meet together. This calls for living exemplary lives by all in the group so that we will be proud of ourselves as children of God and be filled with joy.
- Even to the church at Corinth, he wrote “I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all” (2 Cor 2:3). The Apostle John described this feeling as having “no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 3:4). When we turn around and see that many of our brothers and sisters BO-BE-NKA’A have not left the Catholic Church, some in various Religious Houses as Priests and Religious, some enjoying Holy Matrimony or responsible single life despite their hardships, many with jobs to sustain a living, even those who died as children of the light, we are filled with joy. All these because of the harmony that exists in the Movement.
- Paul prayed for the church in Rome, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Rom 15:13). We need to pray for the welfare of our group for true joy comes from the success of the entire group and the wellbeing of members.
- from the success of the entire group and the well-being of members.
In harmony, we live together with JOY
ABI Stage of the Bo-Be-NKA’A Process. A Review on the Awunka’a Stage
Stage 2 Theme 2 JOY Session Four: The Joy of the Lord
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-5
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are my joy. You filled me with life and joy by your death and resurrection. You gave yourself for us so that we may live happily with you forever. Give me the grace to accept and live the joy you bring to us for your joy is my strength. (add your intention) Amen
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Lord Jesus, you are my joy” Glory be…
The Joy of the Lord
The Book of Psalms has more references to joy than any other book in the Bible and the psalmist wrote a lot about joy and much like what Nehemiah wrote, “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh 8:10) for “all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy” (Psalm 5:11). The psalmist wrote that God “put more joy in my heart” (Psalm 4:7) and in God’s “presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). So we ought to be joyful always, shout for joy over our salvation because God’s presence will always make us glad.
Joy comes from believing in God, belonging to His Kingdom, and knowing Jesus as Lord. 1. Romans 15:13 ” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
My belief, trust, and hope in God bring me joy. I have nothing to fear even if I walk in the valley of darkness for I know he is there with me.
Unshakable joy is rooted in Christ and what he has done for us. After reminding the Philippians of just some of the blessings they experience through the gospel ( 2:1 ), Paul asks the Philippians to complete his joy by living in a way that reflects the mindset of Christ Jesus himself ( 2:2-5 ).
Simply put, Biblical joy is choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction, because we know that God will use these experiences to accomplish His work in and through our lives. James is telling his readers that they can choose to respond with joy, even during times of trials and suffering. Joy is a choice!
Choose to be joyful today! The joy of the Lord is our strength.
ABI Stage of the Bo-Be-NKA’A Process. A Review on the Awunka’a Stage
Stage 2 Theme 2 JOY Session Five: The Joy of Worship
Scripture Reading: John 4:23
“But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way.” –John 4:23
Prayer
Loving Heavenly Father, You are our magnificent God and Your name is great on all the earth. Be Thou exalted o Lord my God above all the earth. You spoke the world into being and stretched out the heavens by the might of Your great power. You have established Your strength from everlasting to everlasting, and the heavens are the work of Your fingers. May our whole being worship and glorify your holy name now and forever. (add your intention) Amen
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Lord Jesus, you are my joy” Glory be…
The Joy of Worship
Joy comes from worship. Worship is the highest honor we give to God. It has many aspects; Praises by means of songs and words, thanksgiving, adoration, etc. (Psalm 45:15) so why not “Shout to God with loud songs of joy” (Psalm 47:1) for we have much to be joyful about so again I say “Shout for joy to God, all the earth” (Psalm 66:1)!
As believers, we’re called to worship God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). But you may wonder, “How can I worship God daily? How can I worship God at home? How can I worship God wherever I am?” The good news is, you can—and worship is a powerful spiritual exercise in any believer’s life. It played a vital role in the Israelites’ winning their first battle after entering the Promise Land (Joshua 6). It was instrumental in Paul and Silas’s release from prison (Acts 16:24-26). It reflected the thanksgiving and heartfelt praise of God’s people throughout all 150 psalms, repeatedly allowing them to express their nagging fears, their miraculous feats, and their enduring faith in God. These examples and more show just what can happen when God’s people worship Him “in spirit and in truth.”
What Does Worshiping ‘in Truth’ Mean?
The first step in understanding how to worship is recognizing whom to worship. We worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). When we worship in truth, we don’t worship empty philosophies that come from the world’s way of thinking (Colossians 2:8). Instead, we focus on the message and the truth of Jesus Christ. “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts” (Colossians 3:16).
Man’s way of thinking is not God’s way of thinking (Isaiah 55:8). In order to worship in truth, we must know the truth, which is found in the Bible. We must continually renew our minds to the Word of God by spending time studying every day (Romans 12:2). When our minds are renewed to what He says is truth (and not the world), we will be able to come to Him and worship Him in spirit and in truth.
Dear brethren, during this week, let’s make efforts and create time to worship our God in truth and in spirit marking the end of our review on theme 2 “JOY” on Stage 2 of our Process “NGWE”.
ABI Stage of the Bo-Be-NKA’A Process. A Review on the Awunka’a Stage
Stage 2 “NGWE” Theme 3 “PEACE“
BO-BE-NKA’A! Nwa’a Adi’i Ntseme! (Children of the Light! Shine Everywhere!)
Having reviewed the first two themes; LOVE and JOY, on the NGWE Stage, This week I would like to present the next theme; PEACE. The following Points or topics for reflection are a proposal on our review on this theme – PEACE. So, let’s take a glance through these points this week and then commence with point one next week.
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
- What is Peace and the Key Promise of Christ?
- How can we have peace in the dark world of sin?
- Peace in the Bible.
- Peace of mind.
- How does the Holy Spirit lead us to peace?
- Peace Education
Remember to keep your light shining, rejoicing in the Lord always, and remain in his love by loving as he loved us. Have a blessed week.
ABI Stage of the Bo-Be-NKA’A Process. A Review on the Awunka’a Stage
Stage 2 Theme 3 PEACE Session 1: What is Peace and the Key Promise of Christ
Scripture Reading: John 14: 27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Prayer
I ask that you slow me down, Lord. My heart pounds in fear and confusion, so I pray that you will still my heart and quiet my mind. Help to steady my pace so that I can reach your eternal vision. Even when I am beset by the confusion of the day, brings me a sense of calmness. When I am beset by tension and trouble, soothe my nerves and help me to work toward building your kingdom. When I sleep, restore my mind and soul so that I can find peace. During the day, help me to see the stillness and peace of single minutes of clarity. Slow me down and inspire me so that I may see your enduring mercy and love on this earth. (add your intention) Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Lord Jesus, give me your peace.” Glory be to the Father …
Reflection: What is peace?
On the one hand, in a social sense, peace is commonly used to mean a lack of conflict (such as war) and freedom from fear of violence between individuals or groups.; Peace is a concept of societal friendship and harmony in the absence of hostility and violence. In a society, Peace is when people are able to resolve their conflicts without violence and can work together to improve the quality of their lives.
On the other hand, the peace that only Christ gives is not a concept but a state of being which is more of Tranquility of mind and tranquility of soul. When you are undisturbed by feelings thoughts or emotions, you have such eternal peace. Such peace is serenity, quiet and calm.
Thus, the Key Promise of Christ is: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14: 27
This week, let us take time to pray for true peace in our lives.
ABI Stage of the Bo-Be-NKA’A Process. A Review on the Awunka’a Stage
Stage 2 Theme 3 PEACE Session 2: How can we have peace in this dark world of sin?
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3 10:11
10 For, “Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that your word brings great peace to our souls. You promise that the Holy Spirit in our lives will produce the fruit of peace. I pray that this fruit will ripen in our life so that we will be able to experience that inner peace no matter what conflicts we face. Give us the grace to turn from all evil to good so as to build a better world of peace. (add your intention) Amen
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Holy Spirit my advocate help me to be a peaceful person in the world.” Glory be to the Father, …
How can we have peace in this dark world of sin?
- Sin destroyed peace in the world and also for everyone who refuses Jesus’ offer of salvation. However, anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord, believes in his heart that Jesus is the only way to God, and is willing to surrender to Him as Savior and. Lord can have peace in the world. (Romans 10:9–10, 13)
- Through the blood of Jesus Christ, the divine promise remains true: “The Lord will bless his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11) By remaining true to ourselves and others we claim this divine promise. No favoritism, tribalism, etc. but instead function as one big family of God.
- The world thinks of peace as an absence of conflict. But Jesus explained that the peace he gives is different from the peace the world gives. So, seek the peace that Jesus gives by keeping his commands
- We may distract ourselves with power, worldly treasures, and fame, but none of these things will bring lasting peace to our hearts. Peace comes when we put ourselves right with God, keeping our baptismal promises.
- We can never earn so much money that we find peace in our souls. The only peace that we can find in this world is through Jesus Christ. By loving as Jesus loves we find peace. When the power of love overcomes the love of power we will find peace in the world.
- Seek forgiveness, not revenge and you will have peace. Two wrongs can never make a right.
- Through his gentle, merciful spirit, we can find the inner peace we so desperately seek in this world in prayers. Let us pray earnestly for inner peace and ask God Spirit to sustain us and provide for us.
ABI Stage of the Bo-Be-NKA’A Process. A Review on the Awunka’a Stage
Stage 2 Theme 3 PEACE Session 1: Peace in the Bible
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:9
” Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Prayer
Holy Trinity, Mighty God I pray that you may give me inner peace in my mind and heart. Forgive me for any mistakes I make and help me to live a purer life through you. Bring my soul the quietness of your presence. I pray that you will guide me in all that I do and say, today and for always. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Holy Spirit my advocate help me to be a peacemaker” Glory be to the Father, …
Reflection: Peace in the Bible
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ; Peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit ( Galatians 5:22-23) and reflects our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. The fruit of peace looks like unity, harmony, and wholeness in our lives (Romans 12). Peace brings people closer to each other, to God, and to a richer understanding of self.; Once the Spirit draws us, we believe in Jesus, and peace comes. “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). However, the fruit of the Spirit includes a peace that goes beyond that of salvation. It is a sweet relationship with God.
God’s contribution was to send Jesus, the Prince of Peace ( Isaiah 9:6 ), to submit His life ( Isaiah 53:5 ). When we repent and respond in faith to the gift of God, He saves us, and peace is born ( Romans 5:1 ). When two people are at peace with God, they will also be at peace with each other.
According to the Bible, the peace of God, “which transcends all understanding,” is the harmony and calmness of body, mind, and spirit that supersedes earthly circumstances. Nearly all of the letters of Paul start with the phrase “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ .”
Brothers and sisters let us be peacemakers so as to maintain our inheritance as children of God.
Famous Peacemaker 👇👇
Stage 2 Theme 3 PEACE Session 3: Peace of mind
Hi Friends, Let us continue with our reflection on the theme ‘PEACE’. We are on session 3 this week: “Peace of Mind” May this help to calm us down in our different circumstances to enjoy the peace Christ offers.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 26:3-4
3You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself is the Rock eternal
Prayer
No matter what issues I face, Lord, I know that you are more powerful than them. In my time of struggle, I bring you my problems in the knowledge that you can solve them if it is your will. I ask that you give me peace to accept the things that I cannot change and the wisdom to follow your path in all things. I trust in you in everything that I do, and I pray that you will bring me the peace and clarity I need for the path ahead. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Holy Spirit my advocate, give me peace of mind” Glory be to the Father, …
Reflection: Peace of mind
The way to find and keep peace of mind is outlined for us by the Prophet Isaiah: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. ” (Isaiah 26:3) If you trust in God and your mind will stay on him and you will be peaceful. We find inner peace of mind and contentment by living God’s way of life, even in less than peaceful situations. At times, we will face conflict, but the Holy Spirit can still cause the fruit of peace to ripen and make us receive that inner peace, the “peace of mind and heart” that Jesus promised. This inner peace reveals a trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty even in the most “unpeaceful” situations. Only God can create peace through the work of the Holy Spirit. We are to submit our wills to God’s leading and our actions to God’s Word, but the actual results are up to Him.
Many of us mentally “torture” ourselves daily with the things we tell ourselves. The most important ways to achieve peace of mind involve being true to yourself, accepting that life is uncertain, and watching your thinking. These will help your peace of mind
1. Do your most daunting task first thing in the morning
2. Let go of things you can’t control.
3. Don’t worry about what others are thinking.
3. Think positively.
4. Walk to a window, look outside, and take a single deep breath.
5. Be True to You.
6. Get good sleep.
7. Be kind.
What is it that you best enjoy in your life? 👇👇👇👇
Stage 2 Theme 3 PEACE Session 4: How does the Holy Spirit lead us to peace?
Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1-2
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Prayer
God, you know that I am always available for your needs. I want to serve you in all that I do, think, and feel each day. Help this desire to imbue my spirit with your love and mercy. Guide me so that each part of my life is a testament to your love and strength. Help me and grant me the ability I need to carry out your divine plan. Help me to see the path that you want me to live instead of the path that I have sought for myself. Bring me your everlasting peace today and for always. (add your intention) Amen
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Holy Spirit my advocate, give me peace of mind” Glory be to the Father, …
Reflection: How does the Holy Spirit lead us to peace?
- Peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit ( Galatians 5:22-23) and reflects our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. The fruit of peace looks like unity, harmony, and wholeness in our lives (Romans 12). Peace brings people closer to each other, to God, and to a richer understanding of self.
- He Inspires Bishops Priests and Religious to preach peace to individual Christians and the world.
- He inspires Catholic Teachers to carry out peace education in the catholic schools so our children will grow to be peaceful citizens.
- By giving us grace to keep God’s commands, Inspiring us to know good and bad and avoid evil; values that bring us peace of mind. On our own we cannot do it without the help of the Spirit of peace.
- Our natural selves do not want it. Only God can lead us to want peace with Him; the Holy Spirit leads us to want Jesus and His message. Once the Spirit draws us, we believe in Jesus, the peace comes. “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
- He enables the habitual condition, state of mind, and style of life of one who, through effort and vigilance, has attained a certain interior ability to make peace. Peace, the fruit of the Spirit is peace of heart.
Stage 2 Theme 3 PEACE Session 5: Peace Education
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace teach us how to live in peace and harmony. Bless all our efforts in working for peace. (add your intention) Amen
Our Father, 3 Hail Mary… A decade (10) of “Holy Spirit my advocate teach me to live in peace with others.” Glory be to the Father, …
Reflection
Peace Education; Peace education promotes the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to help people prevent conflict occurring, resolve conflicts peacefully, or create conditions for peace. Peace education activities promote the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will help people either to prevent the occurrence of conflict, resolve conflicts peacefully, or create social conditions conducive to peace.
Hints on peace education
- Maintain your inner peace and peace of mind.
- Be kind to others.
- strive to maintain peace in your family.
- Settle differences between your children with love.
- Train your kids to respect others at home and in school.
- Set rules that lead to peace at home and in school.
- Practice saying I’m sorry and teach our children to say I’m sorry when they are wrong.
- Be appreciative and teach children to appreciate others.
- Pay attention to your self-dignity and have the youths build their self-esteem so as to be peaceful people at present and in the future.
- Parents should be good examples to their children as they strive to live peacefully.
- Resolve conflict between family, relatives, and friends amicably with the fear of the lord.
- Above all love, love, and love as Jesus Loves.
SOME DANGERS OF LACK OF PEACE in the society
Where there is No Peace there is
- Pain; life without peace is painful and stressful. A person who has no peace is worried and depressed. A couple that has no peace will complain, cry and curse each other.
- Panic; lack of peace brings doubt, discouragement, defeat, and depression. A person who has no peace is scared and confused. Quarrel brings down a family, nation, and continent. People get tired and frustrated with Hostility.
- Problem; a person and a family that has no peace have a problem. They are in trouble and dilemma. Conflict subtracts, and it brings more problems. A mind that has no peace is full of confusion. When there is no peace, it is hard to start, continue and finish something. Lack of peace brings division, separation, and anxiety.
- Poverty; war and conflict lead to misery, sadness, and poverty. Where there is instability there will be no progress either in family or country. Lack of peace is dangerous. An unstable mind cannot think big. Everything starts in the mind. Lack of peace takes people backward.
5. Paralysis; if you are not at peace with one another you cannot walk and work together. Where there is no peace there is intimidation and doubt. The lack of peace in marriage makes a house to be a house of quarrels and misunderstanding. Poor communication brings confusion and disorder. Disagreement can lead to the destruction of things. Things stop working. Lack of peace leads to murder, suicide, discrimination, hatred, division, and bitterness.
- Pollution; the lack of peace hurt the heart and harms the house. Lack of peace creates wounds in people’s lives. It makes a place unsuitable. A place that has no peace, people run from it.
- Perplexity, where there is no peace there is confusion. Lack of peace leads to misunderstanding, disorder, and fighting. People do the wrong things without fear.
- Pessimism, the lack of peace affects a person’s attitude in a negative way. A person develops fear, thinking that bad things will happen to him or her. A person lives in doubt and distress. Lack of peace leads to suspicion. Lack of peace affects a person’s determination, dreams, and destiny.
Peace is one of the best gifts that you give to people around you it brings joy and happiness. If indeed you love your marriage, place of work and country promote peace in it. Peace takes people forward while conflict takes people backward.
A sketch of the remaining Program is presented here below
Stage 2 Theme 5 PATIENCE
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
The Fruit Of Patience
When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us:………patience. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. ( Hebrew 10:36 ). We need the supernatural patience produced by the Holy Spirit in order to continue doing God’s will. We need patience in order to respond in a godly way to difficult people around us and to do God’s will in this imperfect world.
Patience, in the biblical sense, is waiting on the Lord. Patience stemming from faith enables us to inherit the wonderful promises of God. The Bible proclaims, “so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Stage 2 Theme 6 KINDNESS
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
The Fruit Of Kindness
The Holy Spirit desires to grow the fruit of kindness in our lives. God took the initiative in meeting us at our point of greatest need –salvation – so we should take the initiative in meeting the needs of others. God’s word commands us to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ( Ephesians 4:32 )
Stage 2 Theme 7 GOODNESS
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
The Fruit Of Goodness
One of God’s attributes is goodness. Many people can live “good” lives by society’s standards, but to have the goodness of Christ himself is to have the ability to show goodness even to those who don’t deserve it, to react with goodness to those who hurt us, in order to reflect God’s goodness like a light shining in the darkness. The fruit of goodness from Christ himself is far different from the kind of goodness that we can accomplish on our own.
Stage 2 Theme 8 FAITHFULNESS
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
The Fruit Of Faithfulness
Faithfulness means trustworthy, responsible, and reliable people who keep their word. Faithfulness begins with the little thing, then God will entrust us with greater responsibility for building his Kingdom.
Stage 2 Theme 9 GENTLENESS
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
The Fruit Of Gentleness
God promises to bless those who are gentle and humble. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he told his followers, “God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them”. (Matthew 11:29). In God’s perspective, those who are gentle will receive everything- the whole earth – referring to the future inheritance of God’s Kingdom.
In God’s perspective, those who are gentle will receive everything- the whole earth – referring to the future inheritance of God’s Kingdom.
Stage 2 Theme 10 SELF CONTROL
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
The Fruit Of Self-Control
In a very real sense, without self-control, it is very difficult to have the other eight fruit of the Spirit growing in our lives. The fruit of self-control will help us to restrain our natural instincts – such as lashing out in anger or yielding to temptation. Self-control, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, gives us the proper responses to react in a Christlike manner even when we are provoked.
Stage 3: NSANG (Arrow)
Definition
Stage 3: NSANG (Arrow)
- Symbol: bow, arrow, and fishing net
- Spirituality: the world of the hunters and fishermen.
- Pedagogical way: Ten Spirits which follow the Cardinal virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
- Initiation: Basic promise, Nsang initiation
- Age: Adolescent II; 15 – 20 years
- Duration: 1- 2 years
The cardinal virtues
The cardinal virtues in philosophy are the quality of good in human conduct. The cardinal virtues, as presented by Plato, were wisdom (or prudence), courage, temperance, and justice. They are to be interpreted as descriptive of conduct rather than innate qualities and are achieved through proper training and discipline. Together with the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity), they compose what is known as the seven virtues.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
Stage 3 Theme 1 WISDOM
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage3 Theme 2 UNDERSTANDING
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage 3Theme 3 COUNSEL
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage3 Theme 5 FORTITUDE
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage 3 Theme 6 KNOWLEDGE
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage 3 Theme 6 PIETY
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage 3 Theme 6 FEAR OF THE LORD
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage 4: NEKONG (Spear)
DEFINITION
Stage 4: NEKONG (Spear)
- Symbols: spear and shield
- Spirituality: the world of the warriors and defenders.
- Pedagogical way: Ten Spirits which follow the Beatitudes.
- Initiation: Basic promise, Nekong initiation
- Age: Youth I; 17 – 22 years
- Duration: 1- 2 years
The Beatitudes are eight blessings recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. Each is a proverb-like proclamation, without narrative. Four of the blessings also appear in the Sermon on the Plain in the Gospel of Luke, followed by four woes that mirror the blessings.
The ten beatitudes :
Stage 4 Theme 1: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Stage 5: ABI – compound, House
DEFINITION
Stage 5: ABI – compound, House
- Symbols: house and compound
- Spirituality: the world of the warriors and defenders.
- Pedagogical way: Nine Spirits which follow the works of Mercy and introduce to ministries.
- Initiation: Basic promise, Abi initiation
- Age: Youth II; 19 – 25 years
- Duration: 1- 2 years
The seven Spiritual Works of Mercy are: Admonish the sinner. Instruct the ignorant. Counsel the doubtful. Comfort the sorrowful. Bear wrongs patiently. Forgive all injuries. Pray for the living and the dead.
Stage 5 Theme 1 Admonish the sinner.
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage 5 Theme 2 Instruct the ignorant.
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage 5 Theme 3 Counsel the doubtful.
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage 5 Theme 4 Comfort the sorrowful.
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage 5 Theme 5 Bear wrongs patiently.
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage 5 Theme 6 Forgive all injuries.
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Stage 5 Theme 7 Pray for the living and the dead.
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
Points/Topics for reflection and sharing
