Official Newsletter of Teachers in Sandals Fellowship
Inaugural Issue
March 2011
Start from the Very Beginning Teachers in Sandals Fellowship conducted its very first gathering with the founders and prospective members during the Orientation Meeting on Friday 18 March 2011 at the Newman Hall, Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland, New Zealand. Fr Sam Pulanco, Auckland Catholic Tertiary Chaplain, opened the meeting, with a sharing: “There will be occasions that each of us will be asked to make the opening prayer or give a reflection. Oftentimes, we are unable to effectively deliver, as we have not been trained to do it. „Teachers in Sandals‟ is the forum where we are able to practice and develop such skill not just in leading in praying or in sharing reflections, but in non-religious occasions as well like job interviews and making presentations.” Bro Mel B Libre, Lead Servant of TawagAwit and founder of Teachers in Sandals Fellowship, gave a brief overview of the ministry stating that it “aims to spread God‟s Word through teachings and other acts of love.” To do this, he said, “One has to develop public speaking skills with fellow Catholics.” During the open forum, participants gave positive feedback. Among the responses were: “The name „Teachers in Sandals‟ is ideal as it has biblical reference, unlike „Teachers in Jandals‟ which will be limited to New Zealand. I agree that our mission should be universal.” “There is little chance for us to develop our speaking skills in the university due to the large number of students. Thus we are limited to listening. This ministry is an opportunity for us to speak.” “With the topics in the programme, we will be able to do research about our faith, and share our understanding with others.” “(This ministry) is different from others, as we are able to talk about our faith freely with brethren.” “I volunteer to be part of this ministry.” Twelve attendees signed up to join the Teachers in Sandals and agreed to meet for the first Teaching Night on Friday 8 April 2011 at 6pm at the Newman Hall, Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland. The meeting is open to all, students and professionals.
Q & A: What is its vision? Dedicated volunteers spreading God’s Word through teachings and through example What is its Mission? To carry on the command of Jesus Christ to spread the Gospel to all peoples of the world What are its Scriptural Guides? “And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.” (Exodus 4:15) “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28) What are the Core Values it espouses? Godliness. We believe in God and live His Word Offering. We share our talents, time and resources for God’s greater glory Devotion. We commit ourselves to the mission of the Ministry Love. We love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our minds and with all our strength Originality. We promote artistry and creativity to express our faith Victory over Sin. We fight Satan in each and every moment of our lives Evangelization. We bring the Light of God to those who are in the dark Sustainability. We contribute and manage our resources effectively Unity. We are one with the Lord, one with the Church, one with the community and one with the Ministry What are its activities? a) Recruitment of Volunteers (on-going) b) Teachers Training (twice a year) c) Prayer Meeting (once a month among officers) d) Teaching Night (every other week) e) Open Gathering (once a year joint with TawagAwit) For more information, email: librelaw@yahoo.com