Breaking down the Wall
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Re-post of a summary during a retreat as courtesy to Cir Ron- New York Disciple and Noraleen, as well as the Mindanao Singles in their respective churches.
Breaking down the Wall
- 1. 1ST MINDANAO SINGLES RETREAT, DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES APRIL 21-23, 2011 BREAKING DOWN THE WALL In my seven-year journey as a disciple, I never imagined that the time would come for me to dance. I felt the awkwardness of (like) a teenager during rehearsals for I knew it was not one of my strengths. Gensan delegates for the 1st Mindanao Singles Retreat in Davao City, Philippines, opted to present a dance number for the opening night on April 21, 2011. Gensan delegates garnered thumbs up rule from the audience. I danced my first dance as a disciple in front of a crowd- the Mindanao disciples! I was able to break a wall as well, the wall of pride and I was humbled through such dance. It was a very nice experiencesomething confined came out freed and healed. The second day (April 22, 2011) of the retreat came as a surprise. I was informed about zip line but the obstacle courses to hurdle were another thing. So many thoughts rushed on my head, the what ifs. The Team Building Workshop started with games as preliminaries then participants broke out into groups/teams. I belonged to duku team, a name of variety of lanzones fruit- group names were derived from fruit names. Each team had to hurdle 5 elements or 5 series of obstacle courses re: whaler watch, trust fall, pumper pole, high ropes circuit and zip line. I was amazed with our group as we started to balance a platform like a see-saw or the whaler watch element. All team members had to be on top of the platform. We tried several times to step up and changed positions just to balance the platform until we got it on the eighth time. While on the second element- trust fall, a team member had to fall from a 4-feet riser and other members had to do the catch, then each member had to take his turn for the fall. On these two elements, harmony and balance played importantly in our dealings with others. As we hurdle each of this element, we had our individual strategy to address the challenge but ultimately, a strategy prevailed that would work well for the group. Individual differences were set aside; mutual trust, cooperation and deep fellowship sufficed. On the third element, each member had to climb a 40-feet pumper pole. Once on top, a member had to stand, shout his goal and jump. During the climb, I tried to balance my body with the way I pushed myself upward and made sure of every step and grip so as not to fall. Life was like such a climb. Sometimes easy, other times hard pressed, steps and grips might be uncertain and any moment you might lose your balance. But with focus to reach the top, a goal was just a shout away! When on top, I learned to let go and jumped wholeheartedly for I know that there are still other poles to climb in life.
- 2. The fourth element- high ropes circuit was like a never ending struggle. Human language could not adequately describe how I felt and what was going on inside me. Luckily, on this element, I was paired to a very patient disciple. He took heed in assisting me all the way traversing the circuit until finished. God was indeed fighting for me- he sent persons to lend a hand along the journey though I hadnt asked Cir Ron of Encouraging the World was touched by God High Ropes Circuit for my sponsorship of this retreat and through Noraleens initiative. Also, I was astonished when Sherwin and Che- a couple from Davao took care of Noraleen and me on the entire retreat. We were like princesses housed in their royal-home Che, Lovey & Sherwin with daughter Shayne and warmly accommodated more than physical sisters. Life, indeed, is filled with circuits of high ropes. Series of obstacles await us but with a Life centered in God; He would eventually make everything fall into its place no matter how these struggles seemed like never ending. Zip line-the fifth element. I really appreciated how God prepared and arranged events for me. I adored most the greatness of his wisdom at that moment. Our team started from the basic element unto the complicated last two elements. I embraced the final obstacle without hesitation despite being physically exhausted from the previous element. These words flashed into my mind at that time: God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. So, I claimed Gods precious prize when I had the zip line rideI enjoyed the breath-taking view of His creation. Nature has its own story to tell of Gods greatness. Magnificent! Five elements conquered and survived. What a wall to break! The third day-April 23, 2011 was a touching and heart warming lecture day and fellowship night. On lecture, Ryan Rasines of Metro Cebu Christian Church, Cebu City, Philippines, threw heart-provoking questions to the participants before giving his main message. The message was like a packed meal for our return home. Ryan made sure we will not starve along the way. He sent us off with a powerful message of transformation and made emphasis on Jesus as the agent of transformation. He was used as an instrument to make me realized that only through Jesus I would experienced transformation, not on my own will and only if I obey Him- a humbling point of decision. As I desired to be like water turned into the best wine! The last retreat day ended successful and a colorful night during KOLOR MYX acoustic night with disciples from all over Mindanao. I travelled back home on the same night. Amazingly, the retreat effected Godly confidence as I face a new day. Walls are broken like spells in enchantments. To God be the glory! .Lovey Ruiz