How do you train fearless warriors for the Lord? Warriors who would not hesitate to wage battle against the enemy no matter what the cost. Warriors whom you could also relate to as brothers. Warriors willing to obey the call of the Lord to bring all men to the Kingdom.
For the more than two hundred members of the Servants of the Lord (SOLD), this was the training they got in the just concluded SOLD Luzon Conference dubbed as “True Men of God are Fearless”. The event was held last 27-28 of September at the
The Fear Factor
Fears are a product of man’s environment and culture. It could become a shadow that will attach to him. However, with only the fear of the Lord that is kept in one’s heart, a close relationship with the Lord can help overcome all other fears.
This is the first important thing the delegates learned from the conference. How to have the courage to face and defeat the fear factor within one’s inner self. Fears that hinder any individual to accept the realities of life. Fears that discourage anyone in every struggles in life. Fears that prevent us to actively participate in the mission of evangelization.
Overcoming these fears in our life is the subject of the first session given by Bro. Art Alabanza, a former Philippine Air Force and commercial pilot. According to him, fear is the opposite of courage; we have to turn our fears into blessings through faith, hope, and perseverance.
How these gifts help overcome these fears was proven by Bro. Tony Loria’s steadfast belief that only God can be the source of anyone’s strength. He lost two sons through violence though he and his family have lived in peace all the days of their lives. The tragedy also raised doubts in him, it raised fears.
But in one of his meditations and time spent alone with God, he realized that life has to move on. He has to overcome the fears that have now been enveloping his life. Together with his wife, Mila who has been his other source of strength, they firmly resolved to continue their service for the Lord through the CFC community and Gawad Kalinga.
“To trust God completely and have the courage to gain wisdom is the first step one has to take on this journey in life”, affirmed Tony.
Gaining Wisdom
Living in brotherhood is a value all SOLD members have to learn as one of the strength in their daily lives. There is something special when men come together as brothers. It is during these times when men can talk about things that can only be discussed among close relations.
As such, a SOLD member has to learn how to react in different situations being played out every day. Sometimes they will be confronted with problems and struggles of other brothers. It is in this regard that they have to learn how to face such situation.
Several case studies, moderated by Joemar Salumbides that were taken out of real life experiences were presented to the delegates. Handling situations such as homosexuality; adultery and living together outside of marriage; addiction and drunkenness; desertion; borrowing and robbery were discussed by the delegates who were divided into small groups during the workshop.
“Leaders should pray for their members not because it is his job but rather out of love,” said Robert Ardiente, SOLD Council member and session 3 speaker who taught the delegates how to properly conduct counseling.
In all of CFC and its family ministries like the SOLD, each member must belong to a small group called a household, which must become a source of inspiration, joy and love for each member of that household. This small cell is headed by a leader called a household head. To better lead the small group assigned to him, a leader should know his members by heart - his interests, his struggles, his needs, his joys. To be able to do this he usually conducts a personal meeting with each of his member which is called a “One-on-one meeting”. Thus, having listening skill was taken and taught to the delegates during the second day of the conference.
A Victor for God
Before winning any battles, one should win the battle within himself. This is the essence of the message of Willy Ona who gave the last session talk. This is the first battle each one has to wage, to conquer one’s own heart. Resisting any temptations and discarding all vices that one has learned to live with.
To be a Christian is to witness. This witnessing may be in the form of preaching and teaching, of celebrating and counseling, of organizing and struggling to alleviate the suffering of our fellow human beings. It can only be a true witnessing if it emerges from a genuine personal encounter, a true experience of love. This we can readily encounter in our fellowship with one another in the community. A real brotherhood of true men of God.
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