Be open to being moulded by the Potter

Sep 20, 2024

PETALING JAYA: The Servants of Yahweh Covenant Community recently held their annual Women’s Retreat at the SOY Centre in SS2, bringing together 50 participants from across the Klang Valley, Taiping, Penang, Singapore, and even the USA.

The three-day retreat, themed Clay in the Potter’s Hand, began on Friday with a warm welcome and an engaging programme designed to foster spiritual growth and community. The retreat kicked off with registration, a welcome speech, and Bible Enthronement. Participants were then led in Praise & Worship before being introduced to speakers Lou Sitaca and Joy Sanchez from the Ang Ligaya Covenanted Community in the Philippines.

An interactive game titled Know Your Sister and an energising action song set the tone for Day 1. The highlight was the orientation led by Lou, focusing on the theme Clay in the Potter’s Hand and reflecting on Jeremiah 18:2, inviting the retreatants to listen and be shaped by the Lord.

Day 2 commenced with a traditional Malaysian breakfast of Nasi Lemak, followed by Praise & Worship. Lou’s first talk, The Potter, emphasised the Lord as our Creator and Potter, moulding us according to His will.

Using Psalm 139:14 and Jeremiah 29:11, Lou explored the characteristics of the Potter and encouraged participants to respond with obedience and surrender.

The day included a creative group activity where participants used plasticine to mould representations of their transformation based on the talk. This was followed by the “Dress Sculpting Challenge” game and another energising action song.

Lou’s second talk, The Clay, delved into how we, as clay, should embody humility, purity, and manageability, referencing Isaiah 64:8, Galatians 6:3, and Hebrews 12:1. Participants engaged in personal reflection and group prayer ministry, supporting each other’s intentions. The day concluded with Mass at local parishes in the Klang Valley.

Day 3 began with Praise & Worship and the final talk, A Worthy Vessel, highlighting the journey from raw clay to a finished work of beauty and usefulness. Lou’s inspiring message emphasised living as the Potter’s workmanship and engaging in Lifestyle Evangelisation, quoting Luke 12:1-12. The talk concluded with 2 Corinthians 4:7, focusing on God’s surpassing power.

Joy shared her transformative journey, detailing how serving others in outreach programmes profoundly impacted her life. The retreat culminated in participants joyfully sharing their own stories and testimonies, reflecting on the powerful impact of the retreat.

As the event drew to a close, gratitude was extended to speakers Lou and Joy for their contributions. The retreat ended on a high note with an energising action song and a heartfelt farewell, leaving participants with renewed faith and a deep sense of connection.

The retreat provided a meaningful and transformative experience for all attendees. As they departed, participants carried with them the joy and inspiration gained from their spiritual journey, eagerly anticipating their next gathering. --Anne John