One YMCA: Journey to a Fuller Life

Learn about One YMCA’s Journey to a Fuller Life course from Jenny, a member of the Chaplaincy Team:

I came into the Chaplaincy Team volunteering to run an art group activity at Charter House some 4 or 5 years ago and it is still going strong today.    I was then approached and asked if I would facilitate a “Journey to a Fuller Life” course.  The course was to be in two hour sessions spread over an eight week period with a 2 day Residential Break around week 6.  It was advertised, and I, along with a co-facilitator and about 8 residents sat down to our first session. 

We were to explore together questions like “ Where am I Going?,   “Who am I?”,  ”Why am I here?”  Each week was well planned, with a good selection of interactive prompts to stimulate discussion.  The course was not overtly Christian and we invited people of any and all beliefs on board but the message of God’s love grew stronger and more powerful as we went on.

As the weeks progressed some residents withdrew leaving about 4 keen ones ready for the Residential Event.  This was great and we combined with residents from other sites for a 2 day break at Othona Christian Centre.  I could see our group changing and softening as we journeyed on together and at Othona several were specifically impacted by the Lord.  Lives were transformed right before my eyes.  Glowering, furtive people were overcome with God’s love and made a commitment to Him.

The last couple of weekly sessions were euphoric.  All had “survived” and found a new focus and way forward.

I found the whole Course  very worthwhile.  Each participant grew in love and understanding of one another and it was wonderful seeing God moving amongst  them.  We cannot change people, but by putting this material before them, we somehow provided a pathway towards God changing lives.