I write to come close to God. When words appear, it is as if He is listening to me and instructing me in return. The written word offers meaning and meditation that pierces through surface conversations we have with ourselves and others. It allows us to put voice to our experiences. It helps us to clarify thoughts and observations. It is a measure of a man’s—and woman’s—interior life. It offers us the opportunity to experience a real and living God.

This is why I write, and why I hope my words will glorify God and edify His people. But a ministry is not just service, and service is nothing without connection. With words and writing, I hope I have found a sustainable way to serve and to connect with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

The girl who is shy and withdrawn has been given a tool to show the people around her how she loves them. Though she never knows what to say in person, and often shies away from physical affection, she has found that she can stay in the truth of relationships through writing. God is gracious to giveevery person a way to love.

As the parish hopes to grow our community of writers and content creators (photographers and videographers included!), this girl would like to invite you to write to her, sharing a faith story of your own, so she may get to know you better. Perhaps there are other writers out there too, wanting a place to call home. If this is you, come connect and write with us at COTT.

With love and hope,
Serene Frances

Ever since I was a child, I was a person of few words. I was usually reluctant to speak up unless I was spoken to, and preferred to be the silent observer. My favoured mode of communication was writing, penning my thoughts, problems and ideas in my journal.

Through writing, I was able to express myself better, and vent out my frustrations at the issues I was facing, like being troubled over my grades or contemplating which course in university to pursue. I sometimes also corresponded with God through this way. Although I did not receive a reply directly, I felt more at peace with myself after writing out my thoughts, and better equipped to tackle any problem I was facing.

The current pandemic has affected our daily lives. One impact for me is the inability to receive holy communion every week, something I used to take for granted. I am sure the younger members in our community also grapple with certain issues, like being cooped up at home and being unable to interact with their friends, and not being able to participate in co-curricular activities, as well as go on overseas trips.

Let us come together as a community to help one another during this period.If you have a personal story of how your faith was strengthened during a difficult period, or how God helped you overcome certain obstacles, we invite you to share them with us. Your story could touch someone and uplifttheir spirit. Isn’t that what doing God’s work is all about?

Adrian