Journeying to be in the Household of God

By the Rev’d Fr Rajitha De Mel

Students on an ATA course

I am deeply honoured to have been a part of the Asian Theological Academy (ATA) since 2015. I commenced my journey with the ATA family as a participant in the programme themed ‘Journeying to be in the household of God.’ This gave me both useful experiences and immense knowledge as a young priest. Those experiences contributed enormously to my ministerial life. The exposure visits I made with the ATA team were diverse experiences where I learnt about several local communities, including fishermen. Those visits influenced me in adopting a new perspective toward such local communities. I realised the significance of being aware of diverse segments in community throughout the journey to be the household of God. My first ATA experience was impressive, and it led me to continue my journey with them. In 2016, I had the privilege to join the local ATA Committee, and I am honoured to be a part of it today. As a result of this great opportunity, I work with a well-experienced and talented team formed of both clergy and lay members. I felt like a twig of a giant tree when I first joined them. In the beginning, my task at the committee seemed to be challenging. I was nervous as I was new to the ATA and as it was my first experience working on an international committee. However, with the warm welcome, love, and support of my fellow committee members, I overcame the challenge and as a result, I am still working as a committee member. My experience as an ATA committee member has influenced my ministry. I am able to do a number of things now, for example, organise events such as exposure and cultural visits, search for resources, work with a variety of people and meet international friends and professionals. I am glad to be a part of the ATA family and the USPG group and I am grateful to God for choosing me for this work. Through teamwork, God has blessed me to foster friendships, gain new experiences and learn new things that have enabled me to be a skilled servant of God for the glory of His kingdom. I trust these experiences will facilitate in accomplishing one of the key objectives of the ATA. That is to equip presbyters and laity with the required expertise to become responsible leaders and stewards in their churches, communities, and societies. ■