Family Fellowship 2022

‘A family that worships God together, stays together. ’

We have just arrived home from an another tiring, yet memorable experience to look back on. I instantly picked up my pen and my paper to share to you this one. It was the comeback of the Quarterly Family Fellowship among the Missionary Baptist churches in our province, Davao del Sur, and Davao City. It is a very big deal for us since, it was the first family fellowship we have successfully done after the ceaseless series of pandemic. I can't wait to acquaint it any further with you all, so, happy reading.

4:00 AM— 6:35 AM

We were waken up by our father at exactly 4:00 in the morning in order to be not left out by the bus we have borrowed from our municipality, Sta. Cruz. Although the water was so cold, I tried to pour plenty of ‘tabó’ filled with water to finish it as fast as I could. After that, we ate a small portion of rice and viand to arrive in our waiting area by 5:40 AM. Exactly that time, we were already at the waiting shed, our meeting area, along with other church members. When we came, the bus has not arrived where we were. We were to set off by 6:00 AM, so, we were all worried because we thought, there could had been a problem and we might not be able to join the said activity. 30 minutes had passed and we were still waiting. Fortunately, after several minutes of waiting, it finally arrived and we settle ourselves in.

6:35—8:35 AM

Before we set off, we prayed first, for our safety and God’s guidance for the whole day. After the prayer, we subsequently started our trip. It was so smooth and we have not encountered any troubles and accidents along the way. We were amazed by the majestic views that we encountered, unfortunately, I was not able to take pictures of it and some shots had bad quality.

But, in order to give you some idea, the things that astonished us were the narrow, elevated road wherein, the ocean, mountains, trees, and some volcanoes, can be seen above. Several beaches were also visible at the top. Despite of these amazing views, fear was somehow evident in me, knowing that any moment of that time, we might fall off the open pit beside of the road. Yet, God is so good that He did not let it happen.

8:35—9:30 AM

After a very long ride, at last, we arrived at Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, the venue of this month’s Family Fellowship. Supposedly, it should be in their church, yet, they decided to conduct the activity in the school , since there were plenty of delegates.

The first thing I have observed is this beautiful view which can just be seen easily since it is in front of the school. I couldn't help but to just stare at it for a long time. Others were taking pictures of it, and I had it in my mind to also take a picture once the program is done.

Afterwards, we proceeded to their commodious school gymnasium. By 8:40 AM, the program started. It was commenced by an opening prayer, singing of short choruses, and presentation of 13 Missionary Baptist churches. A lecture followed it, having the theme ‘Stewardship of Material Things’, which will be featured by @dauntless_marquess in her next article.

9:30—12:00 PM

After the lecture, we took our snack before proceeding to the Divine Service. I also took the opportunity to roam around the place together with my brother. I happened to see these flowers [ could be lotus] floating on this small body of water. I don't know the name of these flowers, but I assumed that they were Lotus.

We came back to the gymnasium since the time allotted for the snacks, was already consumed. The divine service followed, and it was formally started by an opening prayer, followed by a scripture reading, tithes and offering, and, special number per churches, then, another lecture started. The theme of the lecture was ‘Stewardship of Life’, and, I will be discussing it in my next article so watch out. After the lecture, we fell in line, and had our lunch.

12:00—3:00 PM

Our lunch was so smooth, and, everyone has eaten. One (1) hours was apportioned for the lunch alone. After 1 hour, the chapel hour took place. Another lecture with a theme ‘Stewardship of Spiritual Life’. This will be discussed by @lonestranger so check it out. After the lecture, we had a short Bible Quiz while having our snack. I didn't enjoy the game that much, but atleast, I have enjoyed the snacks. 10 minutes later, the activity ended and everyone was busy taking pictures. That was my opportunity to take pictures, so, I grabbed it.

Afterwards, we left the venue carrying all the happy memories I will forever treasure.

In Conclusion:

It is always true that a family who praises God together, stays forever, for with God, anything shall be possible. Consequently, falling apart would be a thing that God would unreasonably do. On the other hand, the feeling that the thing , fellowships, which we used to do just came back, is so satisfying and surreal. I am beyond blessed and grateful that for once, we were able to see each other other again, even if the pandemic is not yet over. What makes this activity even more memorable is the bond we can share together with the family, in a pious or devout way.