by Felice Matilla
CYN Winnipeg
home·com·ing noun \ˈhōm-ˌkə-miŋ\
: the act of returning to your home or to a place that is like your home.
As stated in the Merriam-Webster Dictionaries, homecoming is the act of returning home. Homecoming is an event common to universities and high schools. Last November 09, 2013 the CYN of Winnipeg held an event that mirrors homecoming, but the youth will be returning to their real homes: in the arms and presence of our Lord. The event was packed with first timers and old friends that made the celebration more intimate and exciting as we met up with new people and catch up with the old ones.
Everyone looked forward to this event with open hearts and excitement. As we continued to pray for wisdom, ideas were thrown in here and there and with everyone’s hard work, time and effort we were able to come up with the program and decorations for the church. Hours before the event, certain members had to endure challenges and unpleasant conditions but their love for God is mightier than any obstacle that the enemy could throw at them. With the grace and strength given by the Lord we managed to hold ourselves together.
As a kick-start the music team was in hype as everyone jumps in songs of praise the Lord. The Spirit was felt in the place as we sang praise and worship our hearts out in His presence. As everyone settles in, we played games as an icebreaker and for everyone to know one another’s name.
As the mood settles in the place, you can feel the intimacy in the silence as the video “The Spirit of Python” is being played. The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt during the entire video and people were moved as the realization that what the people from the video went trough aren't far from reality. This was followed by Kuya Ferdie’s preaching. The word was all about how after everything you have done, after everything you have been through, after everything about your past that made you feel far from the Grace of God, it is never too late to go home and come back to His arms. The Holy Spirit continued to move in the place during the altar call, where each, new comer or not, was prayed for. It was very moving and everyone wept in the presence of the Lord as they were touched in the hearts and the Grace of God abounds in the place.
We sang victory and claimed God’s grace through out the night. Pastor George gave a message and welcomed the youth in the place. After the event, we continued the fellowship as we share food and chat with one another. Each company was acknowledged and we’re very happy that even after the event some youth came back for more and I believe that they have found their home in God and that His grace continues to bring them back in His presence.
“It was life changing. Everyone made me feel like I was welcomed.”
-One attendee’s response when we asked for her feedback.
CYN Winnipeg is experiencing the restoring power of the Lord. We may be under certain struggles but we know in our hearts that God’s grace is there and we will continue to hold on to that. We will continue to do things for His glory. We will dedicate our lives in His name. The enemy may knock us down but God’s hands will be there to pick us up. We will not falter because we are home, we are in His arms.
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
-Titus 2:11-15
Event made possible by our Lord God.
In His Name, all glory is due.
