18 August 2010
By Philippe Dulawan
God works in ways in which are different to our initial thoughts and desires, often to an even bigger picture and grander scale.
I have born witness to this phenomena over several months in our Musical Ministry's desire to hold a musical concert/talent show to raise funds for much needed musical equipment. Matt Tjen, driven by his passion for music and seeing the need for this equipment put forth a great idea to hold this concert at Patrician Brothers and showcase the talent of our Church, the local Blacktown community and other budding artists. With great gusto we proceeded to hold several planning meetings in which we approached the relevant parties.
Unfortunately our advances to use the Patrician Brothers hall were rebuffed with good reason. This causing great angst and frustration among the team, as we were unable to have the concert and the much needed funds for the equipment would be delayed. This a lengthy process in itself, resulted in the postponement of the concert from late 2010 to middle of 2011. This proved very frustrating and discouraging!
All was not lost, in a recent meeting literally over the piano, God’s work came into fruition! There was a meeting held with a sense of "once and for all" sorting out the concert. As we met a greater discussion over the holistic needs of the parish for fundraising for the WYD interns, charity organisations, musical equipment and other worthy causes developed. From this the concert team became the parish fundraising team. This moving from a once off concert to generating a fully fledged schedule for the next 12 months of fundraising events. This to support the before mentioned causes and needs of the parish. What's more the highlight of this 12 month schedule will be the concert at a time in which our previous fundraising efforts will be able to assist in making this event all it is to be; Spectacular in the sense of showcasing the talents God has blessed us with.
As is seen from our own initial plans, in which we appeared thwarted by circumstances, God is at work providing a broader picture in which we may not realise until retrospectively reflecting on these situations. When you’re struggling in times of frustration, in what is seemingly going against your plans, know there is a way that God is working, and to quote something I have heard often… "God doesn't put you in situations that he knows you can’t handle". There is light at the end of the tunnel or Rainbow filled with all the colours beyond belief!
Phil