By: Arman Ramos – EFC Palawan
Every church gathering is remarkable. However, this gathering, known as “Retreat,” is one of the most anticipated events for the Lord’s servants each year. This year, 2022, EFC Palawan Youth Leaders gathered to learn, be equipped, and unwind. While the world mourns the loss of those who have passed away On All Saints Day, EFC Palawan took advantage of the opportunity to spend time with the Lord while refreshing their bodies, hearts, and minds.
Located at Cisca Palawan, Barangay Sicsican, Puerto Princesa City, EFC Palawan is ready to enjoy its first Youth Leaders’ Retreat, which runs from 2:00 p.m. on October 31 to 9:00 a.m. on November 1. On November 2, 2022, the youth leaders anticipate a revelation from the Word through workshops and enjoy fellowship with one another. This year’s theme is “Focus, Forward, and Fulfill the Mission.”
Rev. Greta Tita Tamayor encouraged the EFC Youth to “proclaim His praise in the islands.”EFC Youth.
In the first session of the retreat, we were given an activity to write a goal and strategic plan for every ministry being handled based on the vision of JECPP. In the evening of the same day Pastor Annaliza Novero shared the Word of God about moving forward, found in Exodus 14:1–15. It was a powerful motivating message from the Lord igniting the passion and the desire to continue the mission of God.
“When you’re panicking because you can’t see a way out, look up, and you’ll find something helpful.” like on the day that Moses and the Israelites were about to cross the Red Sea. The only hope is God.
Here comes the busiest day of the retreat, day 2. It was a whole-day activity consisting of three sessions—morning, afternoon, and evening. In the morning, another workshop was conducted by Rev. Greta Tita Tamayor. The morning workshop tackled the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19–20). The same seminar equips EFC Palawan Youth Leaders on What to Teach, Why Jesus Came, and the Importance of Having the Same Concept as Jesus Christ As disciples of Jesus Christ, we must understand His mind, not only His hand. It is essential to have a proper understanding of the teachings of Jesus.
As you read and study the Bible, God’s written word reveals Christ. After the morning session, EFC Palawan delegates, along with Rev. Jethro and Rev. Annaliza Novero, performed a picture-taking wearing a T-shirt designed for this year’s retreat and then they enjoy the first lunch of the retreat.
It was to set up the afternoon session as a lively workshop led by Rev. Ricky Tamayor. This time, the topic is about principles that must be remembered in making disciples. Ten principles have been successfully addressed. After that, a two-hour break was given to prepare for the last session of the retreat. The evening service started with a joyful and heartfelt time of praise and worship led by the EFC Palawan Music Team. After singing praise and worship, Rev. Ricky Tamayor introduced the speaker to the evening service. He travelled from La Union to Palawan to join EFC Palawan on this year’s retreat—no other than Rev. Jethro Novero. The message of God through Rev. Jethro is about fulfilling the mission, which was so powerful.
According to the message, we must know, accept, and understand things to fulfil the mission God gave us. After that powerful message, the presence of God embraced the venue and ignited everyone’s heart to continue to do the task given by God. Indeed, it was a victorious night, followed by a dinner that would fill everyone’s stomach. The dinner’s main course, Samgyeopsal, is a Korean dish that is a favorite of this generation’s youth. In the end, nothing beats a day with a heart and mind full of God’s Word and a stomach full of delicious food.
Packing things on the way home from the retreat signifies that one successful event has ended. It is the end, but for the EFC Palawan Youth Leaders, it is a new beginning to continue focusing, moving forward, and fulfilling the Lord’s mission. As the year 2022 ends, another journey with the Lord begins.
