Life in the Spirit Retreat: ‘Fresh Fire’

By Tracy Mensan / CHARIS Miri

MIRI — The “Life in the Spirit Retreat,” held at St Francis Centre, Miri from 21–23 July 2023, was a gathering of disciples seeking spiritual renewal and transformation. With a theme centred around “Fresh Fire”, the retreat attracted 250 participants from Miri, Bintulu, and Brunei, all eager to experience a deeper personal relationship with God.

The retreat aimed to reignite the fire of the Holy Spirit within the hearts of the participants, aligning them with the prayer of Pope John XXIII for a new Pentecost. Distinguished speakers, Anthony Lim, Aline Lim and Daniel Kong from the Light of Jesus Christ Covenant Community, Kota Kinabalu, shared their profound insights with the participants on how they may have life in the Spirit and have it abundantly.

Various topics were covered during the retreat. We heard what Christianity really means. It is not about restrictive morality or about following a set of rules and procedures and just being nice to others. It is about finding that personal relationship with God, to experience that abundant life God intends us to have. And that life is ours when we place Jesus on the throne of our lives. We need constant prayer, meditation on the Word of God, the sacraments, and being part of a supportive Christian community to facilitate this transformation.

The retreat also emphasised the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering disciples to live a life aligned with Christ’s teachings. We have to be open to receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Do not feel afraid or that one is unworthy to receive them. We will reap the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Whoever the Holy Spirit touches, the Holy Spirit changes.

Throughout the event, participants shared personal testimonies, on how the Holy Spirit has changed their lives—healing from physical ailments, overcoming addictions, and experiencing personal spiritual renewal, personal conversion, and bringing family members into the church through the witnessing of their lives.

The 2-day retreat ended with a Mass celebrated by Fr Michael Sia, the Spiritual Director of CHARIS, Miri.

As the participants returned to their respective communities, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to live a life guided by the Holy Spirit, to carry the message of God’s love and grace into their homes and communities, just as the early apostles spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. The “Life in the Spirit Retreat” in Miri was undoubtedly a revival experience for all, inspiring believers to embrace God’s grace and bring about positive change in a world in need of love, peace, and justice.

The Life in the Spirit Retreat (Part 2) will take place from 13–15 October 2023 and is set to focus on the theme of healing.