Growth Happens in Lifegroups
Ever since I became a Christian one of the main sources of my spiritual growth and maturity in my relationship with Jesus has been through small group bible studies. The very first small group I attended was for a group of couples. Together we discovered God’s design for marriage; including accepting Joven as a uniquely designed gift from God to me.
Joven and I were a young couple at the time so it was very timely that we learn about God’s principles and blueprints for our marriage. It is true when they say that, “marriage is not a bed of Roses”. It’s more like a bumpy drive down the Human Traits and Weakness Road. The study prepared us and helped us become strong as a couple and as a family as we travel through the bumpy road in our marriage. More so, the study helped us build our future that is secure and purposeful because God is the one at the center of our marriage. We had other several bible study lessons that we’ve completed and handled, all of which helped me grow in knowing the Lord Jesus Christ deeper in my life.
When we migrated to Canada in July of 2011, we were so excited to become part of the WIMO family. And one of our primary goals as we settled in this country was to be a part of a Lifegroup for couples. We eventually joined Ajax Lifegroup composed of 6 couples. It’s amazing how the Lord is using this group for me to be closer to God. As we engage in life together through Christ’s teachings, fellowship, generosity and prayer, we become stronger as believers, as couples, as a family and servants of the Lord Jesus.
Our Lifegroup has shown me that everyone goes through struggles and trials as I do. Being in a Lifegroup has helped us become real and intentional, to love one another, pray for each other, be accountable to one another, to care, share and encourage, to confide and confess, to forgive and be forgiven, and to laugh and weep together. Above all these things, we have grown to rely so much more in the grace and sovereignty of our God. This is how we can be confident that in every good and bad day, we will overcome.
In Acts 2:42/47b it says; “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer… and each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
This is one of the many passages in the Bible that talk about the importance of community. It has encouraged me time and time again to value the time spent with God’s people as we grow in our relationship with Jesus and our knowledge of Him.
More importantly, as we journey in our faith through our Lifegroup, God put in our hearts the desire to be more intentional in sharing the gospel to unbelievers; to fulfill the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 where it mandates every follower of Christ on a mission to “go and make disciples of all nations”.
I thank God for the vision that He has placed in the hearts of our leaders. That ‘WIMO will be a growing family of Christ-like disciples living a Word centred life’ and this is happening right here in the Lifegroup. Our church has a lot of study resources that cater to the spiritual needs of every member regardless of age and ministry.
In our Lifegroup, we have also had countless of fun times together where we visit places, have dinner as couples, and visit brethren who need prayer and care. If you find yourself without a Lifegroup at this time, I encourage you to join and experience the love of God, the power of His word, and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in your daily walk with HIM along with others who love the Lord!
Philippians 2:1-2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Be a part, grow, multiply and be a Discipler of Christ!
— Sis. Glenda Quilacio
Ajax Lifegroup Member
