Echo programme on leadership in BECs

Nov 06, 2015

TAWAU (Herald Malaysia): Some 22 participants from the various BECs, together with the BEC Core Group of Holy Trinity Church, held a half-day Echo programme on BEC Leadership Seminar at the church basement hall on October 18, from 12.30 pm to 5.00pm.

The Echo Programme was held following the recent diocesan level BEC Leadership Seminar conducted in July this year. The seminar was attended by the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Chairman, Andrew Kiat, who is also the BEC Coordinator for Holy Trinity Parish, together with four others from the BEC consultative body, Sr Liza Agustine fsic, Julita Kantod, Petrus Bernadus and Julie Kho. The event was organized by the BEC Core Group Team in collaboration with the consultative body. The session began with the proclamation of the word by Gilbert Jack, followed with an Opening Prayer by Sr Liza fsic.

In his welcome address, Andrew Kiat expressed his confidence in the implementation of BECs in the parish. He said, “I believe, and have experienced, the beauty of this programme. It is indeed unique and beautiful that everyone can come together to build up their faith by focusing on the Word of God. I am impressed by the progress of our BECs, though some areas are still in the process of forming, and yet others need to be reactivated. Let us put our efforts together to respond to this new way of evangelization.“ The five-hour programme commenced with a sharing on Looking back and the progress of BECs at the parish, presented by Julita. The areas covered were:

1. The history and the development of BECs in the Parish by Julita
2. The Impact of BECs in the Mission of Christ by Sr Liza fsic
3. The community concept in BECs by Petrus Bernadus
4. The Seven-step Bible Sharing session by Freddy John
5. Bishop Julius’ message on the importance of BECs in the Diocese, which was read by Ms Naomi.

After the sessions, the participants were divided into groups to discuss how to run BECs, and its challenges.

Both Sr Liza fsic and Julita shared on the necessity to participate in BECs as it promotes community building. BECs enrich relationships within the family unit, as well as in the neighbourhood. In BECs, the focus is on Worship, Words, Community and Witness. This can help to build up individuals spiritually to live lives as authentic followers of Christ. The gathering of family units in BECs will reflect the community as the light and salt of the earth, living as true witnesses of Christ.

Gilbert Jack, the chairman of the BEC Core Group, in his concluding address, thanked everyone, especially the speakers and all those who had made the effort to attend this very informative and encouraging session. He hoped that there would be more participants getting involved in future activities.

The programme ended at 5.00 pm with a Closing Prayer led by Julita.