In the golden autumn of October, SFM students are setting out anew after a restful summer break. May the seeds of “spiritual discipline” sown over the past year continue to break through the soil, sprout, and grow under God’s grace.
1. A Joyful Reunion in the Lord
In late September, some SFM participants traveled from across the United States, Canada, and Taiwan back to their “spiritual home” to attend the FiCF Conference and rejoice together in the Lord’s presence (see group photo). We thank God that, although many sisters were meeting for the first time, they quickly bonded through their shared study of “drawing near to God” and experienced the joy of spiritual fellowship as they shared with one another. May God preserve this bond, enabling us to walk together and support one another in the Lord.
2. Preparing for Life’s Renewal
As the new academic year enters the second stage of the spiritual formation journey (SF2), participants from North America and Asia will review their life stories and organize their “life timelines” through the “Shaping a Life” course, revisiting the past in God’s light and preparing for renewal. Over twenty participants and group leaders will also engage in “Spiritual Companionship” (SC), walking regularly with spiritual mentors. We pray that the Holy Spirit grants trust and openness, allowing everyone to be nurtured and shaped by God through mutual companionship and listening.
3. Anticipating the Multiplication of Seeds
We ask the Lord to guide SFM in its ongoing work of sowing seeds of spiritual formation across diverse communities and bringing a culture of “silence and spiritual disciplines” into the church. Before the year ends, SFM will launch two Cantonese spiritual formation workshops, as well as Advent season meditations—”Stillness and Quiet” (in Cantonese) and “Encountering the Lord in Waiting” (in Mandarin, please refer to the registration posters). May more brothers and sisters encounter the Incarnate Lord through spiritual disciplines and receive the grace of life renewal, allowing the sown seeds to grow and multiply in God’s hands.
