April Is Not For Fools
March and April are the times of the year where many eventful things happen in ICM Dumaguete. This month gave new meaning to the word “workload”. April brought in the Mentoring Seminar, Final Budget Meeting, Leadership Training, and Kids Camp. The energy generated and utilized in planning, organizing, and implementation of these events could undoubtedly match at least three nuclear power plants. It was my privilege to be a part of the Mentoring Seminar and Kids Camp and I would like to share my experiences with you.
The Pastor’s Mentoring Retreat-Seminar was conducted on April 11 and 12, 2011 at the Calvary Chapel Training Center in Candau-ay, Dumaguete City. It was led by Dr. Herman A. Moldez, ICMPI’s Chief Training Officer and the National Coordinator for MentorLInk International (MLI), and Pastor Rolando R. Manuel, Philippine Council of Evengelical Churches (PCEC) Director for Leadership Development and a member of the Executive Team of MLI and Training of Pastors International Coalition (TOPIC) Philippines. The 2-day session was attended by 62 servant-leaders who play an active partnership with ICM in the ministry of reaching out to the poorest of the poor.
The Mentoring Retreat-Seminar covered 10 topics and each topic entailed several tasks where the attendees learned about the different perspectives of mentoring, self-awareness of the hidden issues of the heart, the power of safe and trusting relationship, the value accountability as a means for growth, and establishing a mentoring partnership, to name a few. The 2-day session was an enriching experience for all who came and joined. Everyone were excited to bring their leadership and ministry to a higher level. The Mentoring-Retreat Seminar came to an end and everybody was refreshed, empowered and transformed.
The Kids Camp was four fun-filled days for all the children who came and an enriching experience for the willing volunteers. The camp was held at the Palms and Pines Countryside, Dumaguete City on April 18 to 21, 2011. The staff from Hong Kong, together with their family and friends, devoted a considerable piece of their time and resources to make this a wonderful event for all. The camp started at 9:00 am with the singing of action songs led by Harry and Julie Turner. Then all the 12 teams go through arts and crafts, parachute game, and a number ballgames - all designed to stimulate the mind and train the body. Nutritious snacks (mid-morning and afternoon) and lunch were provided to nurture and fuel the active bodies and minds for the day’s adventure. At 4:00 pm, the camp ended for the day. The parents gather by the pick up area to wait for their kids who run to them, filled with exuberance from their activities.
April Fool’s Day should be erased from ICM’s Calendar. It takes a wise, godly, hardworking, persevering and joyful person to fully enjoy the experiences that April can bring. To God be all the glory, honor and praise!
