By: Rosella S. Abenio

When God gives you a one-of-a-kind gift that is fashioned especially for you, what would you do with it? Would you hide it in the closet or share it with other people? When gifts and talents are used to bless others, God is most pleased.

A wonderful yet rare opportunity arose when Sis. Pauline Tan from Singapore, together with her husband, Bro. Ivan and daughter, Laura, came to visit EFC-Cagayan de Oro City on June 9, 2018. She is gifted in making Origami and some related crafts. Her daughter, Laura inherited her keen eye on crafts and props making as well.

Sis. Pauline gave a 3-hour Origami workshop at the church which was participated by the young people and some volunteer church planters. Origami is the art of paper-folding, it transforms a flat square sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques.

All participants were thrilled to learn the series of geometric folding and creases. Some were fast learners and were able to create various origami designs like paper plane, boat, crane, bird, and frog, while others were struggling to form one shape.  However, every time a participant can finish one design, the room was filled with cheer.  Indeed, everyone was having fun in learning.

On the other hand, Laura inspired the youth in props making for church presentations. She generously showed few examples of her works which motivated the youngsters to do the same.  Given that EFC-CDO’s Hearts on Fire Fellowship has been training the youth in musical instruments, discipleship and craft making, the workshop was a great blessing to them.

After the event, the finished Origami creations were collected and will be donated to various outstation churches especially to the kids.  The kids will be introduced to learning the craft as it enhances brain development, motor skills and love for arts.  Moreover, instead of getting ready-made toys to play with, now they can make their own. It is environmentally friendly and materials are readily available, it only needs colored papers or recycled papers.  Another Origami Workshop was held during Sunday’s HOF afternoon service.  The recipients of the workshop were even more challenged to improve their skills in crafts and props making. Certainly, the church was grateful for this opportunity.

Sis. Pauline and her family, had not just taught the folding of papers or Origami; they left an inspiration and motivation for others to give their best in doing things for God and for their ministry. Desiring to always use our talents and gifts for the benefit of others is being good stewards of what God has blessed us with. In doing so, we are honoring God.

In Ephesians 2:10, it states that “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”.  God reshaped us into more Christ-like persons to do good works.  Therefore, when God give gifts and talents, we should not keep it to ourselves, instead we will share it with others. Just as with spiritual gifts, He wants us to use our talents and skills to bless others. God is choosing us, gifting us, and deploying us in His Kingdom for His purpose.  We need to live our assignments and remember that others need our gifts too.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)