COMMUNITIES

I came to know God recently through my experience of Him at one of BIC’s Sunday services. I was first overwhelmed because I didn’t know what it was, and the actual meaning behind it. I didn’t know what I should do next. Responding God’s calling wasn’t an easy journey, with many around me questioning my experience and new-found faith. At first, I didn’t know what to expect in COOL, where I thought it was nothing but a social gathering. After joining it, I felt really supported in ways that weren’t imaginable. I realized how the diverse background that each of us bring, complements each other’s spiritual journey. Throughout the six months of joining, I am very grateful for the family in Christ that I’m with right now, and hope to have stronger bonds through the journey ahead.

I joined COOL Berea at the beginning of 2019 after arriving in Melbourne to continue my study in culinary management. At first, joining COOL was a struggle due to my study and work commitments. However, my COOL members have always been very supportive and along the way, by God’s grace, I am able to join every week.

Being part of Berea has helped me in my spiritual journey with God. I found encouragement through sharing from other member’s lives, how God has shaped them to become who they are now. It inspired me pursuing God more, asking God for wisdom and participating daily forgiveness. Because of this time constraint, reading scripture was very challenging, however, Berea emphasizes reading the scriptures in detail, discusses them in-depth and propels every member to apply it in our daily lives.

Their acceptance enables me to share my burden or life struggles without fear of being judged. Their advice based on Christian values has lightened the stressful adjustment to the new environment in Melbourne. Lastly, their diverse personalities and perspectives have enriched and broaden my way of thinking, have helped me to improve my communication skills, and to appreciate other people’ differences. I can say that this community is not perfect, but worth it.

COOL Shiloh has become a second family to me. It is a place where we are all comfortable with each other and grows together in Christ. Being part of such a welcoming community has definitely given me something to look forward to each week, especially during the coronavirus lockdown.