My Testimony

Focus:

Call & Discernment1. Few Details of mine , childhood, schooling, college & church2. My Achievements & Failure3. Challenge & aim in my life4. Coming close to God through church activities5. Listening to call of god through people and later turning my aims / goals6. Family relationship breakup7. Job Search8. Jesus Youth activities9. Initial God experience10.Become active in Jesus Youth11.Fulltimership 12.Listening to voice of God clearly and getting different spiritual signs13.Finally convinced about Call after time of discernment14.Following the path of holiness 15.Joining priesthood

KnowingAbout God

EncounteringwithGod

Walking God /

Conversion

Name & Surname: Vignan Das Gangula

Bachelors’ in Computer Applications (BCA)Masters’ in Information Systems (MSc(IS))NCC “C” Certificate – YSC 1999

Qualification:

Professional Experience:

Worked in different responsibilities in IT Sector,Software Engineer by profession – 4 yearsRetired as Assistant Manager (Quality).

In Jesus Youth:

Aware of JY from 2001, Part of JY Family from 2004Active in JY from 2005, Super active in different ministries in AP 2006

JY International fulltimer (2nd batch) 2007-08, ThailandCentral Fulltimer for India (16th Batch)

Studying for Priesthood from 2009 (for & through JY)

Nationality : IndianState : Andhra PradeshCity : VijayawadaMother Tongue : Telugu

Father: Devesahayam Gangula. Mother: Jhansi RaniElder Sister: Amala Younger Brother: Chaitanya

Family

Religion: Catholic from 3 generations

About my name:My dad decided “Vignan Das” name for his first born male child and my mother gave birth to first male child in 1978-79 and he died immediately after birth and even now my dad use to mourn for his eldest son. After that God blessed my parents with girl child and he gave her mother Mary’s name as “Amalodhbavi” means Immaculate etc. Later God heard prayers of my parents and I was born (1982) and my dad gave the name Vignan Das as he decided for his first born male child.

My name is combination of 2 person’s names, my grandfather Swamy Das and my grandmother Mary Gnanamma. He took Gnan from my grandmother’s

name and Das from grandfather’s name and added V (V + Gnan + Das) and called my name as Vignan Das, (Means Servant of Wisdom). But my aunty (atta) cut short my name in to GV, first letters from

Surname Gangula and 1st name Vignan. And everyone in family called me GV.

Presentation in church

First born male child of my parents died immediately after birth, when I was born my grandmother (mother’s mother – Kandru Anjamma)took me to church and offered / presented me to God according to the tradition / culture of that village (Nidamarru¸20 Kms from Vijayawada). My mother’s family goes to Lutheran church and after presenting me to God; she bought me back by paying some money to the church. (Eg: Luke 2:22-24, Ex 13:2.12,1

Sam 1:24-28, Num 3:47-48 etc.). According to Genetic engineering a psychological theory, nearly 30% of person’s nature and his destination is decided at the early days of his childhood and as we look in Moses’ life, how he was saved and raised miraculously etc. I too feel, this presentation of mine to God turned to be lifelong commitment to God through Church (as Priest).

Satan tried to kill me many times through various attacks in different times

•when I was one year old, I was very sick and my parents thought I will die soon, they had took a photo also thinking I will be no more, but miraculously I was healed and back to health.

•When I was 4 years old I fell in water pond in church campus and I was fully drowning, I felt I am about to die, I think I was there in water drinking water and going down and down for few minutes but somehow God rescued me by bringing out from water through one person.

•When I was 12 years old. One day we all children were playing on top of our house (we don’t have boundary protection wall on our slab) and somehow I started moving on the edge of our building during a game and I fell down behind the house and all children’s started shouting thinking that I am dying, because behind our house there is bamboo house with strong and sharp sticks pointed in that direction, while I was going down in air, I felt somehow I have some kind of support (means someone is lowering me down with a rope etc.) to the surprise of everyone I landed safely on my foot without any harm and I feel God send his invisible angels to protect me from that accident.

Dull in Studies studies, 1st class twice.

1st class in Telugu Medium, RCM School, Pezzonipet, Vijayawada.

1st class in English Medium, Rock Memorial School, Khairatabad, Hyderabad.

Active in Extra Circular activities

1st prize in running

competitions as part of

Christmas celebrations ‘83

1st prize in Catechism during 1st class.

See Good Sheppard photo

Childhood Days

Childhood Days

Acting in skits during school days

Brought up inTraditional

Catholic Family

4 Years as

Altar BoyFrom 4th to 7th Class

Due to my mother’s pressure in 4th standard I joined as altar boy and continued till 7th standard.

Once I was holding Bishop’s staff during the mass (as altar boy) somehow I fall down on bishop holding the staff and after some time I came to my senses when people took me behind the altar.

I can say it’s like Charismatic Experience

During 5th class one day while I was keep priests’ vestments I felt like wearing them but somehow I said to myself, only if I become priest I will wear the vestments. So when I look back priesthood desire is there in my heart from the beginning.

JBM school photo

I joined 3rd standard in Jyothi Bala mandir English medium school and till then I was promoted class to class only with attendance but from 4th standard onwards I started improvement in my studies (duller to average and intelligent etc). I was very active in cultural competitions, dance etc. And I am also opposition group leader for class leader group who belong to other tuition and we use to have lot of group fighting’s in the class and eventually these childish fighting’s became very serious and I thought I have to teach them a lesson.

Even my height & weight also added to their comments, even some of my relatives use to call me Agnan (duller) instead of calling me with my original name Vignan (which means Wisdom) and one day I went to shopping with my Dad and we came across one of his colleague and he asked my father what I am studying and my father said to them that I am doing 8th standard, but at that time I was studying only 6th standard, but my physical appearance looks like matured boy and to avoid all other doubts my dad said lie to him and I felt very bad in my heart and thought for a while

And I decided to join 10th standard immediately after finishing my 7th standard in 1995-96 and there is another reason also for my jump to 10th class, some of the students use to tease me that I have failed many classes and studying with juniors and I am duller in studies etc.,

I felt I am troubling everyone even my family members and I am facing these kind of comments from my own classmates so I took a decision to Jump or skip 8th & 9th classes and join directly 10th standard and for this decision my dad supported me and I joined in Probhoda Public school in Machavaram , we can call this as a big tuition centre rather than calling it a school. Here I am most intelligent student and I am leader for the school. Somehow God heard the prayers of my family and he blessed me (when the results came I am in Velakanni with my whole family praying for my results)and I got first division (64%) and everybody was surprised with this and most of the people didn’t know that I joined 10th immediately after 7th class and in

the eyes of people I become a hero

Andhra Loyola College

When I was 15 years old, I was very much depressed of my performance in 1st year Intermediate (quarterly & half-yearly Exams) and except languages I failed in all other subjects and Loyola college vice-principal asked me to bring my parents and they both refused to come and I lost my hope and I came to a conclusion that I can’t study anymore and it’s better to Die than to be reason for other to laugh. So I decided to commit suicide (because of failure in studies) and I went to put my head in railway train and while I was walking from singnagar to gunadala track in between I saw a snake which was cut in two parts and I ran to home from that spot and somehow escaped from that. Later I took poison and mixed with food and ate during the lunch time in college and I felt from tomorrow onwards no need to come to college because I am going to die and soon poison started working within me and I started vomiting etc. And somehow I came to home in evening and my condition is become worse, my mother asked me shall we go to Hospital, I refused

after sometime and I was rolling down on bed because of pain and my grandmother took me to hospital and doctor gave me some antibiotic injection without knowing what exactly reason for my vomiting and by the time I came

home my dad was there and my mom told him that I might be depressed because of exams result and spoiling health and my dad told me that I have already gained 2 years by jumping 7th to 10th standard last year and he told

even if you study intermediate twice you are not going to lose much, just take lightly and with these comforting words I got little hope but it is already too late

and while I was thinking like this I went in to coma (deep sleep).

she told me to go to church so that I can feel better because of

adoration is there that day. I felt before dying if we go and pray to god we will directly go

to heaven. So I went and prayed for some time and

asked forgiveness to god and couldn’t bear the pain and so

came back home

and after sometime I was listening voices similar to my sister and grandmother and I

was thinking in my mind “how come these people also came

to heaven?”

But after sometime with great difficultly I opened my eyes and came to my senses and realized that I am alive and didn’t died and I remembered the consoling words of my dad and told to myself that studies is not just life, life is more than studies and for every life there should be a reason and we should not die for simple reasons like this and I decided if I pass inter I will go to further studies or else join Indian Air Force with 10th class qualification and if needed die serving the country.

Later I joined Bachelors degree in Computer application in satavahana college in 1999-2002 and continued my NCC Air wing through Sidhartha college campus completed C certificate and even attended All India Vayu sainik camp in 1999 and I use to apply and write NDA exams etc., I was just waiting to finish my degree and join in armed forces

but somehow during my degree 2nd year I became active in church activities which diverted my whole career thought in another direction (towards priesthood), and I am OK with my studies and I was involved in rotract club politics (college division of Rotary club) and also very active in cultural activities specially in college anniversaries and other function and I have participated in university level competitions too finally I got again first division 63% and finished my degree.

Satavahana College Anniversary

Later I was forced to study Masters in Information Systems in Sir CR Reddy college and even the admission itself is a great miracle and I can say it’s a God’s plan that I should study this

course till that time there is no seat in NCC quota but at the last minute everything changed and I am first person to join in that

college and 2nd in university to join that course that year. This time subjects are really tough but somehow I managed. During days of my post graduation (2002 – 04) I used to travel from Vijayawada to Eluru by train, I cleared exams & secured first division(73%).

During my post graduation (2002 – 04) I used to travel from Vijayawada to

Eluru by train (60 Km, 1 hour journey) and sometimes during morning when I was late I use get in to train at Jack N Jill school play ground area while

train is moving not much fast and many students use to get in to train

and get down from train like

that and one day while I was coming to getting in to the train (Prashanth , my MSc IS classmate) was shouting get in soon etc. And train was little fast and somehow I got the hold of iron rod near gate but lost control of legs and I just slipped down. In a fraction of second I got little support to my leg and my body is fully shivering and somehow I balanced and slowly got down from the moving train and really God rescued me from going down the wheels of moving train, if that happened I would have died on spot..

Even though Satan tried to kill me when many ways, I always experienced God’s protection as he promised is Psalms 91

Manishannka kasintha Kala Poshana vundali

If you are a Human being,You should have a taste for Arts

A Diologue in Muthyalamuggu- Telugu movie

Jesus came to this world, to give Life and life in fullness

John 10:10

Every good and perfect gift (talent) is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights James 1:17

Dance

Dance

Music

Music

Fashion Show

In April 2001 I went to vizag to attend baptisim celebrations of my Aunt’s family and after seeing youth choir in vizag(my aunt’s parish) (After 4 years of gap) I was inspired to come back to church activities and also I want to support my brother for singing

During my degree 2nd year (2001) I came back to church activities as choir leader and I was singing for evening mass and I started learning Guitar, Keyboard and sometimes play cango etc. I was elected as liturgical secretary and I refused to be a president of YSM as my interest is only in spiritual activities. While I was singing many people came and told me I am very spiritual and singing nice and most of them told me to think about to become priest and those time I was also attracted to charismatic spirituality and use to go to retreats as a singer to help the team etc. and this is the time I also came to know about Jesus youth too. After listening from many people, I started thinking serious about priesthood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8X1qaAGJ8U

I have sung many songs for Devotional Albums and I sung for TV channel also in 2005I even uploaded many catholic songs in Stage.fm site in 2006 but from 2009 onwards that domain stopped working. I have uploaded many Gospel videos in YouTube site

Video of the above if possible

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led to sin, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus knows, he who is blessed forever, that I do not lie.

2 Cor 11: 29-31

I was born guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me.

Psalms 51:7 (NAB)

I repeat, no one should consider me foolish; but if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying I am not saying according to the Lord but as in foolishness, in this boastful state. Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 2 Cor 11: 16-18

I was very active in church activities from 2001 onwards which indirectly lead me to think about Priesthood and this desire continued, while I was doing my Post Graduation in Eluru I use to go visit PIME Seminary and Adoration monastery in eluru frequently.

After discerning 3 years (2001-04), I decided to Serve God and Die for God

and to become a Priest.

But, My Dad don’t want to send me Hyd to search software Jobs, he is afraid that I may straight away go to Seminary from hyd. He stopped me for few months and in Jan 2005 I came to Hyd with Rs.4,000 in my hand and my dad told me if you get Job with before finishing this money stay back in Hyd or else come back to Vja and do small job.

After discerning for 3 years, I felt I should say my desire to my Dad and one fine day during May 2004 after my PG Exams, I took courage and I told my Dad that I want to become Priest.

He was fully disturbed and told me to wait for 3 more years (doing JOB etc.) and stop all Church (spiritual) activities and if still priestly call is coming, then it is genuine and I will send you.

But with this incident our relationship has broken, until then we both were very close and friendly. After this we both stopped talking to each other.

He gave Voluntary Retirement for His Job in Dec 2004.

But I took this as a challenge and I believe that God can give me Job and I started my faith journey. My plan is very simple. I have 40 hundreds in my hand, it is easily understood 1 day 1 hundred will finish in hyd and I planned within 10 days, I will try to get Job and on 11th day I will start working, even it is small Job of min Rs.3,000/- (But a office Job and relating to IT etc..). And after 30 days they will give salary and by this time 40 days will finish and 40 hundreds also finish and I can live with my salary on 41st day.

It is really a challenging situation, I started searching Job and 10 days passed no job and I was crying and praying to God, but nothing happening. But after 13th day, I got job in Brigade Corporation, it’s a BPO and I was selected for Techinical Support for HP Products (chat support). I was very much excited and they are offering 10K, but I was expecting only 3k as I said, that time I didn’t that much negotiating skills so I asked them 7k (because I dont want to loose Job, so I quoted less amount) and after 26 days they gave me salary as it is Feb month.

As I said 14 + 26 == 40 and 41st day I was living with my salary and my dad’s condition (rule) I passed and that’s how I got Job and remained in Hyderabad.

When I was working in Brigade

I am close contact with Jesus Youth in Hyderabad

and I use to go to JY Prayer GroupIn Sananth Nagar

About JY Promo video

In 2001 I came to know about Jesus Youth my friend (Intermediate classmate), he got B.Tech seat in Kerala and there he joined in JY and whenever he comes to Vijayawada and he make sure to meet me and let all the news of JY and I was very much excited to know and just waiting to attend a program, I have started a prayer group in my parish with his guidance, but very soon it died. But I use to visit JY Website regularly from 2001 onwards and Denny gave me Sing halleluiah hymn book and Power and some Rexband song and I waited for 3 years and in 2004 I attended first JY program.

Denny’s photo

After attending 3 hours JY program in 2004, I continued to

go to JY prayer group In sanathnagar and in Oct 2005, I got opportunity to attended first

complete JY Program. JY National Conference ‘05.

After the Program I was charged up and felt I should be active in

Immediately after coming from JY ConferenceI created a Website for JY Andhra Pradeshwww.freewebs.com/jesusyouthap

With this initiative I became active in JY and I came in focus to the JY Leaders in AP

Now, Even if I want to skip from JY People are calling me (follow up etc..)

www.jyap.webs.com

www.freewebs.com/jesusyouthap

One fine day, I got a call from one lady she told me, that she is calling from Virinchi Technologies and it’s a software company. I thought she is fooling me, because I never knew this company or applied to it. I said I am not interested, but she requested me so much to come for interview. I said (In a demanding tone) Ok I will come, Even When I went I had no thoughts of moving from Brigade and I had 2 rounds (only one question… Tell me about yourself) and when I finished, they offered me twice what I am getting in brigade and I was happy Now I joined in a pure software company.

I didn’t applied or did any effort from my side, this offer came to me and I joined on 1st Feb 2006 (after one year I came to Hyd). Frankly speaking I don’t have big work in virinchi except going in nights and taking phones calls from client and do some database updating once in blue moon.

I was using this time to develop JY Sites and telugu auidio bible, learn telugu programs and many other internet related JY initiatives and getting salary from virinchi.

Being available for the Jesus youth programs etc.

Moving to Hyderabad to Vijayawada and to other parts of AP for JY

Programs / visits etc..

Day by Day I slowly started becoming active in Jesus Youth.

Translating the sessions in Telugu (Local Language)

Translating JY Materials , songs and helping the fulltimers

I attended growth retreat in April 2006 organized by JY

Sanctify me song in Telugu

One day I received call from my mother and she was crying and telling me about some family problems etc., I sat in prayer and I was very angry (on God) and immediately I started fighting with Lord. I was shouting at Jesus Picture “Why are you allowing all these things in my family (troubles, quarrellings, No Peace etc)” and “why are you not answering for my prayers? (To become Priest etc...) “

Suddenly something struck in my mind; I felt that I’ve heard some one speaking to me with same speed how I was shouting (with a commanding voice)

First line/ word / message is

“I have given you so many Talents “ (in English)

With out knowing who is speaking?(As I was very angry and simply shouting at sacred heart picture)

I answered “Yes, you gave me lot of talents and I am using it fruitfully “. (in English)

Then once again I heard that person shouting at me with commanding voice (Like we speak in reply for very hot argument)

Jesus Youth ki yendhuku cheyatledhu ? (In Telugu language with improper grammar)It means “for Jesus Youth Why not doing? “ (Why are you not doing for Jesus youth?)

I stopped this time. Took a break for 10 seconds and saw here and there to see who spoke to me these 2 sentences and there is no second thought in my mind and I am fully convinced at that point of time that GOD had SPOKEN to me as I was sitting alone in my flat, which is in 4th floor and all the doors are locked from inside and there is no chance some one to speak like this from outside.

Immediately I stopped confronting God and begin to say “I am sorry Lord” and after that “Thank you Lord & Praise You Lord” etc…

This is my Initial God Experience, Where I heard God’s Voice Speaking to me.

This incident happened in the month of June 2006.

From here my spiritual journey starts and I can say this initial God experience as “Corner Stone” for all my other spiritual experiences which happened & happening after this experience

I wrote an E-mail telling my Initial God Experience first time with Sub: My Testimony, Dated August 15th 2006 to JY in Hyderabad and CC to India@jesusyouth.org

Later again I shared the same God Experience and also other details like (About My self & family details, My, How I came to JY, My contributions to JY, reasons

why I don’t want to take one year commitment etc), & sent mail to India@jesusyouth.org on 14th May 2007.

I had written a letter to my dad in September ‘07 and shared all these experiences

I shared the same God experience with many people many times on different occasions from 2006 onwards

I even shared once again in JY Vocation application form on 17th May 2009

I was fully convinced about my God’s call and mission which is asking me to do for JYI thought God will speak to me again and that time I want give him answer to the 2nd Qn?I want to tell God, I have did.. This and that and put him in conversation and finallyAsk him about my Vocation (Priesthood etc.)

So I became very active and I am on fire It’s an un controllable fire with in me

•My JY initiativesDeveloped www.jyhyd.blogspot.com Web site for Jesus Youth Hyderabad.Developed www.jyvja.blogspot.com web site for Jesus Youth Vijayawada and entered in Esnips, Orkut, Stagfe.fm, googlevideos and many other sites with JY

Initiated the “Learn Telugu Program” Teaching Telugu Language to JY Leaders who know English, they can read Telugu text in English and pronounce by listening audio file for each section starting from traditional Catholic prayers to day to day spoken words & sentences .

Introduction Sign of the Cross Telugu words

Recorded Telugu Catholic Bible (New Testament) in Audio format and each books (27) by chapter wise.

Mathew 1 Revelation 22

Took initiative to translate the JY material into Telugu and many JY Songs too.

Uploaded many JY Videos (including Full Rexband program) in You tube & other Internet sites – I can claim that I’m the first one who up loaded JY Videos in Internet, until Apr 2006 there is no JY Videos available in You tube or any other sites etc. http://vignanvideos.blogspot.com/

www.jyvja.blogspot.com

www.jyhyd.blogspot.com

http://teluguaudiobible.blogspot.com/

I have surrendered Telugu Catholic Audio bible to APBC Bible commission

And for that and for creating Telugu CatholicPresence in Internet uploading DevotionalSongs and making Web sites and youth

Activities, Fr.Don Bosco nominated my nameFor Best Youth award in APCYM 2009

I was running very fast and none of JY in AP could run along with me and there are so many negative comments on me (I was doing like this … Like that etc.) Many suspicious looks on my works thinking whether I am doing all these things for my own glory etc.

But I was not at all concentrating on others comments, because I know what I am doing, I am doing all these JY activities or initiatives to please God thinking that one day he will answer my prayer(i.e, Priesthood).

There are many discussion only about me in JY Hyd Service Team and One fine day, Prakash chettan, first JY Hyd coordinator had a personal talk with me and I explained him my God experience and why I am doing all these things with this much speed, pain and zeal.

After my Initial God Experience (where god asked me Jesus youth ki yenduku cheyatledhu?) I felt God is asking me to do something (promote) to Jesus Youth in AP. I became very active in JY in AP from August 2006 onwards and I was trying to please God by my initiatives or work in JY thinking God will be pleased with my work and answer my prayer of becoming priest.

After listening to me he gave me another insight which turned my thinking pattern , “ Vignan, may be God is asking you to become like a Jesus youth (to live a life style of Jesus Youth ) and not to just work for Jesus youth. This insight really put me in thinking and finally I said, alright I am ready to change myself and become a JY.

Annette, JY Hyd fulltimer (2006-07) challenged me that I am not able to Love my Dad and even she also has same problem but during fulltimership there is lot of change etc. And many times she told me that I don’t know what is a JY and what it means to be a fulltimer (come and stand in my shoes, then you will know what I am going through etc. Whatever it may be I took Prakash and Annette’s challenges and thought of trying once. It’s just matter of 40 days (only training, not thought about of one year commitment)

But,later I was offered chance to go to Taize in France through JY India for spiritual experience and I couldn’t utilized that opportunity (because I didn`t get passport in time).

And I thought with this fulltimership training I may gain the trust of JY leaders , which in turn help me to work for the ministry more effectively with out much resistance.

So these insight led me to take up fulltimership training and some how due to some reasons (because I wrote that I will only attend 40 days training and will not take commitment as I was alredy doing in AP and also I don`t want to loose one year because I want to spend that year in seminary) I was not allowed to take part in English batch

later I got selected for JY International fulltimership and finally after lot of struggle regarding passport and other documents I reached Chennai for Visa to Thailand.E-Mail on 4th July to JY Hyd ST about Passport

Passport came on 6th July 2007 (Saturday), 1 PM ,

to Vijayawada and I am in Hyderabad

Went to Manager (Sabari) for confirmation of leave, he said to come on Monday (9th July)

JY IFT 07 starting on 8th July and I got 2 grace days, I need to reach to Thailand by max on 11th July

Travel to Vijayawada – faith Journey , Dog Dream

Waiting in Railway station, missing 3 train and got berth in 4th train after waiting 3 hours

(Chakry accompanied me)

Mercy meet in train and took to Simi’s house

Simi took me to travel agent and she introduced me to Marina (Nagaland-fulltimer) and she took me to Santhome Church

On 9th July 2007, While I was sitting in Santome (St.Thomas Tomb Chapel), I felt God speaking to me ( Second time , exactly after a year ). That time God spoke to me in a soft voice deep in my heart and told me “ Vignan after fulltimership training Resign the Job and take one year fulltimership” I said NO, I was doing all these things to become active in JY and going fulltimership etc only to please him and to know his will whether I will become Priest or not. But God is asking me to go for fulltimership, I came out of that chapel. E-mail on 10th July morning

Next day, I was praying in St.Thomas mount (where St.Thomas was killed) while was looking at Eucharistic Lord.

God started speaking to me “What is your Problem?” I said “What about my family?” God replied “ Your elder sister is working she is an Asst.Professor and earning good salary, she will take care of finance and your younger brother is there for physical needs, even if you are in Hyd /AP there is not much use” And God spoke to me “What next / Then what?” I told “what about my Bond in office”God Replied “I have given you Job and I will take care of Bond”God spoke to me “What next / Then what?” I told “what about my one lack loan?”God Replied “you have Rs.40,000 in your bank and that is sufficient to pay EMI till you finish your fulltimership and after one year commitment you can join in job and pay back the loan”God spoke to me “What next / Then what?” I told “what about the JY initiatives which I have started, who will take care?”God Replied “You don’t worry others will take care”God spoke to me “What next / Then what?”

I was silent, because I don’t have anything to say NO to fulltimership. After this conversation with God, I was convinced that

God is asking me to go for one year JY Fulltimership commitment and I send mail to Manoj Sunny to add my name in people who

are taking commitment.

Finally next day I got my visa at 7PM and I have already booked ticket for 9.30 flight and I reached airport at 9pm and by 9.05pm my mom and dad came to Chennai (from vijayawada) to give me send off and that time I just told briefly that what is this JY training about and one year commitment etc.

But my Dad told me ,``we are happy that you are going to Thailand, go and enjoy and come back, no more other thoughts, so he didn`t even gave me to tell all other things (even I am also not serious to take commitment as I am not interested).

I reached safely there and one week passed in Thailand and this time I was asking (praying) God, Is that you are really speaking to me and really calling me to commit myself completely.

If yes, give me some solid signs through Bible, because I am not fully convinced with Voice and if I reveal it to people, that God had spoken to me and told me to resign the job, they will laugh at me. ( I also heard many people telling that they got bible messages and God speak to

them etc. I was asking God speak to me through Bible).

I prayed for some time and opened bible and it is Isaiah 60 Chapter and I kept and reading and it came to 61 Chapter it says "1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”

I was shocked and closed bible and prayed to God, Please reveal me once again. This time I was asking God, please speak to me plainly,

don’t speak to me through parables and tell me whether I have to resign my Job

and leave home for fulltimership..

This time when I opened bible, my eyes directly went to the verse from Mathew 19:29. "And every person who leaves his house

(AP) or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields (Job), for the sake of my name, shall receive

one hundred fold and attain Life everlasting.

After reading this verse I was all the more troubled, because I never thought of taking one year commitment but I am ready to join Seminary and one reason to attend this training is to discern whether I will be priest or not.

I started asking God, How can I believe that you are speaking to me through Bible, May these messages came accidentally, one from OT and other from NT (Gospel)..

I was putting God to test and asked him if these 2 messages are coming from you, now I will open bible 3rd time from last pages of Bible (before Christ, Christ

& After Christ) from letters you need to convince me that you are calling me for one year commitment

when I prayed and opened bible I got verse from Romans 8: 28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

When I join all these verses (Isaiah 61:1-2, Mathew 19:29 & Romans 8: 28)

I was fully convinced that God spoke to through bible and he is asking me to take up one year fulltimership, But some how deep with in my heart I am not ready as fulltimership ( this is not the priority) and Priesthood is my desire and whenever he is speaking he is not at all telling anything about Priesthood , but something relating to Jesus youth.

After 7 days I share the same things with Reji (my batch mate / room mate) and he also felt that God is speaking to me , but he told one thing. Vignan, Satan also knows WOG and he plays trick with us and even he told to Jesus “Make this stone in to bread and eat etc... Mathew 4:3” and he told me pray strongly to the Holy Spirit and

discern properly.

Around 29th July 2007, Already I was so confused and he added some more. Again I sat in prayer and asked God. Lord give me one more Confirmation and speak to me through Bible.

I was praying like this

“God give me a Sign whether you are speaking or Satan is speaking, I was praying like this and when I opened bible God Showed me

Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

This verse didn’t give me any meaning, I didn`t understood and asked god, Please speakTo my plainly and this is my life`s decision, I closed bible and asked god to speak to clearlyWhen I opened again, same verse and I was all the more troubled (what god is speakingBecause I am not able to understand), I was reading Good News bible and after some Seconds, I turned to left side of that bible and my eyes went to Isaiah 6:8

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" "Here I am," I said; "send me!"

Even though God gave me so many confirmations / signs in many ways , I was still not able to digest his call and still thinking whether to accept his call or not

and training completed and everybody left to their countries and Manoj Sunny (JY Internationl Coordinator) and myself left in Thailand and I got some time to spend with

him and after the sharing.I decided to commit myself and with that conviction and I returned to India.

But still I have some doubts and just told God “ If you are speaking to me, a) Speak to my dad who is stopping me from many years from joining seminary and also b) speak to my Manager (Office) as I am under 2 years Bond period (Still 6 months left).  

9th August 2007, I reached India but I don't have enough courage to speak to my dad and tell him about this. Some how after 5 days I went to Vijayawada.

13th August 2007, 8 PM my dad was waiting for my arrival and he started talking to me and told me I can go for Fulltime commitment and he don't have any problem with my decision" and everything happened with in 15 minutes by 8.15 PM .

Dad asked me “Did you went to Office after coming from Thailand?"I said no, I will go after going from Vijaywada to hyderabad, may be on 16th or 17th Aug

Dad asked me one more question “Which Country they are going to send you as a JY fulltimer? " I just stopped for a moment and I was thinking what to say......

Then, He Moved and took one Book, It is 10th standard Catechism Book. Title is in Telugu, which means “God’s Will and Human's Life". And he was telling me. From last 10-15days, he was going through that book and he got so many answers from that. My Dad was telling that " Why God Created Human , What is the purpose of Man, What the Role of Parents, Why and How God Calls a Person, And Man is Free etc., "

He told that after reading all that, he felt that his role is to up bring me and he should not direct and he should leave me free and so on..... I was simply listening and now time is 8.12 PM After that he concluded saying, I won't Stop you.......... You are FREE Now, Don't be Afraid ,,, Go Ahead...Now time is 8.15 PM............... With in 15 minutes My Tension was freed..............I didn’t say any word, my dad himself spoke everything. And with out me asking regarding one year commitment he himself told me you can take up your fulltimership.

This experience was shared with few with subject: Big Miracle on 16th Aug 2007

on 17th August 2007, 11 AM ,I went to my Office to speak about my resignation and My Manager was tempting me saying he will promote me as Team Leader and provide hike in Salary. And in other way he is threatening me if you leave with in Bond period you have to pay one lack if not at least work for 2 months etc.,

If you are speaking to me, a) Speak to my dad who is stopping me from many years from joining seminary and also b) speak to my Manager (Office) as I am under 2 years Bond period (Still 6 months left).

 And at the same time, I got call from one of my friend and she was telling " You became MAD after going to Thailand, don't give resignation, think of your family (that and this) etc......" Again, I was in dilemma and was thinking and asking to myself and God, "Whether I am doing right or wrong".

Some how I was not able to digest and My HR Manager told me to Put my papers (Resignation E-Mail). Then only they discuss and take decision (accept or not)

That time I got one SMS from Sudheer CJIT College and it is picture message.

Picture is”Jesus is hanging on the Cross” with a caption

" HE DIED FOR U

&

FOR ME”

At first I didn't understand the meaning and when I read it again, I felt that. Jesus didn't have a second thought to give up his life but I am so selfish and thinking again and again to set apart some time and some talents exclusively for him for just one year.

I got to my senses and wrote “Resignation E-mail” , in which I mentioned what all happened in

Thailand and why I am leaving Job and my desire for priesthood and if not

willingness to come back to virinchi after one year etc.

I shared the same mail to JY friends on 17th Aug 2007

 And next day, when I meet my HR Manager she told they will give my

experience letter and Relieving letter after 6 months, she asked me “Is that

fine”, I replied “Fine”. I asked her “what about paying one lack rupees for

breaking the 2 year bond?”

She replied” you no need to pay, you can leave freely”

If you are speaking to me, a) Speak to my dad who is stopping me from many years from joining seminary and also b) speak to my Manager

(Office) as I am under 2 years Bond period (Still 6 months left).

God spoke to my Dad and also to my manager and every door is open and I have to cross each door. And at last, I said YES to his call.

And I reached in Kochi, Kerala for fulltimership (as a Central fulltimer for India).

And these days I have most painful experiences, humiliations etc. (of course they all are part of formation) But still there are many thoughts running in my mind I was telling God, Lord I was doing all these things Just to know whether I will become a Priest or not and I was asking God in prayer, Lord, at least by the end of this fulltimership,

Please reveal me whether I will become Priest or not.

Something beautiful happened on 7th Dec 2007.I was attending the Retreat in Divine Retreat Centre, Pota and I prayed to God ,

God please give me one sign that PRIESTHOOD CALL is there in my

life or not at least by the end of this Retreat

I got inspiration of one testimony (story) which was told by Bro.Vijay Solomon during retreat. One girl 34 years got married when she prayed according Mark 11:24

And during the 2nd & 3rd day of the retreat I even Thanked god (thinking that I was ordained as a priest according to the Bible Verse mark 11:24 & Phil 4:6-7)

Prayed according Mark 11:24

Priest Image

Prayed according Mark 11:24

Fisher’s of men – priestCarol – bishop

videos

Bishop Image

Last day of the Retreat, I came early to hall and was sitting in Personal prayer. I took bible and asked god, Lord, Give me one Promise Verse for this Day

(And this became my routine after the Bible messages which started from Thailand Training messages like Isaiah 61, Mathew 19: 29, Romans 8:28 and Isaiah 7:14 & 6-8, which compelled me to take the one year Commitment)

But, when I opened the Bible, God showed me Jeremiah 16:1-2 This message came to me from the LORD: Do not marry any woman; you shall not have sons or daughters in this place,

I was so happy and was thanking God, because at least some part is cleared that Marriage is not for me.

But I was asking God .Lord, please give me Clarity whether you are calling as SINGLE or PRIEST and prayed and opened Bible.

This time God Showed me

Jeremiah 32:27I am the LORD,

the God of all mankind! Is anything impossible to me?

But, still there is no clarity in this verse also and I was asking God and thanking him and asked him finally 3rd time to give me confirmation for my call and I prayed and opened the Bible.

This time God showed me

Hebrews 7:17For it is testified: "You

are a priest forever according to the order

of Melchizedek."

I was so HAPPY and that I was jumping with JOY (it’s like lot of pressure

is gone out of my mind) and it’s been a prayer unanswered for last 6 years

I said to my self and to God that I am taking this one year

Fulltimership as Discernment year for my life long Commitment with God and clarity & Confirmation regarding that and finally God

Answered my prayer.

But still after these Bible Confirmations:I was asking God to give me one more sign by calling my Name from the mouth of the Priest but it didn’t happen.

During next week, I was doing the Volunteer work for Cultural Exchange Program ‘07 and One Boy Dominic (Nagpur JY), got Vision and he saw me in Cassock & Seminary Building etc., And he was also thinking why Father (Priest) is not announcing this in Inner Healing session.

But after listening to this, My Joy has no boundaries and this is what I am expecting, something SOLID Proof / Confirmation from another person and God gave me that confirmation too. Robin & others were with me when he shared this visionRobin’s video

I shared all these events in JY Fulltimership Feedback forms and to some JY friends

But during Dinner he came and told me about this Vision hesitatingly,

thinking how I will take it / React.

Reasons for me becoming a JY priest

During my traveling when I came to Nagpur, I meet Br.Vinoy OP (Now priest from Dominican in Mumbai) and he told when he decided to go for priesthood, he sat with his Spiritual director and Elder and discerned which congregation to join.

After I got confirmation about my call, immediately I remembered these words. Instead of contacting Fr.Rayapa, Rector of PIME Seminary. I want to discern with my spiritual pastor and elder which congregation that God is asking me to join.

After that I told everything to My PASTOR Fr. Cherian and he told me, before you decided anything regarding congregation Pray and once you tell about this to Manoj Chetta, but I didn’t took seriously and also those days Manoj chetta is busy with “Love beyond Borders” Conferences.

When I went to second & third sittings for my Pastoring Fr.Cherian told me again and again, just tell Manoj chetta and JY Elders regarding this and then take final decision. When I asked father, he told me that JY as a Movement is praying for Signs whether to start a JY Vocation / Seminary / congregation or priests specially ordained for Jesus Youth etc.

Fr.Cherian

I was listening this concept second time. During my fulltimership training, while we are in Thailand, one night I went to Babychayan’s room and I shared my desire about Priesthood, when I told him this desire that time he told. Tell Manoj chetta about this priesthood desire as JY is planning for ordaining priests for Jesus youth etc. I got time to speak with Manoj chetta on 6th aug 2008 and when I told him about Priesthood desire, he suggested that I need a spiritual pastor who can help me in discerning about my priesthood.

During Jan & Feb ‘08 I was recollecting all the events happened in my life.

a) In 2003, I meet Leo Tom chetta from thrissur, he was Ex-JYNT member during Charismatic convention in Vijayawada and we meet casually during lunch break, we both sat side by side and he took initiative and asked my whereabouts and finally I told after PG I am planning to join seminary, then he told why can’t you try one year JY Fulltimership before you enter in seminary and you can discern well during this time etc..

b) Finally after 5 years I landed up in fulltimership and while I was traveling in Jabalpur diocese in Oct 2007. I went to Junwani mission village. Very remote village and everyday I use to travel on mountains to reach sub stations in that parish and catechist use to take me and they use to think that I am Regent brother. When I tell I am a Jesus youth Fulltimer, they couldn’t understand.

I use to tell them, I have a desire of becoming priest and after this one year. I will join a seminary and ordain for Jesus Youth and work as Jesus Youth

priests (thinking Fr.Cherain in mind as he is JY National pastor).

c) During January 2008 while I was traveling in Tamilnadu, One day I reached to Edore and I meet JY Pastor and he asked me what is you next plans? I answered I am discerning to join seminary still not sure which congregation to choose. Father asked me many questions for which I have to explain him (more of kind sharing testimony for nearly 1 hour).

At the end of the sharing father told me, vignan I suggest you not to join in any congregation which is already established. Start a new congregation for Jesus youth and I smiled and told who am I to start, immediately father told the same sentence in another way “what I meant is join in a new congregation which is relating to youth ministry”. Finally we both had a photo and I still remember the words of that priest “let this photo remain in History”.

Edore

Fr.Shaji09944188041

Fr.Satish msfs’sParish priest

satismsfs@gmail.com

My 1st Interpretation “Why are you not working for Jesus Youth?”My 2nd Insight “Why are you not like Jesus youth”( Life style)Now 3rd understanding “Why can’t you Ordain for Jesus Youth”

d) And more than that when I come back to my “Corner Stone “my Initial God experience, Where God is asking me

“Jesus Youth ki Yendhuku cheyatedhu?”Which means “for Jesus Youth why not doing? “

(Why are you not doing for JY)

After discerning all these things, I was fully convinced, that God is asking me to ordain for Jesus Youth and that’s why my Vocation got this much delayed for 8 years as Seminary which I should be formed is not yet started and even after fulltimership, I have to wait for my priesthood for various reason .

But now is the time and I am have fully convinced that God is calling for Priesthood through Jesus Youth Movement/Community for Catholic Church to serve Him and His Children.

And In March 2008 itself, I shared same insights with many people, a few people names I will mention here

Fr. Cherian, Fr.James Anaparambil,

Fr.Abraham Pallivathukal, Dr. Edward,

Mr.Babychayan, Mr& Mrs. Bearly Earnest, Mr& Mrs. John Wilfred,

Deepa Saboo, Leo Tom –and finally

to Manoj Sunny.

After prayer and discernment I wrote letter to parents

they were shatteredCalled me home,

one week spent in homeDad requested me

to work another 3 years

On March 24th wrote to Virinchi asking Experience certificates and also asking them If there is a chance to re-join in same company

Immediately after 20 minutes reply from COO to join back with promotion.

Little conflict with in myself whether to continue in JY ministry or notBecause all these days, I was in JY to just know whether I will become Priest or notNow, I am clear I am going to become priest and I have to wait 3 more yearsWhy I should continue active ministry? (2 weeks these thought and delay in my job)

Finally accepted god’s call and joined in JY Hyderabad Service team actively and Continued JY ministry activities.

Cleared the Loan amount (which I spend for Thailand and JY

programs etc..

Most of the time spent in JY Hyderabad activities,

not much initiatives,But lot of spiritual

experiences

Strongly prayed to God to reduce 3 years to one year

In March Resigned the JobJune 19th 2009

Joined for Priesthood

After reading the reasons for my vocation / becoming JY priest it may seen like a fable or a fairy tale, but everything that I recorded here had really happened in my life. I had even shared the experiences by sending E-mails to close group of friends chronologically. The following are the details of the E-mail communication

1.PALS 2004 program dairy 30th Dec 2004, where I took Decision to join JY

2. My Initial God Expereince first time I shared with Sub: My Testimony, Dated August 15th 2006 to JY in Hyderabad and CC to India@jesusyouth.org

3. About My self & family details, My God Experience, How I came to JY, My contributions to JY, reasons why I don’t want to take one year commitment etc, I sent mail to India@jesusyouth.org on 14th May 2007.

4. My Second God Experience where I felt God spoke to me in Chennai and gave me answers for all my excuses / conditions which I mentioned in my fulltmership application, after that divine experience I wrote letter to Manoj sunny chettan on 10th July 2007 asking him to add my name in commitment list.

E-Mails

5. How My Dad gave permission I share this experience with manoj chetta and jyglobal@jesusyouth.org with sub: Big Miracle on 16th aug 2007.

6. My Resignation letter to Office management I forwarded it to fulltimers as they have prayed for me to get permission. Sub: Resignation Application, dated 17/08/07.

7. Once again after I started my commitment I wrote an E-mail to Joynet about my Jesus youth Experiences on 14th Sept 2007.

8. From September 2007 to March 2008 I have send 4 feedback forms to jyiftfeedback@jesusyouth.org sharing my feelings & experiences happened on those days.

9. I had written a letter to my dad in September ‘07 and a letter to Mom & Dad in Jan ‘08 telling all these experiences and even I received a letter from my dad in which he wrote why he send me for fulltimership and these letters also shared with Jy Hyd service team members and to my fulltimership batch mates in Sept ’07 & Jan’08.

My rejoining E-mail on 24th mar 2008 and my resignation letter on 2nd mar 2009 also shared with my friends etc.

12. I wrote an E-mail to my JY elders after completion of my one year commitment where I wrote how things happened in one year and God spoke to me through Bible.

Joined Priesthood and Video

Recap:

Call & Discernment1. Few Details of mine , childhood, schooling, college & church2. My Achievements & Failure3. Challenge & aim in my life4. Coming close to God through church activities5. Listening to call of god through people and later turning my aims / goals6. Family relationship breakup7. Job Search8. Jesus Youth activities9. Initial God experience10.Become active in Jesus Youth11.Fulltimership 12.Listening to voice of God clearly and getting different spiritual signs13.Finally convinced about Call after time of discernment14.Following the path of holiness 15.Joining priesthood

KnowingAbout God

EncounteringwithGod

Walking God /

Conversion

Finally,From my experiences I can say God can speak with us in different ways.

Humans (lay people) ( People who motivated me in Church/ parish)

Directly ( through Voice 3 times 2006 & 07)

Through Bible (from Thailand onwards 2007)

Through parents, friends & office situations (media etc..)

Through Priests and Religious (Pastors & Elders)Through Dreams & Visions.

Listen the voice of God carefully &

Discern your CALL

If it is well written and to the point, that is what I wanted;

if it is poorly done and mediocre, that is the best I could do.

A skilfully composed storydelights the ears of those

who read the work. Let this, then,be the end.

2 Maccabees 15 : 38 & 39b

SHALL WE PRAY?

Website : www.vignandg.webs.com

E-mail : vignanjy@gmail.com