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 Homepage | The person | The family | The friends | Sitemap | Search | Contact  News  Year 2004 Français | English | Español |  Print16-21 February 2004, International Council : news Dear Friends, The International Council gathered for its meeting in Trosly, in February. The national leaders will receive the minutes of the meeting soon, but it is a great joy to be able to share some news with you already. To begin with, two new countries were recognized as official members of the international association of Faith and Light, namely, Jordan, Singapore, and we are very happy to welcome them into the heart of our vast international family!  Faith and Light now officially exists in 78 countries! It is really is incredible to think of just how much time, but, most of all, the quality of love which so many people freely give in the service of Faith and Light in each of our countries.As we do each time we meet, we had “a tour of the continents”. The continental coordinators bring to the international council what Faith and Light is living in the four corners of the world. It is so important for all the members of the International Council to be able to have a feel for you; to get to know your joys and your difficulties, to better understand the reality which you live day by day and your dreams for Faith and Light … We remembered your communities and your families in our prayer, asking Jesus to give them his Light … We also took some time to think about the way we work together, to listen to one another in truth, deepening the unity which Jesus calls us to live, so as to become a “little school of communion”, which is what each of our communities is called to become… Once more, we have seen that it is life that must determine the adaptations in our structures! The work of reflection is ongoing in certain countries and zones that feel the need for new reorganization for better accompaniment. The presentation of the accounts and budgets gave us some cause for concern, because we had not received the necessary information from all the zones. However, on the other hand, we were able to take note of the huge efforts in many countries as far as the personal contributions go and the genuine enthusiasm for the “Announcing and Sharing Days”. This is an incredible step forward. Keep going! We need everyone’s participation if Faith and Light is to fully realize its mission! In order to help us, the International Council has taken the decision to authorize a person to be in charge of administration and finances on the international level. Good news ! A new aid is now at your disposal: the booklet “To prepare and live a Faith and Light retreat” has just come off the press in English and in French. Please, don’t hesitate to order some copies, it is meant for you. The national leaders will also find it through the intranet, when it is opened. (The country leaders will be notified very soon.)  More good news: Jean and Marie-Hélène are both well! They are both busy writing, giving talks; traveling around the world, bringing the light of Jesus everywhere they go (often in very official meetings, in which discussions are held between ministers and politicians concerning persons with disabilities for the next ten years… Ask Marie-Hélène!) At the international Council, it is always a great joy to have them both with us, as we learn from their wisdom. Together we can give thanks for both of them as we continue to pray for our founders! Finally, I would like to close by announcing to you that the international council is working on an instrument that will be a real gift for each community. The Council is pleased with the project and is working on it wholeheartedly. I won’t say anything more about it for now, except that it will be a beautiful opportunity for deepening and renewal to be lived in community. You will hear more about it in your zones and countries before autumn, promise! This year, our churches will celebrate Easter on the same date. We will be specially united to each other near the Cross of Jesus and in the Joy of his Resurrection. I pray that each one of you and each of your communities has a good journey along this path! With my love, Viviane |
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