The 46th Annual Convention of the CSI Parish (Malayalam) Dubai was held from October 6th to 8th at the Holy Trinity Church, Dubai, which was a great blessing for our parish. Rev. Mathews David (Vicar CSI Parish Bahrain) was the speaker this year.
During the three days of the convention, Rev. Mathews David spoke on the theme "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus".
Achen emphasized the importance to focus on spiritual growth rather than merely physical growth, for we are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be His Holy people and on how God created Adam in His own image. Even before creation God had already decided to create mankind. Achen emphasized that our body is the temple of God and the importance to walk in the Spirit so that you will not gratify the desires of flesh. The fruits of Holy Spirit are love, joy, and peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness (as mentioned in Gal 5). Achen advised us to keep the lamp of hope burning within us and the need to focus on our inner self/life/soul. God had sent His only Son in the human form to set example for us. Jesus Christ had traveled (walking for months) among nations to preach the Word of God. We should make use of every opportunity to preach gospel. Jesus had the emotions or thoughts consciousness and willpower. The emotions which Jesus had shown that he wept when He met Lazarus’s sisters, after Lazarus death and the Will power - let Lord’s will be done. (Jesus protest the merchants at Jerusalem temple).
Achen also emphasized how the Old Testament speaks of righteous people, who dedicated their lives to the Lord, while New Testament speaks of Holy people - sign of redemption at Calvary. The first righteous person mentioned in Bible is Abel. Abel chose to be a shepherd as a reminder and warned his parents’ sin. We should always pray for a heart willingly to leave everything for God just as Abraham willingly gave all he had and obeyed Gods call. When the world hated Jacob, Lord loved him for his prayerful heart, for he had a personal connection with God. Similarly, He has chosen each one of us because of His great love for us, demonstrated through the unconditional, sacrificial death of Christ. Revive our personal relationship with God. Achen spoke about Judah - a man of intercession. When we have Jesus Christ as our intercessor, let us pray to Him not for material things but for Eternal life.
The convention choir led by Jino Mathew Joy, rendered old and new convention songs, including compositions by Mr. Shibu Samuel, which was truly a blessed experience. The three days of the convention were attended by members of our neighboring parishes too.
Mr. Anil Idicula Mathew and Mr. Sachin Saji Mathew were the convention convenors.
Highlights of the convention are available here : https://www.csidubai.com/gallery/89/annual-convention-2025