Leading Congregations in Mission - Community of Christ

Lord, Make Me Your Disciple!
By Benjamin Colombani Jr.,
French Polynesia Mission Center
Lord, here I am before you. I stand before you, O my
divine King. Because you called me, you drove me
toward you, my Creator. Lord, my voice rises toward
you. I will sing your victory, I will sing your name.
Because you delivered me, you gave me hope, my
Redeemer. Lord make me your disciple, make your
servant. Direct me, drive me Lord on the path of life.
I will go where you will go, I will follow you step by
step.
This song I wrote summarizes my commitment as a
member of Community of Christ.
Since childhood, I have grown up immersed in a structured
religious environment. My sisters and I always came
with our parents to church activities. I recognize today that all
of it was good for us.
Here are some moments and strong events of my life as
a member:
• June 1985: my baptism and confirmation.
• July 1993: involvement in the first International
Youth Forum.
• June 1997: call to the office of priest.
• July 1997: involvement in the second International
Youth Forum.
• 2000: call to the office of elder.
• 2002 to 2007: pastor in Community of Christ.
• 2006 to 2008: counselor to the consultants of the
Tarona Center.
• 2008 to present: consultant in Tarona Center.
For many years, several pastors at Tarona have asked
me to be a counselor. I often have been responsible for
overseeing monthly spiritual activities. All these years, working
side by side with these pastors, have been formative.
These experiences have reinforced my faith in God and
Jesus Christ.
My Call
Sunday, August 1, 2010, the day the French Polynesian
Mission Center Conference ended, sister Mareva Arnaud,
president of the mission center, and Apostle Susan Skoor
High Priests Newsletter
10
Testimony
Benjamin Colombani Jr. finds joy in
priesthood responsiibilities.
asked my wife, Noëlline, and me to meet with them. They
presented my call as high priest. Without hesitation, and with
my wife’s support, I accepted this call with joy and humility.
The call was submitted to the conference and approved.
During the next year, I had plenty of time to reflect on
my progress in the church. I participated in classwork with
Mareva, and I prepared myself spiritually for my ordination. I
felt my family’s wholehearted support and that of members
of the church I love so much, Community of Christ.
This call made me become aware of the extent of a
high priest’s responsibility. The high priest is a dynamic and
real messenger for peace and justice. The high priest follows
the model of Christ’s life and directs the church in its journey
toward the future.
Since My Ordination
Since my ordination, I have seen things differently and
with a clear and serene mindset.
I am confident and full of liveliness in my ministry, knowing
that God, through the Holy Spirit, will help and guide me.
God is love. I testify that God continues to speak to his
servants. Thank you Lord for your unconditional love for
your children. I wish to close my testimony with Colossians
3:23–24 NRSV:
Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done
for the Lord and not for your masters, since you
know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance
as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.
Amen !