matthew with Sisters of Mary
Last Thursday, my second son Matthew went to spend a month with the Sisterhood of Mary in Camden, off Sydney. He is there as a volunteer helping out the faith community and they are very appreciative of him because he is one of three males helping out in all the heavy chores! 
. The sisters are from different countries but most of the volunteers are Aussies or Koreans. He works there and he attends the sisters’ sharing of the word and their lives, the 3.00pm prayer times and he gets free meals and lodging. During the weekends they take trips to Sydney or other parts to relax or visit.
I am glad he went and paid for his own airfare. The Lord was good and provided him with money from a NTUC finance competition he was in ($500), some accounting and tuition work he did and in addition special promotion fares from Qantas. I was impressed that he did not go out to fulfill the normal teenager’s wish list (MP3 player, etc, etc) with the savings and was willing to sacrifice and serve. Praying that God will do His work in him.
I have a fondness for the sisters’ ministry because years ago I was obviously burnt-out and near resignation when my wife and I spent 3 weeks in their HQ in Darmstadt, Germany. My wife left after 10 days and I continued on in prayer and reflection. The Lord spoke clearly to me about a turnaround in the church ministry and the fundamental importance of keeping Christ at the center. The time there put me back on my feet and strengthened me to press on. It was several years later before things began to change and the word of the Lord was fulfilled.
The sisters are full of love and joy and if you want to know what holiness feels and looks like, spend some time with them.Theirs is an attractive holiness like Jesus’ holiness. You will feel accepted, loved and encouraged and at the same time see their humanity. If you want to find out more or consider volunteering yourself check out their international and australian websites: www.kanaan.org and www.marysisters.org.au .
BY THE WAY, NEW RESIDENT IN WRPF BLOGVILLE. DROP IN AND GIVE HIM A WARM WELCOME! LIONEL SOH DE DYNAMITE 
AT www.xanga.com/bloggersoh
Add comment October 5th, 2005
