THE HOUSEHOLD OF THE LORD | KAIROS GLOBAL | NOVEMBER 2020

Author:  Serena DSouza

Intro: Serena Dsouza tells us of the first JY Household she attended and how the fellowship experienced there changed her as a person.

The Household of the Lord

Began the journey with timid steps,

with hopeful heart and searching eyes.

Would it be true, would it be known

Would it really be a place of my own?

The heart observed, the eyes beheld,

the oneness that everyone held.

Joined together to pour their hearts,

To share, to learn, to fawn upon,

The One that truly held their hearts.

No longer were they a million hearts,

but beat together as one heart.

The lamb had brought together His sheep,

to nurse, to bond, to draw from.

Belong did they to different parts,

from east and west

from north and the south.

The Spirit had woven together their hearts,

to belong to the household of the Lord.

I remember attending my first JY household in 2019 in Mumbai, the hype about it was so much that it felt like I had entered into the business class section of a flight! I wondered how this would be any different from other activities of JY. As the household unfolded, I realised what the difference was – a place where one can truly be oneself; no filter, no pretence and most importantly a place where we freely shared our love for our Lord Jesus. I was so touched that I knew I would never want to miss a single household. As I journeyed through monthly households, I found myself willing to travel to new places to attend household without any hesitation. Though the houses changed, the feeling remained the same – it was the fellowship and company, it was home away from home. I now considered it to be a privilege to have the household in my own home. Back then I stayed away from home, alone for my job in a one room-kitchen. I remember volunteering my humble house for the household and sharing my concerns with the household coordinator, Christo Benz about the possible lack of space. He assured me it would be just fine as it was ‘apne log’ (our people) only. By the end of the household, we were packed like sardines in a tin. Each one had arranged themselves to utilise minimum space without any qualms or complaints. It was a full house as was my heart. It showed me the beauty of the people I was surrounded with. That day left a mark on my mind about what the household truly is. It’s about ‘my people’.

Of the various activities in the household, I really enjoyed action songs, in depth reflection and not to forget the food! Food for the soul and the body was taken care of. It amazes me how Jesus speaks to us through our very own people leading the reflection. I used to wonder about people who developed the reflection material – so rich and meaningful. What would their prayer life be like? How would they have prepared to come up with such an enriching reflection? During the One Nation Gathering¹, the mystery was solved through Manoj Sunny’s talk. For years, the team had been churning out reflections every month without fail. Kudos to the team for their faithfulness to the Lord’s work. Through the household, I was always encouraged to try out new activities whether it be emceeing, leading praise and worship, thinking of fun activities to do or sharing the reflection. Believe me, I am a tortoise when it comes to social activities. I pull my head out only when I’m comfortable. However, it didn’t seem to deter our household coordinator. Christo made it sound as if it was so simple, within my reach and that I would be taken care of by Jesus. It made me realise what true leadership was. Looking back, I am humbled and indebted by the way Jesus has helped me open up and explore so many new avenues of my faith. 

A beautiful aspect about being a Jesus Youth is that everyone identifies themselves as being part of the movement as a whole and not limited to one region. I once ended up in Pune and meeting Jesus Youth in the parish. It happened to be the Sunday of the household. I just jumped and asked if I could join Household in Pune although I was from Mumbai. With a smile, the JY members, Akhil and Joffin told me, of course you can. Household is household. Another mark left on my heart. A Jesus Youth is a Jesus Youth wherever you go.  Whichever part of the world you travel, if you happen to meet a JY, the connection is the same. Makes the world a warmer, loving and a comfortable place. The feeling resounded on hearing Daphira Pyngrope speak during the One Nation Gathering programme. It felt as if she was speaking about the household that I have been a part of. Geographical distance didn’t seem to matter since the hearts were united in Christ.

 The words of Edward Edezhath remain etched in my mind. Household is not a meeting that happens once in a month but rather a day when the month’s journey with one another culminates. We must make it a point to look beyond ourselves, share in the joys and sorrows of one another and be a source of support and encouragement to remain an evergreen household. Being branches of our vine Jesus, we will only bear fruits if we remain in communion with the Trinity and one another. In Bishop Alex’s words, being in fellowship adds value to our lives just like grapes in a bunch are valued more than grapes separated from the bunch. As I reflect upon and reminisce the memories of the household, the grace and love of Jesus shines through the most. Although we are unable to meet one another in person, Abba Father has provided us with a digital platform to continue with our household and nourish ourselves with His teachings. The continued participation in huge numbers for online household more than speaks for the place of JY household in our hearts. Perfectly captured by the theme song of the household from the Acts of the Apostles, 

we live in this world, 

yet we are not of this world, 

ambassadors, 

children of light

Every day, every night,

We belong to the Lord.

He has called us and set us apart, 

There is a place we all belong

There is a family we call our own

So let’s go up with a shout of joy,

To the household of the Lord.

The One Nation Gathering Video can be viewed on Jesus Youth India YouTube channel.

A Covid-19 survivor, Serena Dsouza desires to use this version of her life to evangelise and become a strong intercessor. Having completed her Post-Doctoral studies, she works in IIT Bombay, India.