Appendix. More About the HSI School of Discipleship. Appendix MODULE ONE. About the school of discipleship appendix

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1 Appendix MODULE ONE About the school of discipleship appendix Appendix More About the HSI School of Discipleship The HSI School of Discipleship is a structured program intended to help people on the journey of discipleship that all Christians are called to travel. It begins with an introductory retreat held over three evenings called the Discipleship Program (see page 85). At the end of the Discipleship Program, those interested in deepening their faith and spreading the Gospel message to those who don t know it are invited to join the School of Discipleship, a year long program. There are eight modules in the first year, each module comprising five subjects that help students grow spiritually. Those who wish to further their education are invited to continue in the School for a second year. This has eight more modules that help students better understand the faith. Module 1: Spiritual Growth The Making of a Disciple Prayer Study Sharing Outreach Module 2: From Death to Life Sin and Separation from God The Need for a Savior Jesus Christ, Lamb of God The Christian Self Identity The Renewing of the Mind Module 3: The Holy Spirit Meet the Holy Spirit The Personality and Deity of the Holy Spirit The Promise and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit The Gift and the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit The Leading of the Holy Spirit Module 4: The Fruit and Gift of the Holy Spirit The Gifts of Sanctification The Fruit of the Spirit The Gifts of Service The Gifts of Manifestation Discovering and Using Your Gifts Module 5: The Word of God Reading the Word of God Studying the Word of God Understanding the Word of God Memorizing the Word of God Meditating on the Word of God Module 6: A Deeper Spirituality Contemplation Journaling Ignatian and other Forms of Spirituality Lectio Divina Prayer and Fasting Module 7: Understanding the Faith Scripture, Tradition & Magisterium The Sacraments The Eucharist Learning from the Saints Introduction to Apologetics Module 8: The Armor of God Stand Your Ground The Battlefield of the Mind The Weapons of the Kingdom Command and Conquer The Battle Belongs to the Lord Workshops Leading Worship Preaching and Teaching Leading Bible Study Starting and Running a School of Discipleship 82 Holy Spirit Interactive 83

2 Appendix about hsi About the HSI discipleship program appendix About Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI) About the HSI Discipleship Program Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI) is a lay apostolate recognized as an Association of Faith and Outreach by Bishop Paul Hinder of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. Founded in January 2004 by Aneel Aranha, it is dedicated to strengthening the faith of Christians and spreading the Word of God around the world. Through its various ministries and activities, which include publishing, retreats and seminars, radio and TV, and an extremely popular and respected website, HSI reaches several million people each year. The HSI Discipleship Program HSI s flagship Discipleship Program, which has been conducted in over 100 parishes around the world has served to transform the lives of millions while empowering them to take the gospel message to others. Schools of Discipleship The HSI School of Discipleship is a structured program intended to help people on the journey of discipleship while teaching them about the faith and how to share it with others. Radio and Television HSI MoreLove Radio & Television broadcasts the best in Christian music and sermons twenty-four hours a day for entertainment and spiritual upliftment. Books, CDs and DVDs HSI publishes books and tracts on spiritual topics by well known Catholic authors. It also has scores of audio CDs and video DVDs of music and sermons by its international team of preachers and worship leaders. Outreach HSI s Lend-A-Hand ministry reaches out to our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the world providing them with much needed food aid and assistance. Website With over fifteen thousand articles, sermons and reflections for children, youth and adults, the HSI website is one of the top ten Catholic websites in the world. More About HSI You will find more information about the other ministries in HSI, as well as its various activities, on the HSI website ( The Discipleship Program from Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI) has been conducted in over a hundred parishes in several countries around the world including the United States, Canada, England, Australia and various countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. It has not only transformed the lives of those who have attended, but has empowered them to take the Gospel message to others. Retreat Leader The Discipleship Program is conducted by Aneel Aranha, founder and director of Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI). Topics The Discipleship Program covers four subjects that are fundamental to the faith before culminating in an invitation to become or grow as a disciple of Christ. Repentance Forgiveness Surrender Prayer Discipleship Empowerment and Healing Although simple, by the end of the Program there is rarely a single person who is not on fire for Christ. There are numerous other blessings that people have testified receiving including healing of soul, mind, spirit and body. Modus Operandi The duration is about 7 hours and is conducted over three evenings or one full day. The sessions are preceded with the Holy Mass (if possible), a brief time of preparatory prayer, followed by the talk, which is then followed by a time of prayer, during which time the Blessed Sacrament is exposed (again, if possible). We recommend that priests be available to hear confessions through the retreat. Requirements There are no charges for conducting the Program. Most parishes take a love offering on the last day and this is, from past experience, usually enough to cover expenses. A good sound system is essential, as is pre-publicity to gather as many of the flock as possible for a life changing event. Contact Us More details, including samples of the talks, are available on the HSI website. For program enquiries us on missions@holyspiritinteractive.org. 84 Holy Spirit Interactive 85

3 Appendix About Aneel Aranha HSI Anthem appendix About Aneel Aranha HSI Anthem: Let There Be Love Aneel Aranha is the founder and director of Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI), a Catholic lay apostolate recognized as an Association of Faith and Outreach by Bishop Paul Hinder, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia. From Worldly Atheist to Global Evangelist An atheist for twenty five years, a series of catastrophic events that took place in his life in 2002 led to a powerful encounter with Jesus, transforming him from a hedonistic unbeliever to a fiery proclaimer of the gospel across the globe. International Preacher A renowned international preacher and retreat leader, Aneel has spoken to thousands of people in hundreds of parishes and prayer groups around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and several countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Over three dozen of his talks are now available on DVD. Retreat Leader Aneel leads HSI s flagship Discipleship Program, a powerful 7-hour retreat that has served not only to transform the lives of the thousands who have participated, but to empower them to take the gospel message to others as well. Aneel has also preached retreats to priests, politicians and prisoners, and addressed millions of viewers on international television. Schools of Discipleship Aneel conducts leadership programs and mentors spiritual growth communities, also called Schools of Discipleship. There are flourishing HSI communities now in the USA, UAE, India and Canada with more to start soon in England, Thailand, Lebanon, the Caribbean and other parts of the world. Author & Blogger Aneel is the author of several books, including the inspirational School of the Holy Spirit, The Armor of God, The Seven Deadly Sins and A Guide to Personal Prayer. He has written scores of articles and reflections, many of which can be found on the HSI website. He also maintains a few blogs, one of which is the insightful Christianity and the Art of Mountain Climbing. Contact Aneel Aranha Website: Facebook: aneel@holyspiritinteractive.net 86 Holy Spirit Interactive 87

4 Appendix TESTIMONIES TESTIMONIES appendix Testimonies These are a few testimonies selected from hundreds that we received from participants in the seven existing HSI Schools of Discipleship in India, the UAE, Canada and the US. The School of Discipleship has changed our lives as husband and wife and the lives of our two children. Our 12 year son has read the Bible cover to cover; our 5 year old daughter sings songs of praise; the transformation in our own lives has been immense. The CCC has opened our eyes and hearts to the doctrine of the church which we can now share with those who have strayed away from the church. - Jude What is my identity? Why am I on this earth? What am I to do with my life? All these are things I have learnt through the School of Discipleship. When I understood the answers to these questions I found new meaning to my life. I also learnt that my life is also about bearing much fruit and I can see myself beginning to bear it. The School is truly wonderful and I am very proud and blessed to be a part of it. - Arrti Two things we were required to do in the School of Discipleship was spend time in personal prayer and Bible reading. When I was first told I had to do this every day, I thought it was too challenging. But once I committed myself to it I came to realize I could no longer do without it. This practice has given me peace of mind and heart. I have received lot of healing. It has opened my eyes to how ignorant I was of God s love and perfect plan for me. I can see the fruit of the spirit growing within me. I have become more Christ-like, learnt to be patient, kind, loving towards everyone, caring and faithful. - Celine The School of Discipleship has been a place where I have begun to grow in many ways. The Bible study and discussios have helped me get different insights into the Word of God. It has also made me pay more attention during Mass. There have been a lot of changes even at home. - Anselm I am most grateful to God for giving me the School of Discipleship and, through its members, a family. The immense love we all have for each other is indeed a huge blessing. I felt that love was missing in my life but it is now complete. I have started going for daily Mass. All I did was make the commitment to go and God takes care of the rest it is so amazing! Joining this School has certainly changed my life for the better and I am hoping for greater miracles, which I am sure God will bring about. - Kathy The School of Discipleship is extremely close to my heart. It is a platform where I am being trained to be more Christ-like. It has been positively impacting me in ways beyond description. I have a deeper relationship with God Father, Son and Spirit. I have accountability partners concerned about my spiritual welfare. Together we aim for spiritual growth. Most of all, I have learned to love my brothers and sisters and accept them for what they are. - Benny The School of Discipleship has changed my way of living and interacting with people. In the Community we are told not to do extraordinary things but lead a life just as Christ wants us to. I have gained a lot from the Bible study, debates, Scripture memorization and spiritual movies that are shown during the gatherings. The various ministries which I belong to has help me to realize how important it is to serve God and society. My prayer life has changed tremendously. My friends andrelatives can see the huge change in me. I pray that God will help me to bring more souls to him. - Robert The School has been a life changing experience for me. The study material, discussions that were held, and everything else helped clear a lot of questions that I had about life and as an end result gave a new purpose and meaning to my life. Joanita We joined the HSI School of Discipleship because we were convinced that serving God would help us sort our own differences out. What followed was a test of our commitment towards God, learning to pray, making friends from different walks of life and discovering God-given talents that we never imagined we had! I think joining the School of Discipleship also prepared us for marriage. It s amazing what God can do when you say yes to him without even thinking about how to fit him into your schedule. Michelle & Clinton The School of Discipleship contributed more than a little to our spiritual and intellectual growth. What we gained from this School was a close intimacy with God through personal prayer and journaling. Our shepherds during this journey helped us draw closer to God in a gentle and loving manner. The School of Discipleship taught us how to fellowship, love, care and much more than expected. Louis & Judith I came to understand the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, how to pray and live through them, and since then everyday of my life is, and will continue to be, a testimony. Sabina (Hindu, soon to be baptized) My new habit about tithing, learned after joining the School of Discipleship, has blessed me financially, while daily personal prayer has made me develop an intimate relationship with God. God has indeed drawn closer to me as I drew closer to him in prayer. Peter The School of Discipleship has helped me learn the true essence of Christian love, brotherhood and family, as well as how to relate to God. It has made a huge difference in our lives and is consequently making a huge difference in the lives of those we know and meet. - Alan The School of Discipleship has helped us to know the importance of Word of God and the right way of personal prayer. It has also helped us to grow in love and forgive everyone. - Philip My life has changed ever since I joined the School of Discipleship. I have come closer to God and learned how to love and forgive. I can understand Scripture better. I also now have many new friends! Hatim The HSI School of Discipleship has given me the opportunity to grow spiritually and personally. It has taught me to put away my inhibitions, have a 88 Holy Spirit Interactive 89

5 Appendix TESTIMONIES TESTIMONIES appendix personal relationship with the Trinity, and so much more. Thanks to the teachings and workshops, I am now confident of doing all that I wanted to do for our Lord. This was a dream that is now a reality. Amorita In the School of Discipleship I have learnt how to have a strong relationship with God through personal prayer, and how to love others Nisha (Hindu, soon to be baptized) The School of Discipleship has helped me discipline myself and take my relationship with Jesus to newer heights. The best thing that has happened to me are my conversations with God, be it in my prayer time, in journaling, or in fellowship with my brethren Carol Although I have been a part of many prayer groups, I have never truly experienced the power of God or understood his Word. That changed after I joined the School of Discipleship. - Cecilia The School of Discipleship has helped me grow into a deeper relationship with God, where I can hear him talk to me and feel him guiding me in every aspect of my life. Through the guidance of our shepherds, we have learnt to read, meditate and study the Sacred Scriptures as well as many other things. In addition, the School of Discipleship has helped us to use our talents for God s glory and Kingdom. Latha (former Hindu) In the School of Discipleship I have found a family who is with me in joy and in pain, lifting me up when I am down, and praying for me when I need it the most. My entire family attends the meetings and I can see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my home. Never before have I prayed or read the Bible as I do now and it has totally changed my life. I can see the positive side of everything and have learned to praise God in all circumstances. Lavina The School of Discipleship has helped me focus my priorities, of which devoting time to prayer and Scripture reading has become part of my daily routine. I have learnt to love unconditionally and have become patient and more accommodating. The School has helped me grow as a Catholic by making me realize the value of the Sacraments Edward The School of Discipleship has helped me jump-start my faith. Rita Since joining the School of Discipleship I am learning more and more about the Word of God and the love of God. It has changed my life. I am also learning how to reach out to others who are spiritually lost. Sarita The School of Discipleship has wrought a wonderful change in my life, helping me grow more spiritual by bringing me closer to God. The members are like a family, full of love. It has made me realize how much God loved the world and the assurance God has given to each one of us through his promises. Peter The HSI School of Discipleship is a treasure trove of information. I have learnt so much about our Catholic faith, how to have an intimate relationship with the Trinity through personal prayer, how to be accountable for my actions. I have learnt to come out of my shell because of the sharing and fellowship with my other community members, developed the humility of Christ and discovered my talents and used them. Most of all I have learnt to love even when it s hard. The HSI School of Discipleship is truly an enriching blessing. Debika Up to about 5 years ago I had been struggling to deal with the loss of my father, who was a God fearing man. I joined the School of Discipleship to find out more about why people such as my father had so much faith. What I discovered not only made me understand what moved him I find myself with a similar faith now but also brought much healing and deliverance. And I m memorizing scripture! Ashley The School of Discipleship has helped me discipline myself. The norms set help me in building my relationship with Jesus through prayer, reading the word & memorizing scripture. It has also encouraged me to live a Christ-like life of unconditional, self sacrificing and forgiving love towards everyone. Patricia Through the School Of Discipleship we have learned that God loves us very much, no matter what circumstances we go through in our life or in whatever situation we may be in today. His love always strengthens us and gives us the grace to live each day. It is a life changing experience. Lessly The School of Discipleship changed the way I used to pray, made me come closer to God by building a personal relationship with him. I still remember the days when I joined. Things were not going very well in my life as I had a lot of pressure at work and huge loans. As a result I used to smoke and drink. It all started changing in the School and today I am totally free and very happy. Abhilash Ever since I joined the School of Discipleship my life has changed in many positive ways. My life has more balance and the Holy Spirit is leading me in new directions. I truly believe that God led me to HSI because he wanted me to walk on the right path and be strong in my faith. God knew that I needed more prayer time in my life and he put me in a place that helped me to do this. Caroline HSI is an adjunct to the spiritual journey I ve been on for a number of years. The Holy Spirit becomes palpable through the time of worship and the teachings are excellent. I always look forward to my time in the School and pick up valuable nuggets of information to take home. I want every purpose God has for my life to be fulfilled and need the mighty Spirit of God to bring that purpose to fulfillment. HSI is helping to make that happen. - Carol As Mary pondered things in her heart, the School of Discipleship gives me the opportunity to do the same: in community and with structure and direction. The School is showing me how to find the love and peace of Christ as it encourages me to grow in relationship with, and obedience to, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Charlene The School of Discipleship has been a huge blessing to me. I can only thank God by his mercy allowing me to be part of it. I have been looking for some time 90 Holy Spirit Interactive 91

6 Appendix TESTIMONIES TESTIMONIES appendix (and I am still looking for) the will of God for my life and have been praying to get rid of many obstacles on the way of a true growth in Christ. After joining the School and committing myself to its discipline, I have learned to surrender to Christ and let him guide my steps. Even though I have yet many areas to correct and improve, I have received his peace (nothing compares to this gift). Now I have a love for the Eucharist that I never experienced before and I have started to experience what patience means in my life. Due to his mercy, now I long every day my personal daily prayer time and my time in the School. I have confidence in his love and care for me and my family and I know that he ll continue to guide me into the right path to discover and follow only his will for me. Glory and praise to our sweet Lord Jesus for ever Augusto The School of Discipleship has helped me tremendously personally, emotionally and spiritually. Personally, I have learned to do everything with love. Emotionally, I have become a stronger person who no longer gets weighed down in difficult situations. Spiritually, I have grown tremendously, and have a deep hunger for the Word. Additionally, the encouragement given to us to speak has helped me to overcome my stage fear, and the insistence that we join a parish ministry at the end of the course has helped me to put whatever I learned into practice. - Nora The School of Discipleship has helped me grow spiritually and has deepened my relationship with God. Keegan The School of Discipleship has helped me develop a deeper and spiritual relationship with God and helped me be of use in growing God s Kingdom. Natasha The School of Discipleship has helped me come out of my inferiority complex, lead prayers, become an intercessor and has made me understand my role on this earth as a Christian. It has also helped me to reach out to the needy and to speak to the people of other faith about the love of God the Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit. - Allwyn Through the School of Discipleship I have come to enjoy the life that God has intended for me as I live it fully. Sonia The School of Discipleship has brought me closer to God and made me aware of his constant, reassuring presence in my life. Alysia My time in the School of Discipleship has helped me develop a deep relationship with God which has served to better my other relationships: with family, friends, and people of other faiths. It has given me the confidence to witness and evangelize, which I now do at every opportunity. May In life, where there are not may good road maps to lead you in the right path of spirituality, the School of Discipleship provides not only a route, but also a support system that helps you stay on track. It has helped me grow in faith, in a knowledge of the Word, and deepened my relationship with God in a way that nothing before it has. Valencia When I joined the HSI School of Discipleship I was too busy with my own life that I had no time to pray. God had taken a back seat in my life. Through the School I got back on track once again developing a relationship with God at a whole new level. The teachings, the study of the Word and the accountability system helped me to grow and rekindle the love I had for God. I started enjoying reading and studying Gods Word which I never did before. The teachings on journaling, sola scriptura and the worship sessions helped me a lot in my spiritual growth. Even though I was raised as a Catholic I never knew that the Catechism of the Catholic Church existed; this helped me grow a lot in the faith. The School s core value is that every person should be loved and accepted no matter what their background is and that s what makes this extremely special. - Jennifer I attribute all that I am today to the training and strong grounding I received through the School of Discipleship. First, it equipped me with God s word, which I was thoroughly ignorant about. Then, it filled me with a zeal for God s work! I still remember us learning the verse Go and make disciples of all nations. Even as I recited that verse, I felt myself burning to be God s ambassador. Seeing the passion of the leaders for God s work only served to inspire me further. Then, the School systematically provided me with opportunities to serve, always gently encouraging and correcting me along the way with the utmost sensitivity and love that can only come from spiritually mature Christians. Today, I am blessed to teach God s word, lead prayer, confidently raise my daughter in God s ways, and enjoy myself thoroughly as I continue on my life long journey of discipleship - Mildred Join the HSI School of Discipleship and add your own testimony to the list! discipleship@holyspiritinteractive.org 92 Holy Spirit Interactive 93

7 Appendix NOTES NOTES appendix Notes Notes 94 Holy Spirit Interactive 95

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9 The hsi school of discipleship: year one