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13th Life Matters Course in Australia

Tuesday, March 9, 2004

Thirteen young people from seven countries took part in the latest of these bi-annual courses. The 13th Life Matters Course at the IofC Center in Melbourne took place in February. Thirteen young people from seven countries took part in the ten day event, and the leadership faculty included four former course participants. We print here brief extracts from what some participants said at the end, followed by a longer reflection from one of the faculty, Chris James, who studies Creative Arts at Wollongong University.

Participants in the February 2004 Life Matters Course in Melbourne share their experiences.

'Life Matters is linking me up with amazing individuals who collectively are determined to change themselves, and in doing so, empower others to change themselves and our world.' (Australia) 'The best course I ever took part in. Today I have a vision for my future and my nation. I have a goal to help and serve the young people in my country who have a problem with drugs and alcohol addiction.' (Indonesia) 'I discovered so many useful tools for my life!' (Samoa) 'Life Matters is about understanding and knowing others. One of the most exciting things was discovering and learning about different cultures, languages, races. I have learned about MRA-IofC, its four moral standards, how to live in a good community, and how to create good relationships with people.' (Samoa) 'Life Matters really changed my point of view and way of thinking. Love, unselfishness, purity and honesty are the foundations to make a better future.' (Indonesia) 'This course has taught me to not be afraid of speaking to others, not to be so closed and hidden. My heart is a bit bigger than before.' (Australia/South Africa) 'I discovered quiet time, life plan, inner voice. This course educated me to be a patient person. If all people could commit to honesty, purity, love and unselfishness we would live peacefully and happily.' (Cambodia) 'I hope I can be a bridge for China, Australia and the world.' (China) 'My life was flowing like a calm river and I wanted to change. This course taught me how to deal with difficult issues, relationships and conflicts. It helped me listen to my inner voice. I have learned so much that it is going to take a while to gather and organize my thoughts. But I am sure that my life will change. I would like to take on some community work.' (Australia/New Zealand/India) Chris James: Before I took the Life Matters course in July 2003 I was a Christian who did not not practise what I preached. I went to church weekly with the family, while falling into the typical Uni life of drinking, smoking and other physical impurities. My main purpose for acting was to become a huge star. At that course I came to various understandings: that the world is in need of help; that most young Australians are selfish in our purpose for living - while having everything we are still unhappy and lonely; that everything that I do influences others; and that God has a purpose for our lives!! As my mind began to open I became more humble and my perspective changed. I felt myself becoming more sensitive which increased my acting ability. Not long after, my spirit began to weaken and my mind thought that this world really is not that bad for us. I began drinking again and falling into fulfilling my sexual desires. Then I was asked to go to Indonesia to help present a training course. I humbly accepted with a clear thought that it was meant to happen. It was a great culture shock and I once again became aware of the effects on others of my positive or negative choices. I realised how much care people can actually have for each other when the focus is right. If only we Australians could find that community spirit again. I was later invited to travel with a group to Wilcannia - a run-down outback Australian town with ana Aboriginal majority population - where I saw a forgotten community. Beautiful people who desire to feel that care and love for each other again. After helping with the February 2004 Life Matters course, and reaffirming my values and morals, I am asking: how can I use my skills and my passion for acting to empower others? I have a great desire to open the hearts of forgotten people to care for each other and make God the centre of their lives. I am learning to stay strong even when no-one acknowledges me, but to know it within myself and acknowledge others.