Dearest Brother and Sisters,It’s been half a month, and the miracle of EN10 Kids still hangs in my heart. What an amazing wonder it was! Probably, we’ve come down from our mountaintop experience into the valley of our “regular lives,” surprised at how the world is still the way it is, or maybe you see things from a totally different perspective now. In any case, here are just a few lessons that have changed my life through your self-sacrifice and devotion to God. Take a deep breath and get ready for my ramble...
There’s a special place in my heart for the Children’s Church teachers. I sincerely apologize for not mentioning all your names here for fear that I might miss someone (and if I do later on, please let me know). Lea could much more affirm your efforts, but you all know how incredible each and every one of you are in my eyes. I know I wasn’t there but I heard and saw so much (from photos and feedback); delegates said they were treated like “royalty” even though they came from places that treated them like criminals. Most of their kids couldn’t stop singing and praising all the way to their hotels and homes. Some parents couldn’t help but be thankful how rested and filled they allowed themselves to be, knowing their kids were in such good hands. For such a Herculean task, you all turned work into such a fun, creative, warm and Christ-focused time. When I look at your photos, I see what a Spirit-filled, life-sharing family God meant us to be.
As for Kids Church...
Kids relations officers, your efforts cannot be overemphasized; we may have performed, praised and preached for the kids, but you were the ones who gave them an experience as you helped them stay connected to worship, praise and games, assisting wherever you could. You helped create the environment of fun by dancing, smiling, feeding, laughing along with them. When I saw even the KR people jumping up and down, I felt God’s joy! And of course, no one else had the task of bringing them to the CR but you. Kuya Alex, Shennil, Che, Pepper, Tita Viit and May, Reinier, Susan --- thank you for their unforgettable experience; the kids saw God everywhere they looked.
To the Kids’ Band --- We praise God for His Spirit really worked through you; even though everything that could go wrong with the equipment almost did, praise remained powerful and “ordained.” Some kids remembered the praise experience most, and their parents said they had never heard them worship so hard and so unceasingly. Even at so late an hour, their spirits towards their God remained high. Hector, Shirley, Tim, John, Christian, Dan, Cesan, BJ, Kaye, Czy, Kathy, and special friends May and Jay who continue to guide and cover us --- you are clearly God’s instruments of worship.
The hosts were no-holds barred simply incredible! Jaime and Kuya Gerry, you were the perfect tandem. The kids loved you! You sacrificed time and health, beyond the program, you came so early, but you should have seen the kids move with your every word. The kids were literally gyrating left and right, hooked on the games and other parts of the program. Cherry and Laye, our lovely co-hosts, you were the epitome of “glory to glory”. Not only did you keep our “Airbenders” connected to the rest of the group, but the program went so much smoother and livelier with your rising up to take the challenge --- from start all the way to the release. Last women standing kayo!
We can never say enough, of course, about Eureka. You are truly gifted, professional, hardworking worshippers “in Spirit and in truth.” You rehearsed always on time for the past few months. You kept your standards high for yourselves and never let us get away with anything less than the best you could offer, even when we couldn’t make things easier for you. Yet you always came up with your own brilliant solutions to so many adjustments we asked you to make. You taught me so much about how God works his wonders through such character, hard work and faith. God will always come through, but He magnifies whatever we have to offer, and you truly kept giving your all, even months before. Kahns, Ron, Jeremie, Dervin, Joven, Aries, Sybil, Jessica, Nerisse, Jerloo, Jeryll, Paula, Precious, Danica... thank you, what an offering to God you all are.
The Tech Team was quite the revelation. Dodi, you and your team brought so much professionalism to the board; you poured over every detail of the program and coordinated them so well to all members involved. It would not have gone any smoother without you. As hard as it was for you folks particularly to step into your new roles, I have to tell you, what a joy it was to see you all really rise up and even have fun, while you were at it. We saw so many of you level up: Ynah, Cherry, Laye, Marla (panalo ang games!), and whoah Mel (excellent first timer!) --- So so proud! The main man Ongi and Phoebe on lights (Phoebs, you will always be THE clicker!) We’re so happy that tough coordinated work turned into such a joy for all of you (especially yung tuwang-tuwa sa lights! Dodi, we could feel your playful happiness in the moods that you created with the lights). Of course, Jeremiah, it’s never the same unless you’re there; and not just for your beautiful capturing of the moments but for your prophetic presence and how you make it feel like family. Again, you’ve made God proud.
Shout out and hearty thank you to Victory Pasig and Pastor Anthony; you were the perfect partner-in-arms. Your team have so much of their pastor in them: dedicated, humble, excellent, willing to do whatever it takes. You guys owned up to so many tasks, from props to power points and videos and kids relations. We didn’t feel being separate from you at all; we sincerely felt like one body of Christ. We would recommend partnership with you for any event!
Grace and Merlee, you were the backbone silently and unglamorously making sure we could do as much as we could. Johnny, salamat syempre sa pagiging magiting na taga (-buhat, -dala, -ayos)... taga-lahat. Much thanks to our staff and Pastors of Victory Alabang for sharing the “whatever it takes” creed; your enduring support was well-felt. And my helpmate, partner, wife and best friend Lea, I praise God for you; thank you, that though you didn’t have to do all that you did, your love for God found its way into strengthening us and sharing the burden with us.
I know the way was long and sometimes difficult (and I sincerely apologize for your trip back --- pauwi na nga lang may sablay pa) and definitely there was much to improve on our part as communications and administrative hub (please feel free to e-mail me about your thoughts on these). A lot of you actually got sick afterwards --- how desperate the enemy is in his futile attempts to steal our joy --- we are praying for and with you.
But God really put me in awe of how He used His Church. You’ve all put to shame what I thought the word “volunteer” meant. YOU ARE ALL HEROES. God’s heroes and mine. When the next generation of film makers, storytellers, teachers, lawmakers, presidents, and world-changers come into their own, they will have known and remembered how a little world conference called EN2010 changed their lives. We pray that God’s Spirit, goodness and love pursue you all the rest of your days. Thank you and God bless you so much.
