A short report of Congregational Conference 2014.

Malawi, August 19, 2014.

First of all, we thank you to Lord our God that all participants of our Congregational Conference have arrived in Malawi safely, yet in a good condition and healthy.  Wim Luiten stays at Maryview community; Theo, Seregeous, and Diego stay at the new house in Nyabadwe, and the rest stay at the provincial house in Limbe.

After one or more days the participants took their rest, on Tuesday evening we opened our congregational conference with the opening prayer, led by Bro. Raphael. The theme of the opening prayer was “The Sacrifice of a servant leader”. One thing that we have to reflect during a short individual reflection was “how do we as leaders become channels of abundant life?” In our shared prayer, we pray for successful  congregational conference, vocations to FIC, our leaders, the church, our aged brothers, and FIC congregation as a whole.

During the opening prayer, Bro. Martin Handoko, our general superior officially opened the ConCon. On his opening address he mentioned that officially ConCon is a forum of the General Council and Provincial Superiors, meant to evaluate, re-assess and eventually adapt congregational policy as established by the General Chapter. So the main focus of discussion therefore will be some resolution of the General Chapter 2012. They are among others proposals of formation, avoiding sexual abuse of minors, reflective documents on our Constitution, and FIC journey for spiritual enrichment.

According to the plan which has arranged by the General Council, the conference is scheduled for nine working days and devided into two parts. The first part will be a deepening part on our leadership function, and the second part will be the business meeting on issues related to the resolutions of the chapter and the latest development of the congregation in general and provinces in particular.

In his conclusion of his opening address he also mentioned that through formal and informal interaction among the participants, we wish to receive and give mutual support, inspiration, and encouragement. We hope that the spirit of love and service continue to grow in us following the example of Jesus himself who said that he had not come to be served but to serve.

After the opening prayer we continued to have our supper and followed by a recreation together. We were ready to start our Con-Con 2014. We are sure and believe that Holy Spirit will lead and guide us during our meeting.

Theodorus Suwaryanto