Whither Catholics?
David Lobo writes from Bangalore:
I see a number of Christian churches being "planted" all over the place around me. These "churches", though unorganized and often of questionable nature, are taking the Word of God and the name of Jesus to many places that the Catholic church does not seem to be reaching out to.
Last week, for instance, I came across three Hindus who accepted Jesus through such initiatives, and all are very ardent in their faith and their proclaimation of it. I hardly see anything like this happening in the Catholic Church and I wonder if any figures are available of lost sheep the Catholic Church brings in, in comparison with those our brothers bring in.
This is not a condemnation, but a concerned enquiry to find out what we are doing, and to know if there is anything that lay people like me who have regular jobs, but still interested in spreading the Word of God, can do?
Aneel Aranha replies: There is a huge revival taking place in the Catholic Church and the Spirit is empowering lay people from all over the world to spread the Word of God. HSI is only one such initiative. In a little over two years since it was founded, it has begun reaching close to half a million people a month through its various ministries, which is an amazing figure. I know of other ministries that are also reaching many people, though unfortunately I don't have the kind of comparitive figures that you are looking for.
While it does appear that the Catholic Church does not encourage lay initiatives, it is only because it tries to protect the faith, which many lay preachers - though, well intentioned - often distort. But if it sees that we have the fundamentals in place, it is supportive, and I can bear ample witness to that. There is much that lay people can do, even those with full time jobs, and if you - and anyone else reading this - drops me a note with your area of residence and your areas of interest/expertise; we'll try to find ways in which you can help.
May the Spirit be with you.
I see a number of Christian churches being "planted" all over the place around me. These "churches", though unorganized and often of questionable nature, are taking the Word of God and the name of Jesus to many places that the Catholic church does not seem to be reaching out to.
Last week, for instance, I came across three Hindus who accepted Jesus through such initiatives, and all are very ardent in their faith and their proclaimation of it. I hardly see anything like this happening in the Catholic Church and I wonder if any figures are available of lost sheep the Catholic Church brings in, in comparison with those our brothers bring in.
This is not a condemnation, but a concerned enquiry to find out what we are doing, and to know if there is anything that lay people like me who have regular jobs, but still interested in spreading the Word of God, can do?
Aneel Aranha replies: There is a huge revival taking place in the Catholic Church and the Spirit is empowering lay people from all over the world to spread the Word of God. HSI is only one such initiative. In a little over two years since it was founded, it has begun reaching close to half a million people a month through its various ministries, which is an amazing figure. I know of other ministries that are also reaching many people, though unfortunately I don't have the kind of comparitive figures that you are looking for.
While it does appear that the Catholic Church does not encourage lay initiatives, it is only because it tries to protect the faith, which many lay preachers - though, well intentioned - often distort. But if it sees that we have the fundamentals in place, it is supportive, and I can bear ample witness to that. There is much that lay people can do, even those with full time jobs, and if you - and anyone else reading this - drops me a note with your area of residence and your areas of interest/expertise; we'll try to find ways in which you can help.
May the Spirit be with you.
posted by Aneel Aranha ::
1 Comments:
David
When someone is about to die / leave their parting words are usually something thats close to their heart or something thats really important that they want someone to know....
Jesus's parting words were "go into all the world an make disciples" notice he didnt say "Converts" a disciple is one who is a follower who will continue following God no matter what his circumstances are...a convert will follow but then fall away...
Id say If you live your life as the Bible teaches then you will affect the people around you who will notice that you are "different" This is in itself a testimony...get equipped with what the Bible teaches and then you will be filled enough to be able to share with others..
Hope this helps.
God bless you
Lyndon
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