The First HER in Vietnam
After a year of waiting and months of preparation, the first Handmaid Enrichment Retreat (HER) was finally made possible in Vietnam on the 23rd – 24th of October 2009. A group of 8 HOLD leaders and members from Manila, led by Sis Bel Liboro and Sis Tess Amon, came with such enthusiasm and vitality, while 15 participants were excitedly waiting and anticipating the encounter with Christ in that retreat.
The HER started on Friday night with a lavish dinner, followed by an orientation and Talk 1. The next day, though the participants went to bed late, they were still bursting with energy, eagerness and readiness to hear more of Talks 2, 3 & 4. All talks were very inspiring, enlightening and quite timely that the time allotted for group discussion was not enough. There were simply so many stories to tell and experiences to share. That was indeed a manifestation of how the Holy Spirit truly empowered the speakers, used them effectively and has guided the participants during the retreat.
As part of the activities, each group had to prepare a short presentation and everyone actively participated and was so engrossed that the presentations came out hilariously insightful. After the presentations and some games, each participant was called in to share their thoughts. You can hear from their sharing that all have been moved and had their eyes opened to the greatness of God in their lives. A ‘Lords Day’ celebration concluded the retreat.
It was such a great experience. All had fun,, all learned and all have felt the love of God and the intimacy of being in a Christ-centred community. Everyone went home energized, inspired, ready and enthused to give themselves and their service to God and the community. They are now better equipped, ready and courageous than ever to face life’s challenges, trusting and believing in the glory and holiness of God.
Wholehearted thanks to Sis Bel Liboro, Vietnam HOLD Country Coordinator and her team for unselfishly giving their time, energy and knowledge to HOLD-VN. And also ‘thank you’ to the whole CFC-VN community for their unending support to the HOLD-Expat here in Vietnam. It was indeed a spirit-filled retreat and all of us, HOLD-Expat VN members, cannot wait for HER 2 to come.
God be praised.
(Annette Taguba, HOLD Vietnam)
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