When Pastor Jeff asked me if I could share a testimony on how the GO Group has helped me in my life, I said “yes” without any hesitation. I have been blessed by being a part of a supportive cell group in Singapore when I became a born again Christian in 1999. And, I have been doubly blessed for belonging to an ICA GO Group here in Surabaya.

It was about this time last year that my marriage was having its trials and tests. My wife and I were having a very serious argument. It was not one of those petty little disagreements that husbands and wives have. I knew we were heading for serious trouble and unpleasant consequences if nothing was done. We needed help. Very badly! And, I tell you; help came from all directions because the Lord is GOOD. Amen! It came from Jeff and Liz and other ICA members. But, most especially, it came from our own GO Group. Our GO Group came with supporting and comforting words and with intercessionary prayers and voluntary fasting.

 Annabel and I are forever grateful. What our GO Group did for us sparked a fire in us to relive our lives with God as our focus and not ourselves. We were also inspired by their gesture to do the same to others in their time of need and supporting them with God’s words and prayers. I can not forget some of their encouraging words of comfort and support like:

“Surrender everything to God. Stop doing it your way.”
“Present all your problems to the Lord and you will be unburdened.”
“Trust in God, He will make a way where there seems to be no way!”
“Put Jesus in the center of your marriage and it will be on solid foundation.”

Through their prayers of intercession, support and love, we were reconciled and our marriage restored. But most of all, our spiritual lives have never been the same. We have grown in our faith and trust in God.

Friends, I leave you with some points to think about. Some say “unless you have experienced some sort of trial, serious turmoil or a painful tragedy in your life, you will not know the strength of a GO Group.” A Christian affirms to give support to fellow Christian during times of need in their lives or wavering in their faith. The book of ROMANS 12:15 says “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” We affirm our faith in God by being good Christians ready to help and offer our assistance to brother or sister Christians in time of their need.

Each person grieves uniquely yet we all need to share our hearts, our burdens, our questions and our sadness with someone else. That is why it is vital that we find others with whom to discuss our pain and sorrow as well as our happiness and joy preferably a fellow Christian (or a GO Group member).

Cell or GO Group, they are the same. Without them, we do not have the supporting team to cheer us when we are down, to applaud us when we are successful, to prop us on when we stumble. But, most especially the GO Group is there to guide us in the right path; and that is, through Jesus.

As deacon for the GO Group ministry and in line with Pastor Jeff’s message today on fellowship, I invite you to select your GO Group. Flashing on the screen are the respective GO Groups and their location. I see there are some leaders of the GO Groups at this service and I urge you to talk to them, ask them about their group, try attending one or two until you get comfortable and sign up and commit to meeting with that Group each week. I assure you, you will not regret your decision.

Thank you and God bless.
Joey

GO Group Sign-up Rally
Sunday 29 August 2004
ICA