Message from Jacob C Mathes Achen

Greetings to all brothers and sisters in Christ.

Through out the Bible we see an important truth illustrated over and over: The Holy Spirit releases his power the moment you take a step of faith. It is the Holy Spirits job to produce Christ like character in you. Paul explains in Ephesians 4:22-24 three responsibilities in becoming Christ like character. First we must choose to let go of old ways of acting. Second, we must change the way we think. Third, we must ‘put on' the character of Christ by developing new Godly habits. We have started the Great lent on 14 th February. Lent in Christian Tradition is the period of Liturgical year leading up to the Easter. The purpose preparation will help you to have the Christ like character, abstinence from all evil. The Lent are special time for spiritual discipline. There are mainly 5 Lents in Eastern Christian tradition.

1. Moonu Nombu (Lent for 3 days) in the month of June. It is related with Jonah's 3 days and 3 nights inside the fish. Inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.

2. Sleeba Nombu ( Feast of the Apostle) It is for 13 days (12 disciples + Christ). It is in the month of June.

3. Feast of Saints: Lent of 15 days which is in the month of August.

4. The Advent Lent for 25 days up to Christmas which is in the month of December.

5. The Great Lent (Valiya Nombu) Great Lent for 50 days. It is usually in the month of February, March, and April.

The great pillars of Lent are Fasting, Prayer and almsgiving. These three complement one another and work together to pull us away from ungodly influences and to strengthen and guide us back to a new life in Jesus. Christ Jesus offers healing and forgiveness to the repentant.

Let me mention about all the students who would be appearing for the Board Exams in std X and XII.

May Almighty God bless them all appear the Exam successfully and come out in true winning colors. Let us specially remember these students in our prayers.

Wish you all a nice time for spiritual living.

May God bless you all.

In Christ service,
Rev. Jacob C. Mathew