COMMUNITIES

Since I joined COOL Carmel-Gilgal in 2018, the community has shaped my spiritual discipline, as well as my compassionate heart for others. At first, I had to make a difficult trade-off between dedicating my time to attend COOL and having my leisure time. Praise to the Lord, joining COOL has ignited my passion to consistently learn more about Jesus and to have Christian fellowships with other members.

Furthermore, I vividly remember that my COOL cared for me during my tough job-hunting process. They prayed for me without being asked and even gave me financial assistance. I am deeply grateful for my community, and for Jesus, who has placed me into this like-minded community in Christ.

Moving forward, I desire to pray for and exercise compassion to my family, friends, COOL members, colleagues and many others (1 Peter 3:8).

I joined COOL Berea at the beginning of 2019 after arriving in Melbourne to continue my study in culinary management. At first, joining COOL was a struggle due to my study and work commitments. However, my COOL members have always been very supportive and along the way, by God’s grace, I am able to join every week.

Being part of Berea has helped me in my spiritual journey with God. I found encouragement through sharing from other member’s lives, how God has shaped them to become who they are now. It inspired me pursuing God more, asking God for wisdom and participating daily forgiveness. Because of this time constraint, reading scripture was very challenging, however, Berea emphasizes reading the scriptures in detail, discusses them in-depth and propels every member to apply it in our daily lives.

Their acceptance enables me to share my burden or life struggles without fear of being judged. Their advice based on Christian values has lightened the stressful adjustment to the new environment in Melbourne. Lastly, their diverse personalities and perspectives have enriched and broaden my way of thinking, have helped me to improve my communication skills, and to appreciate other people’ differences. I can say that this community is not perfect, but worth it.

One thing that I prayed for before I came to Melbourne in 2016 was to find a community where I can make new friends and grow spiritually. I praised God that I found COOL Eden where I met the people who I can consider as my second family now ? In COOL, we not only come for weekly gatherings but also to share our life with the people there too.

The most memorable thing within 4 years in Eden was seeing how much the members care for each other. After I graduated, I was having a hard time finding a job that eventually made me feel down and discouraged for some time. During COOL meetings I often shared my struggles about the job search and how it had affected my relationship with God. I was glad that I was surrounded by people who cared for me; they tirelessly listened to all my ups and downs, reminded me about God’s truth, and prayed for me as well. I truly hope that everyone can find COOL as a safe space where they can be themselves where they can support and encourage one another.