G-mik natin ‘to!

That’s the title of the first Youth ministry gathering this year, held yesterday afternoon. We’re so glad to see quite a number of young people joined us in this event. By the way, even the not-so-young-ones also joined us here. Hehehe… But needless to say, events like this are definitely always fun and worthwhile.

Since some of the participants are new comers and were still shy to mingle, we started off with something to break the ice – “Human Bingo”. Now, they have no choice but to talk and ask each other if they fit certain descriptions in order to fill all the boxes w/ names. Of course, that’s the only way to win this game.

Ooopss...bawal cheating. hehe...:P
I didn’t join this activity, being the official photographer once again. But I was surprised when some of them came to me asking for my signature to fill those boxes with descriptions such as, “Rejoice straight ang hair”, “beautiful eyes”, “Ms. friendship”, “crush ng bayan” and “most behave”. Hmmm… are you sure you I am these? Or maybe there’s just not enough people in the room, so they have no choice. Hehe…

Kuya Jeff, James and Abi emerged as winners in this game.

Then it was time to introduce each one, so the mic was passed around. After getting to know everybody, Pastor Archie gave a brief opening remarks welcoming all of us. He also told us to just have fun and enjoy each others’ company in the Lord’s presence. It’s really nice to have a cool pastor like him.

Getting to know you :)

Listening attentively
And just to make sure everyone is kept awake, we all grooved into some good music as our band played “Awitin mo at isasayaw ko” and “Sumayaw, Sumunod”, sung by Ate Lucille. We just couldn’t help but swing into the music!

Swing it! :D
An outdoor game then followed. They were divided into 4 teams, each of them having a leader. The object of the game is for all the members (blindfolded) to go to the other side and back. They should do so without bumping or stepping at the obstacles and by just following the commands of their team leader.


James: kanan, kanan! Mababangga mo si kuya! Malaki yan! (hehe...)
This activity is similar to us, God’s children as we take on life’s journey. It’s really just a matter of listening to God’s voice and doing as He says that we are able to avoid those hindrances and obstacles along our way.

Tito Sandy proved to be a great commander and guide since his team won. Yey!

It was quite an energy-consuming game so we decided to rest for some time before proceeding with the program. So picture-taking, it is.

Say cheese! (Ito lang ang picture na kasama ako. hehe...)

my student, Jaz. Camera-shy ang batang ito ha? :P
Another group activity followed. This time, their objective is to be as creative as possible in wrapping a book using the limited materials provided. Sounds easy huh? But the catch is, each of them must only use one hand in the process.

It was quite a tough game as well, but group 1 proved to be the most creative in this activity utilizing all the materials given to them. We’ve seen here how their unity, team work and cooperation became keys to their success.


As for the final activity, each of us in the music ministry shared about how God called us to serve Him using the talents bestowed on us. It’s also our way of encouraging these young people to offer their talents to the Lord as early as now.

As a way of sharing our gift of music, we rendered some songs for all of them. Kuya Jeff gave his rendition of “Wherever You Will Go” (The Calling). Angie dedicated “You’ve Got A Friend” to all of us. Bob gave his version of “The Reason”. Carlyn sang one of my favorites, Dimsum’s “Thank You For Your Love”. I sang “When You Say Nothing At All”. I was kinda nervous since it’ll be my first time to sing a non-church song with a live band. Hehe… But just to see them enjoy the song melts all my nervousness away.

It was a great feeling to see these young people respond with enthusiasm and express their desire to either sing for the Lord, or learn to play musical instruments for Him. Though some of them are still quite shy and hesitant, we know that this event is going to be the start of their way towards doing greater things for God’s glory.

Yes, the two-month preparation was all worth it. Hopefully, we’ve really become an encouragement to them. We’re just excited to see them fulfill God’s purposes for their lives really, really soon. It’s a great privilege to be a part of it. (“,)