Making a Difference in my Workplace
It’s a breezy and bright day in Pranjetto Hills, Tanay Rizal last March 31 when young adults came together for fun, relaxation, reflection, and consultations regarding their joys and trials in their workplace. The delegates were greeted immediately by the wonderful play of sloping terrain and mountains covering the venue for this year’s YMC PRO: Ministry in the Workplace Retreat – Conference.
Everybody had fun describing themselves, their work, and just saying anything they want to say. Brother Raffy Sison of Wycliffe Translators, himself an Aeronautical Engineer and System Analyst in the US before he came to the Philippines to do mission work, reminded us that Spirituality in the Workplace is being in tune with God in anything that we do. Spirituality is not a thing to be done only in church but is the testimony we live, even if we don’t talk, in our own field. Wherever we work or whatever it is we do daily. Spirituality still happens even after we come out of our house.
Everybody came to know themselves in the workplace and outside during our “kapihan session” the first night. No one wanted to end the group sessions. We hear laughter, some even cried over overflowing service of coffee while sharing to the group answering the prepared questions. We were able to open out things about our workplace, our attitude towards our work, and even face the real us during this time. This definitely created a bond among the delegates.
Workshops were a wake up call for each one of us. We came face to face with terms like “Chronic Busyness”, & “Crushing Boredom”, and quoting from Karl Marx, we were all reminded that ‘Work is Pleasurable”. Delegates were asked to go into groups and talk among themselves & report to everyone “What would you do to make your work less of a burden to you.” We learned a lot from each other. Some said that “once a week, we will go to a friend for sharing,” funny yet practical strategy given is “Go & Buy a Planner!” and other serious plans were “to Consider God as your boss!” Isn’t that great?! There was also a lecture about ways to reach out to your battlefield wherever you may be working. Practical reminders and approaches were shared. Things that everyone will always remember to do and could be a part of developing their character at work.
There is, of course, lots of time also for recreation and bonding with each other. Everyone was laughing and challenged during the Team Building activity where teams had to climb the strolling hills, fill bottles with waters, and crawl under hairy vines to collect chicken eggs, as such. And of course, we all went swimming together with some of the kids since some brought their families with them.
The outdoor dinner was very special for us. Imagine dining with the mountains at your back and experiencing its fresh smell. Groups were formed that will help the ministries of ECPM and YMC. The groups formed are the Prayer Network (PN) Group, Development Projects, and Trainors / Teaching Group. They all submitted proposals on how to help ECPM. Please help us pray for these proposed projects.
Overall, everyone had time knowing each other more. Different people with different work backgrounds like nurse, teachers, businessmen & women, computer geniuses, and even counselors, to name as such, had a fun time laughing, eating and really pouring their hearts out during the kapihan and amazingly during the Forum. We spent time, sharing and helping each other. More so, we even explored Daranak Falls before we all head home.
Please help us pray for the people in the workplace. That they may see that God gave their work not just for stability but to use it even more for His Glory. May everyone be reminded that GOD GIVES US PURPOSE, GOD GIVES US REST, and to WORK LIKE WORKING FOR GOD. (R. Magpayo) and that “God’s Favor is not only seen in financial prosperity but in inner peace.”(R.Sison)
Please explore this site. Other important Highlights of the conference - retreat are available just choose from the links placed at the right side of this page.
God bless you more!
