I was born in Sri Lanka -- in Colombo -- the oldest of four children. My father, who was a high ranking member of the police, was a strong Buddhist; yet, my mother - a Catholic - somehow managed to persuade him to baptise all four of us. As a child, however, this had very little significance for me as I was educated in an Anglican school and I grew up in a culture immersed in Buddhism.

I remember my father as gentle with my siblings and me. On the other hand, he was possessive, insecure and jealous about my mother, who was an extremely beautiful woman. His behavior became more aggressive towards her when he lost his job during turbulence in the government, and the domestic violence at home was painful to witness. During these times, I would see my mother praying. This led me to see Jesus as a God to whom you turned to for help during difficult times.As a result of the turmoil at home, my parents split up. Eventually my mother got custody of us and I was sent to a strict convent school. It was the first time I had seen nuns! It was a huge leap in lifestyle as I adjusted to going to daily mass, saying the rosary etc. I did not understand what was going on and certainly did not like the regimented way of life and worship. When I was about 14 or 15, Life in the Spirit seminars were organized at our school. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to get out of my study routine; so I gladly went along.

Through my studies, I knew who Jesus Christ was; however, I did not know if He was real and if He was God. So during the seminars I asked Him, “Are You who they say You are? If so, show me.” On the seventh day when they laid hands and prayed for us, I asked for the gift of forgiveness and healing, as there was so much hurt inside of me. I felt like a thunderbolt had hit me. This was like nothing I had experienced before. In that instance, I knew that Jesus was real and alive! He became my best friend and I would bring all my hurts and problems to Him and talk to Him.

I asked Jesus to help me find the right husband

After completing school, I started working as a secretary in Colombo. I was petrified by the thought of falling in love. I attributed this to my turbulent childhood and my parents’ marital problems. So, I turned to Jesus and asked him to help me find the right person. I met Marlon who came from a very devout Catholic family and we fell in love. Although I believed in Jesus, I didn’t have much time for church, while in Marlon’s family, Novenas, saying the Rosary, and all-night prayer vigils were a way of life. So, marrying Marlon was like walking into the Vatican! Shortly after we married we moved to London and in March 1989 we had our first child, Shanuka.

Shanuka was born with a very serious kidney condition. The doctors told us that if he lived, he wouldn’t reach the age of four and would need daily antibiotics. We were devastated. This was when I reconnected with my relationship with Jesus. I asked Him to give me the faith for a miracle so that my son would be healed. After one year, we took him to perform all the relevant tests. I will never forget the words uttered by the registrar: “Mr & Mrs Tissera, I cannot put it beyond a miracle, Shanuka is doing fine and you can take him off the anti-biotics”. To the doctor’s continued amazement, Shanuka started recovering and after a year he was taken off all medication. That day, I decided that I would serve Jesus and knew that a lifetime would not be enough to share about Jesus and His goodness. Today, Shanuka is 20 years old and in perfect health. Each time I look at him, I am reminded of this amazing, great gift the Lord has given me.

I began witnessing to my friends about what the Lord had done

Shanuka’s healing was a real impetus to my faith and I began witnessing to all my friends about what the Lord had done. I started praying at home with my children and family members and watched God answer our prayers. Whenever they were in pain they could come for prayer. I started attending prayer meetings and The Day of Renewal at Euston to learn more about the Lord. As I learned and grew in the lord, I watched Him touch the lives of people around me. My best friend, a Buddhist, had a premature baby who was on a life support machine. My husband and I were called in to be with them as they took the baby off life support. We did what we knew best - pray. We were amazed to see this baby live for another 8 weeks. Our friend was so touched by what she saw, she decided to become a Christian and asked that her child be baptised before he died.

Make me an instrument

I used to get very upset when I saw fellow Sri Lankans leave their faith. So, when I was in Lourdes, I asked Mary to help me to have deeper faith so that I would be used to bring people to know Jesus within the Catholic Church. Some time later I received a prophetic word at a Cor et Lumen Christi community event saying that God was anointing the prayer meeting that I already had or was going to start. Thus, approximately nine years ago we began a prayer meeting in our home. About twenty people come each fortnight. About half of them are non-Christian (mainly Buddhist) who have heard about the praise and worship and the healings that happen. Some come out of curiosity but others become regulars. Our home is a familiar and safe environment for them to learn about the faith and to witness how Jesus heals and this has made many become interested in the Catholic Church.

In the year 2006, I went to Potta with my family. While I was there, I met Brother Lalith Pereira from the Risen Lord Community whom I had an opportunity to hear preach in Sri Lanka. During our conversation, I invited him to come to London. He agreed; however, we were aware of the enormity of the undertaking due to the large expense involved. We decided to pray about it. The following year I met him again at Potta. When I returned home, I said to Marlon, “We have to do this. I think God is asking us to take a step in faith and organize this.”

Stepping out in Faith

We had limited experience coordinating visits with overseas visitors but we put together a rough plan for a retreat. No sooner had we set the dates and bought the plane tickets for Brother Lalith’s team, than Marlon was notified that he would be laid off from his job at BBC. It was a scary time for us; but God strengthened us and we both had a sense of determination to see this retreat through even if it meant putting our house up for sale to fund the trip. Confirmation, that God was in control, was given to us through scriptures (Isaiah 66:9). But Marlon went 10 months before he got another job. We had a small group of friends who helped organize the outreach. With their contribution, we were able to scrape the funds together. The retreat slowly took shape as various people volunteered to help. I still remember how joyful I felt at the first Four Step Retreat (a form of Life in the Spirit Seminars) last summer when I saw all the people showing up. I was so happy and thanked the Lord for the privilege of being used by him in this way. People came from all over the country to the two events at Hendon and Hounslow. It was amazing. When we finished, after paying all our costs (about £3000) we had £3.50 left despite starting with nothing and having relied totally on God’s providence.

The Lord provides

This year the numbers doubled and more venues were added to Brother Lalith’s visit. So many people wanted to come that we had to put up a marquee at Hendon to fit everyone in. The retreats and outreach programs came to a close with a day at Westminster Cathedral hall. The expenses this time were double the cost; however, after all the bills were paid, we still had £20 left! God has being using these experiences to help me grow in faith and trust in Him. He really showed me that if I trust Him and step out in faith, He will provide!

Currently, three groups have formed (at Hendon, Hounslow and Hampton Hill) in the London area. The support of the local parish priests has been wonderful! We hold monthly formation meetings in the different parish churches. Our gatherings begin with prayer and praise. Then Brother Lalith shares his message via Skype especially with us in the UK. This is followed by half hour adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and parish mass. The local priests who have graciously assisted us by providing the Blessed Sacrament, often sit in on the meeting and the teaching themselves. Fr Tony, the priest from Hounslow has offered to get a permanent screen for us at the church. We try to be sensitive to the local parishioners. The call of our community is to welcome people back to the heart of the Church -- not create additional new structures.

During the most recent 4-step retreat, many people were touched and experienced real change. It was incredible to see about 90% of the people attend confession. The six priests who helped with hearing confessions themselves were touched by this outpouring. One man felt called to go to confession after 55 years of being away from the church! The lighthearted moments of fellowship with tea and coffee that often followed these events filled also our spirits. After attending a 4-step retreat, one 60-year old gentleman said: “I have learnt more in 3 days than I have done in the rest of my lifetime!”

For details of the Risen Lord gatherings contact crluk@ 3jbs.com