It is a joy for me to have summer practicum in faraway places, for it is a chance to be exposed to different churches, local cultures, tradition, lifestyle, and languages. I was assigned to Davao Evangelical Church. I was quite surprised because last year, a pastor invited me to have my next summer practicum in Davao (but in another church) and I never expected to be assigned to DEC. I was quite tense for I heard that many great preachers come from DEC, so I really made more preparations.

      Before going to Davao, I already felt the support of some of my soon-to-be co-workers. While in Davao the brothers and sisters really supported me in so many ways.

      This practicum exposed me to different kinds of ministries: as a counselor in the College and Junior conferences, leading Bible studies in Young Pro and Men’s Fellowship; leading in Christian Youth and Junior Youth Fellowships, preaching during Youth worship, doing visitations, and missions work.

      I have learned to train and expose the young people to do God’s work; to have heartfelt dedication in reaching out to the people, whether young or old, and to be responsible for doing the task entrusted by God, and willing to administer the church.

      I also learned to set aside personal matters, to focus on doing ministry and to be prepared at all times. Another lesson is not to neglect our relationship with others which is important in ministry. I was so busy preparing my message that I sometimes forgot to mingle with others. In Davao I found more time with God; He taught me many things as I read and meditated on His word day and night. I praise him that I can find rest in him especially during difficult times.

CEBU CITY

      The week following was the Vacation Bible School. I was asked to teach children from grades 1-2. I told Bible stories to 32 students for one week. I also came to know them by playing badminton and helping them do their crafts. Getting tired never bothered me because I always thought of the joy of serving our loving God. Just as Jesus joyfully welcomed the little children in His kingdom (Matt. 10:14), I also learned from Christ to be patient, to understand and love them as Christ has loved me.

      Pastor Anita Uy, an alumna of BSOP, briefed me on schedules and ministries, which included three days of visitation and three Bible studies per week. Every Friday we had our Bible study and prayer meeting together with the church leaders. Before the worship service every Sunday we had the Dawn Prayer Meeting, where we prayed for other countries and their ministry needs.

      I have learned so many things during my practicum this summer. First, how to manage my time properly. I made a whole month calendar where I wrote down my schedules and my lessons. Secondly, I also experienced what it meant to be away from my family for a long time. Thirdly, I learned how to develop and increase my faith in God. There was nothing much I could do except to read books which I brought with me, to meditate on God’s word, and prepare my lessons. These activities helped me to grow spiritually.

      The most exciting part of my practicum was my visit to the Mangyan Bible School, located at the foot of the mountain in Mindoro. It opened my mind to God’s magnificent work in reaching out to those poor people in isolated places. I was so happy to see 400 youths belonging to different tribes joining the youth conference. Some even traveled by foot for many miles through the mountain just to get there. It is clear that God is using different organizations and people to support this Bible School. I told the Mangyans that I praised God that I met them; I now have a story to tell my co-workers back in Manila about the goodness of the Lord to their community.