Discipleship Program, Abu Dhabi

St Joseph's Cathedral, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The saying by Jesus, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own hometown," came sharply to mind yet again as I saw a relatively empty church on the first day of the three day Discipleship Program in Abu Dhabi on December 20. It didn't help my general mood to have the sound act up badly on me as well, but by the time the Program was over, all was well with the world again. The church had filled up, the sound was great, and there were enough people who were touched to have made the effort all worthwhile. We had the sessions videotaped for the first time and hopefully will be able to offer them on the site some time in the near future.

Fr. Franklin D'Souza

Fr. Franklin D'Souza had his audience in splits

Yet another distinguished speaker and anointed man of God spoke to the HSI Community today. We have been blessed with a number of wonderful people ministering to us and sharing their experiences and knowledge. Fr. Franklin D'Souza, whom I had the pleasure of meeting when I had conducted the Discipleship Program in Mangalore — he said the Holy Mass before my sessions — was the latest.

Newsletter #156

The 156th newsletter listing major updates to the Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI) website went out to over 60,000 subscribers today. The main feature is an article on the Gregorian chant by Arlene Oost-Zinner and Jeffrey Tucker, who are, respectively, president and director of the St. Cecilia Schola Cantorum in Auburn.

I discovered the Gregorian chant during a retreat I made early last year with a group of Benedictine monks in the South of England. Though I didn't understand a word of what anybody was singing, it was the most amazing music I had ever heard, and in a Church setting, which was where I heard it, the music just made me wanna go down on my knees.

Click here to hear a few samples. Known as the O Antiphons, they cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17 to Dec. 23. These particular chants were sung by the Dominican student brothers at Blackfriars in Oxford during Christmas last year.

The HSI Prayer Family on Yahoo

In September 2006, I had started a forum on Yahoo (hsifamily) with the idea that all the members of the HSI Global Intercessory Prayer Family share their thoughts, ideas, opinions and feelings with one other. We have people from just about every nation on this planet repesented in our prayer family (no kidding!) and I believed that the cross-pollination of cultures would make for some interesting discussions. However, with the exception of three or four people, there was nobody contributing anything whatsoever to the group. Part of the fault for this was undoubtedly mine; a group such as this requires steering, and I had not been able to provide it because of other duties. Though tempted to give up on this, I believe that this forum can be a powerful way to encourage growth (and, consequently, evangelization), so I decided I would give it one more try and write something new every day. Fans of my writing (are there any?) are welcome to visit - and even join the group on Yahoo (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hsifamily/)

Discipleship Program, Ghala, Oman

Holy Spirit Church, Ghala, Oman

I had put a halt to all travels from July to December so that I could spend my time building the HSI Community, but a mission to Oman had been fixed way back in January. Out of the mission circuit for three months, I was a little anxious about getting back in front of people, but I needn't have worried; the Spirit was with me as He always is and by the end of the 4 day Program (Oct 4-7), He seemed to be with everybody else who attended as well. The Program concluded with one of the most powerful anointing sessions I have witnessed and even the parish priest admitted to feeling the hair on his head standing. Wonderful this, seeing as how the dear man doesn't have hair on his head!

The parish priest was Fr. John Fernandaz. He was the instrument who guided me in the days following my conversion, and although I hadn't met him since his transfer to Oman a couple of years ago, he remained close to my heart. It was good to see him again and minister to the parishioners under his care. My wife, Glenda, joined me on this mission - the first time she was doing so - in preparation, perhaps, for joining me permanently some time in the near future.

Back to Blogging

I realize, as I make this entry, that the last posting was exactly two months ago. This is a pity as there has been a lot happening with the ministry, and when time allows, I will make the relevant postings, but for now a brief summary will do. Most of the activity has revolved around the HSI Community, which has been more successful than I had imagined. It has grown to nearly 50 people, who in turn, have grown tremendously. Not only have they registered noticeable growth spiritually, they have begun witnessing powerfully to others. I am well pleased.

Also during this time, we had two preachers - Lalith Pereira from Sri Lanka, and Anthony Lobo from India - minister to the local HSI family. The HSI family in Sharjah celebrated its first birthday. The HSI Audio ministry burned its first audio CD - a 15 minute Christmas program for an Australian radio channel. The professionalism of the venture has encouraged us to produce a complete music CD for Christmas and to start producing videos as well. The 150th HSI newsletter went out to nearly 60,000 subscribers. And I started learning to play the guitar! :)

Fr. Rufus Pereira and HSI

Fr. Rufus with the newly formed HSI Community

We were blessed to have Fr. Rufus Pereira with us over the weekend. He preached to our Dubai Prayer Family on Thursday, then spent the following morning with the newly formed HSI Community, and a greater part of the next day counselling our family members. A regular contributor to the HSI web site, Fr. Rufus is the president of the International Association of Exorcists; the editor of 'Charisindia', a Charismatic monthly; director of the National Charismatic Bible College; and a visiting post-graduate Scripture professor at the Pontifical Theological Institute. Fr. Rufus was very happy with the work that HSI was doing and promised to be a more active part of it in the near future.

The First HSI Community

We launched the first HSI community today, a religious organization for lay people wanting to devote their lives to God and grow His Kingdom. I had not expected too many peopleto join as it would involve immense commitment, but was pleasantly surprised when over three dozen people showed a willingness and desire to do so. I have little doubt that there will be drop-outs as the going gets tougher, but then I have equally little doubt, that their places will be taken by others because God is really stirring up the hearts of His people.

This is Aneel Aranha on Big 92.7 FM

Welcome to Spiritual Sunrise on Big 92.7 FM

"This is Aneel Aranha of Holy Spirit Interactive inviting you to Spiritual Sunrise on Big 92.7 FM!" :) I recorded that little sound byte this morning for a new radio show on one of India's top radio stations. HSI has a two hour breakfast slot every Sunday. It debuts tomorrow. The anchor for the show is the versatile Alfwold Silveira, who looks after the ministry's interests in India, specifically Goa. He has been responsible for putting together the Praise Adonai shows in India as well as organizing other outreach programs and has been a tremendous asset to HSI. This is yet another beginning of another great thing!

The Mission Continues

Our Lady of Perpetual Succor, Chembur

The Pentecost Rally in Vakola was followed by invitations to minister to four of the neighboring communities: Chembur (May 28), Kurla (May 29), Pestom Sagar (May 30) and Kalina (May 31). I counselled people in the morning (a total exceeding 100 over four mornings!) and preached to various Church groups in the evening. My hosts during the first half of the mission were an old school friend named Joseph John and his wife Jacqueline, and during the latter half, three very sweet and hospitable nuns in a convent. Yet another new bed!

I ended the mission in Bombay with talks to zonal leaders about the School of Discipleship and how to implement it. As this is being used as a test for the rest of Bombay, I pray that the Holy Spirit makes it a great success. To help the Holy Spirit do this is a lady of extreme devotion and commitment - Leela Moraes - who was also instrumental in making this entire mission in Bombay possible ... and successful. My heartfelt gratitude to her and her teams.

A Celebration of Two Births: The Church and Me!

Pentecost Rally: May 27, Vakola, Bombay

I felt really blessed to have my birthday fall this year on the feast of Pentecost and I knew it would be an amazing day. It was. Over 1,500 people spilled out of the Church and the moment I went to the altar, I felt the anointing sweep over me. The words flew effortlessly. I ended by recapping the things that I had spoken about the previous three days and by the time I was done, everybody was prepared for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He didn't disappoint and I believe that what took place in that Church today was another pointer towards the Great Revival of the Church which is going to begin shortly.

As for my birthday, I cut four cakes through the course of the day. Various church groups, including the youth group that I had spoken privately to the previous day, brought them in and I felt touched by the love in the hearts of the people for me. I missed my family, though, and determined that I would be with them the next time around.

Discipleship Program, Vakola

St. Anthony's Church, Vakola (May 24-26)

A three day Discipleship Program in Vakola (May 24-26) was a prelude to a zonal Pentecost Rally comprising seven neighboring parishes. Though I had a rough start with the sound system playing up (nothing new here!), the Program had a great ending (nothing new here either!), and over 1,000 people registered for the School of Discipleship at its conclusion. This School will be a little more intensive than the others before it, with people mentored even in-between modules. I will be presenting a full plan for the School to Zonal leaders shortly.

Blessings from Church Elders

I was immensely privileged to receive blessings from three Church elders on the morning of May 24th, meeting Cardinal Simon Pimenta, Archbishop Oswald Gracias and Bishop Agnelo Gracias. I had gone to meet Archbishop Oswald to pay my respects and brief him on what I was doing in the city and was introduced to the others as well. I was happy that they all knew me and the Holy Spirit Interactive ministry even before being introduced. Archbishop Oswald gave his permission to start the School of Discipleship in Bombay.

Talk to the Jesus Youth, UAE

In a sign that more walls were crumbling (well, okay, shaking!) I was invited to speak to the Jesus Youth (UAE) leaders today. The Jesus Youth is one of the largest Christian organizations in the world, but predominantly Keralite. Despite their name most of the members are in their late 20s/early 30s, having belonged to the Jesus Youth in their younger days and having just stuck on. I had spoken to their communities during my visits to Mangalore and Bangalore and had found them a vibrant lot. This one, too, was very energetic and I enjoyed my time with them.

Talk to the African Community, Dubai

Last year we had started a chain fast for Christian unity and a week into the fast, I received an invitation to preach to the African Community in Dubai. This year, we started a similar fast, and once again, 7 days into the fast, I received another invitation to preach to the same community. Believing this to be a sign from God, I ended an extremely anointed talk on May 14 with a brief exhortation to all present to take a few steps to lower the barriers that separated us, suggesting that we could join one another for prayer. Several young men came up after the session was over saying they would like to join the HSI family in their prayer/fellowship gathering the coming week and I could only whisper a silent thank-you to God for their openness to his call.

Fritz and Diana Mascarenhas

Fritz Mascarenhas

World renowned evangelists Fritz and Diana Mascarenhas ministered to the HSI family in the UAE as they conducted a retreat on the Loving Heart of the Father - over three evenings from May 9-11. It was immensely successful, with people travelling over 100 kms for the program. I was particularly blessed as they stayed with us during their visit and I benefited a lot from the time we spent together.

Discipleship Program, Jebel Ali

St Francis of Assisi Parish, Jebel Ali

St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jebel Ali is a Church that I have a lot of emotional attachment to as it is the place I found Jesus on July 14, 2002. I was, therefore, delighted to have the opportunity to conduct the Discipleship Program here (April 24-26 2007). But the joy was somewhat mitigated by the poor response to the Program.

Not since London have I seen so many empty seats in a church and as I fought back my disappointment, I remembered something God had said to me when I began to see churches packed with people eager to hear me: "Aneel, I give you the crowds only to make you happy, but don't ever allow yourself to be carried away by them! I don't need the numbers. I bring those I need to talk to and these are never too many!"

I realized that I had forgotted the advice and, despite my best intentions, was being swayed by the crowds and risked going the way of several other people in ministry who no longer ministered to small numbers. I promised myself that I wouldn't do that again. Almost as if in reward, the numbers began to swell and by the end of the session, there were over 150 people in attendance. I did believe that all of them were the people whom God wanted there.

Discipleship Program, Delhi

Diocesan Center, Delhi (Mar 30, 31, Apr 1)

My first mission in Delhi concluded to a packed house yesterday and mighty anointing. Once again, I saw evidence of how powerfully the Spirit was moving, and what I had noticed in Doha among the people there was very much in evidence here too, especially among the members of the Living Waters prayer group that had helped arrange this retreat. It is obvious that the revival God promised is very much on its way and the next five years are going to be truly grace filled.

I met Archbishop Vincent Concessio to receive his blessings after the program was over, and he seemed very pleased with how the program had gone. He was also pleased with the launch of the School of Discipleship, now the fourth city in the world that will have it running.

Delhi

A view of the Qutab Minar from the ruins around it

I arrived in Delhi yesterday and took advantage of a free day to see a little of the city, which I was visiting for the first time. I had booked myself on a coach, but nobody else showed up, so I wound up with first class treatment at economy prices. One more instance of how God spoils His servants! :) Being alone, I did not have to see everything the tour guides wanted me to see and ended a couple of hours before schedule. I am not much of a "tourist" and was glad to return home soon. Home this time was with a lovely young man named Rohit Abraham and his mother. I move to take up occupancy in the Bishop's house on the 30th, when I start my mission in Delhi.

Discipleship Program, Thane

St. John the Baptist Church, Thane (March 23-25)

Nearly 1,000 people spilled out of St. John the Baptist Church on the final day of my first mission in Thane, a city adjoining Bombay. My host this time was Bernadette Pimenta, a wonderful lady who did much to promote the program in the diocese, ensuring its success. Ms. Pimenta works with prisoners and does much for the underpriviledged as well as lends a hand to other religious and charitable organizations, and yet again I found myself blessed to meet somebody truly special.

Discipleship Program, Poona

St. Anne's Church, Solapur (March 19-21)

I returned to Pune (Poona for those who still aren't used to the new name) to conduct HSI's Discipleship Program exactly four months to the day since I was here last. It was a very anointed retreat and I was blessed to have the Bishop of Pune, Msgr. Valerian D'Souza, in attendance along with several other priests. Msgr Valerian, or Bishop Vally as he is affectionately addressed, called me after the program ended to tell me how much he enjoyed it and invited me to do more programs in the city soon. I will admit to feeling very honored and immensely encouraged. With all the persecution that one suffers taking the Gospel to others, such things often help keep one going, and I am truly grateful to His Excellency for his gesture.

My gratitude also to Fr. George, and Michael and Maria for making this Program happen and for their warmth and hospitality during my stay in the city.

Christianity and the Art of Mountain Climbing

I received an e-mail last week from the editor of Divine Voice, the magazine of the Divine Retreat Center in Muringoor, soliciting an article for Lent. I found myself a bit surprised by the request - it was not one that I had expected - but pleased, nonetheless, because the magazine reached out to quite a few people. I wrote a 900 word article today titled Christianity and the Art of Mountain Climbing, a title that I hope will be on my next book. After I submitted it, I discovered - to my greater surprise - that the editor had run an old article by me (Resisting Temptation) in the current issue. It was one of the first articles that I had written way back in March 2004, and I was happy to see that it didn't show any signs of immaturity, despite the fact I was a new Christian then.

The Corruption of Saul

Over the past three years I have come across many people in ministry who appear to have lost their way completely (and going by the actions of some of them, their minds too!). I found myself wondering how men who were apparently so blessed when they began working for God could lose the special anointing they seemed to have and end up worse than "ordinary" people. I found the answer in the first book of the prophet Samuel, where a great anointed of God went sliding into insanity due to pride, arrogance, jealousy and disobedience to God. The Corruption of Saul made for my third article in as many weeks, and a return to the Lessons from the Old Testament series.

HSI Picnic

Over 200 people gathered to celebrate HSI's 3rd Anniversary

We had a picnic on February 16 to celebrate the third anniversary of the Holy Spirit Interactive ministry. Over 200 people were present for the all day event that proved extremely enjoyable! We are sure that the next time around we'll have close to 500 people!

Beware of False Prophets

I wrote my first article in nearly five months and though I struggled a bit to finish it, it was a fairly easy job. A recent incident, where a prayer group leader of indeterminant standing successfuly blocked my ministry's entry into the Church accusing me of "being evil," undoubtedly helped in the writing of the article titled Beware of False Prophets. I have avoided naming names, even though much of the article is based on real people, but even so is likely to generate quite a bit of controversy.

HSI Vancouver is One Year Old

The HSI family in Vancouver, Canada celebrates its first anniversary today. I remember my visit there during Christmas/New Year last year and though I wish that I had started the blog then to record everything that had happened during the three weeks that I was there, the wonderful family that gets together to pray each week is perhaps a better witness. I pray that the work that God began in Vancouver a year ago, continue to fruition, and that He uses this wonderful family led by Sharmila, Inez and Co. to bring not only the people of the city back to Him, but all of Canada!

The Spirit Keeps Moving

Another Discipleship Program given to the Filipino community in Doha over one full day was even more anointed, if that were possible. And the invitation to join the School of Discipleship met with just as enthusiastic a response. The way the Spirit is moving in this little city in the Middle East is quite amazing, and given the fire that burns in the hearts of its leaders to spread the word of God, I wouldn't be surprised if it eclipses it's bigger brother Dubai.

The HSI School of Discipleship, Qatar

A packed church with standing room only

An invitation to deeper discipleship, extended at the conclusion of HSI's Discipleship Program in Our Lady of Rosary Parish, Doha, Qatar yesterday, resulted in an overwhelming 80% of the participants accepting the call! Of the 250 people who attended the retreat, packing the little Parish Center (construction on Doha's first "proper" Church gets completed in December this year), 198 people said that they were ready to make an even deeper commitment to Jesus.

HSI is 3 Years Old!

Part of the vast 12 acre property

Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI) celebrates its third birthday today! Despite being a relatively new apostolate, it reaches out to over half a million people each month through nearly a dozen ministries that include the popular and powerful HSI Discipleship Program, the acclaimed website HSI On-Line, the fast growing HSI Outreach Ministry and the very successful HSI Global Prayer Circle.

Coming in 2007 are the HSI School of Discipleship, in which interested Christians will be trained into positions of leadership over a period of two years; the HSI Retreat Center, where spiritual retreats of various sorts will be held on a regular basis; and HSI Lend a Hand, a ministry targeted at helping the poor and the marginalized.

HSI Lend a Hand got off to a start on the first day of the New Year with a meal provided to the 400 inmates of St. Anthony's Charity Institute run by Fr. Clifford. The inmates include the mentally challenged, the mentally disturbed, orphaned children and alcoholics, and though I felt a little awkward with them, I was delighted to see Glenda (my wife) feel totally at ease!