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Speaker Anne Caron Franco, a member of the Ste-Therese church for over 20 years, had recently returned from 12 years of service as an MB Missions/Services missionary in Portugal. She spoke on "Commitment", stressing that it is not for the lazy because it requires total dedication and an investment of time. She described the covenants of the Old Testament, pointing out that they were all initiated by God for the benefit of humanity and that the only logical response is obedience. She also discussed Hebrews 11, saying that the response to the new covenant should be repentance and faith in Jesus, deciding once and for all to change one's attitude: "Salvation is not just a waiting room for heaven."
After a lunch of warm fellowship and meeting new friends, the women heard a testimony from another long-time Ste-Therese member, Renee Nadeau Theret. Recounting the sorrows and joys of her personal Christian life, she said that Christians must live for Christ daily and take risks. Her decisions have always been based on the Holy Spirit given at conversion, the church in which she exercises her gifts, and the grace in which she relates to God.
Franco then reminded those present that Christian commitment is not enlisting in something or just doing things for God without knowing why. Rather, it is motivated by love.
The women broke into small groups to discuss specific questions and then reported back to the whole group.
Franco closed the meeting by stressing the importance of remaining attached to the vine which brings the life of God. She repeated that Christian commitment is built on love and is demonstrated and fulfilled by obedience.
Annie Brosseau, translated from Le Lien by Jim Coggins
Return to the M.B. Herald Vol. 35, No. 14
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