The Man Who Fled to Be Found by God — See the Hidden Fire of Saint Arsenius

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Greetings to the People of the God of Armies Prayer Community.

Dear reader and beloved member of the God of Armies Prayer Community,
Peace be with you.

In the world, some fires do not roar — they burn silently, unseen, but more powerfully than those that blaze in public. In a world that shouts, the saints often whispered. And among them, one man fled the voice of men to hear the breath of God. His name was Arsenius.

Today, I invite you into the sacred stillness that shaped his soul — a story not of miracles seen in crowds, but of a soul consumed by divine silence, repentance, and holy fear.

🕯️ The Story — The Tutor Who Walked Away

Arsenius had everything the world could offer. A scholar of unmatched brilliance, a man of Roman nobility, a deacon of the Church, and the personal tutor of the emperor’s sons — Arsenius sat among silk curtains and golden halls, teaching the princes of Constantinople.

But one day, deep in prayer, he heard a voice that changed everything about his life:

“Arsenius, flee from men, and you will be saved.”

He trembled. He had heard the echo of eternity. And with quiet resolve, he did the unthinkable: he disappeared. The marble floors gave way to desert sand. He vanished from sumptuous quarters where he was a commander of servants. The sound of royal trumpets was replaced with the wind over dry stones. He was obedient to the voice of God. Arsenius didn't question God for telling him to leave the palace and flee to the lonely desert.

He fled to Scetis, in the Egyptian wilderness, joining the Desert Fathers. There, he lived not to be known — but to know the Lord.

Arsenius became a shadow in the silence, praying with tears, fasting in solitude. When young monks came to him for wisdom, they often left with few words but deep conviction.

Once, a fellow monk asked him:

“Abba Arsenius, why do you flee from us?”

The old man wept and answered:

“God knows I love you. But I cannot be with both God and man. Heaven calls me to silence.”

🌄 A Life of Solitude and Silence

Arsenius joined the monastic community in Scetis, Egypt, under the guidance of Saint Macarius. But he often lived apart in greater solitude. He embraced:

Silence: He barely spoke to anyone.
Tears: He was known to weep constantly in prayer, often saying:

"Why have I done evil? What will become of me?"

🔥 The Reflection

Saint Arsenius reminds us that holiness is not measured by noise, followers, or even public miracles. Sometimes, the loudest prayer is a tear. The greatest sermon — a life of repentance. The strongest disciple — one who flees the world to stay with the Lord.

He was educated. Honored. Capable. But none of those things saved him. What saved him was obedience to that still, small voice:

“Flee from men, and you will be saved.”

My dear reader, what are you willing to leave behind to be closer to God?

We may not all be called to the desert. But we are all called to a kind of inner desert — where the world fades, and God becomes enough.

Saint Arsenius was not seeking greatness. But he found it — in humility, in silence, in the desert of the heart. Maybe he wouldn't have been known today if he was disobedient to the voice of God when he was asked to flee from the royal palace, where he had everything he needed for a sweet and comfortable life. We can see that truly, obedience rewards.

Self-discipline: He wore simple garments and slept little.
Prayer: He avoided all distraction, giving himself entirely to contemplation.

He was once asked why he, a learned Roman, seemed so silent while simple desert monks were more open.

He replied:

“I have often repented of speaking, but never of being silent.”

For over 50 years, Arsenius dwelt in hiddenness. Yet those who saw him spoke of a man bathed in grace, his face like the light of dawn, his words — few, but piercing like arrows of fire.

When he died, he left no possessions, no fame — but the power of a life consumed by God. Forty-four maxims and moral anecdotes have been left us by him — each clearly demonstrating the Desert Fathers’ shrewdness about human nature, self-discipline, self-denial, and obedience to the voice of God.

Closing Prayer — with Michael Chikamso

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord God of Armies,
You are the silence that speaks louder than storms.
You are the hidden fire that burns in the heart of the humble.

Today, I ask for the spirit of Saint Arsenius.
Let me flee not from people, but from distractions.
Let me renounce not my job or my family, but the pride and noise within.
Teach me the sacred art of hearing You in stillness,
of loving You more than applause,
of serving without being seen.

I break every barrier of fear, distraction, and worldliness
that has stopped me from walking deeply with You.
May Your fire burn silently in my heart.
May Your voice be louder than all.

And for every reader of this message — I speak healing and peace into your life.
By the authority of Christ Jesus, I rebuke every spirit of confusion and weariness.
Receive the grace to be still, and know that He is God.

Amen.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I Trust in You.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

God of Armies, God of gods, Christ Jesus, be praised forever, you are the greatest spiritual being of all time. Amen.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come, our Lord and God. You are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. For you created all things, and by your will, they were given existence and life. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord, our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of armies. You are worthy to take the scroll and to break open its seals. For you were killed, and by your sacrificial death, you purchased people for God from every tribe, language, nation, and race. You made them a kingdom of priests to serve our God, and they shall reign on earth. The Divine Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, and strength, honor, glory, and praise to him who sits on the throne, and to the Divine Lamb. Be praise and honor, glory and might, forever and ever. Amen. We honor you, O God. Your power is so great.

📜 Final Words from Michael Chikamso: A Call to the Hidden Fire

If you’ve been feeling unseen, passed over, or forgotten, remember this:

Saint Arsenius left the palace and became more powerful in silence than he ever was in gold.

Don’t fear the quiet seasons. Don’t chase the crowd. Let God raise you in the cave of intimacy.

Be the one who chooses God’s thunderous voice and obedience over man’s fame.

May your silence become sacred.
May your tears become incense.
May your name be known in heaven — even if forgotten on earth.

God will answer your secret prayers. Trust and have faith. Nothing shall be impossible. Thank you for being with me.
Michael Chikamso Ilechukwu appreciates your dedicated and devoted love for God. Peace.

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Greetings from Goa Community

This Health Program is Sponsored by the God of Armies Prayer Community Medical Association.

Building a Healthier Tomorrow: The Power of Physical Activity for All Ages

In today’s fast-paced, screen-dominated world, the idea of “fitness” has often been reduced to gym selfies or building visible muscles. But the truth is deeper: physical activity is a sacred discipline of care for the body—the vessel that houses our spirit, dreams, and strength. At GOA Community Services, we believe physical wellness is essential not just for health but for human dignity. This article unpacks the meaning, purpose, and age-specific benefits of physical activity and fitness.

🔷 What Is Physical Activity?

Physical activity refers to any voluntary bodily movement that requires energy expenditure. This includes common movements like walking, climbing stairs, playing, running, gardening, stretching, and even household chores.

It is a natural gift—built into our biology—to regulate bodily functions, reduce the risk of disease, and help us feel alive.

🔷 What Is Fitness?

Fitness is the body’s ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and without undue fatigue. It’s not only about muscles or endurance—it’s about being ready for life, physically and mentally.

Together, physical activity and fitness create a well-balanced health rhythm that supports every stage of life.

🧠 Quick Health Tips for Safe Exercise

• Always stretch before and after activities

• Wear proper shoes and clothing

• Eat a balanced meal rich in proteins, fruits, and greens

• Stay hydrated with clean water

• If you feel pain or dizziness, pause and consult a health professional

🩺 Mental & Emotional Impact
Movement boosts serotonin—the brain’s natural mood stabilizer. Regular physical activity is proven to reduce anxiety, combat depression, and increase self-esteem. It’s not just a body change; it’s a mindset shift.

🔚 Conclusion:
Fitness is not a phase—it is a lifelong language of self-care. Whether you are 6 or 86, movement is medicine. It’s never too early or too late to begin. Let’s restore honor to our bodies, not through vanity, but through strength, freedom, and joyful action.

🟨 A sound body and a clear mind create a healthy and happy individual. That is the future we are building together at GOA Community Services.

🟨 Why Physical Activity Is Needed in a Modern World

In our digital age, many people prioritize convenience over movement. We sit more, scroll more, and move less. From children glued to tablets to adults avoiding stairs, we’re seeing rising health issues linked to inactivity—obesity, high blood pressure, anxiety, and more.

Physical activity is not punishment. It’s not “for poor people” or only for the young. It’s healing. It’s preventive medicine. It’s the most affordable and powerful form of self-respect.

Let’s break this down by age group:

🔹 CHILDREN (Ages 5–12)

• Recommended: 60 minutes of physical activity daily

• Activities: Running, jumping, skipping, sports, swimming, dance, martial arts

• Benefits: Builds bones, muscles, agility, brain function, confidence

• Note: Always with proper adult supervision

🔹 TEENAGERS (Ages 13–20)

• Recommended: Daily movement with a mix of strength and cardio

• Activities: Yoga, squats, swimming, push-ups, team sports

• Benefits: Improves mental health, body confidence, social skills, and stress relief

🔹 ADULTS (Ages 21–64)

• Recommended: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week

• Activities: Jogging, walking, gym sessions, group sports, cycling

• Benefits: Reduces risk of heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, and sleep issues

• This is the most demanding stage of life—physical strength helps carry emotional and financial burdens too.

🔹 OLDER ADULTS (65+)

• Recommended: Gentle, regular movement and balance-enhancing exercises

• Activities: Chair yoga, heel-to-toe walking, light resistance exercises

• Benefits: Supports bone health, reduces arthritis risk, improves mood, prevents falls and dementia-related decline

The Shepherd Of The Children of Men

HOLY SPIRIT THE GIVER OF GIFTS

ALL THESE ARE GIFTS, ONLY TAKE ONE AND IT WILL BE YOURS

CHOOSE ONCE PER WEEK