Personal Lessons From Church Retreats
There is so much things I am so thankful for and I want to take this brief time to thank you Lord for inviting me to many church retreats. You’ve used me in many great ways and I am blessed to know that I can continue to serve you Lord. I was once worried that if I become an old man, I won’t be able to serve God because of my physical condition. But my pastor encouraged me. “God will use you in all ways possible regardless of your age and condition.” He was right. A pastor I’ve met once was a very old lady but don’t let her age (82 years old) and her appearance fool you. The old lady is one exemplary pastor. She is inspiring, energetic, enthusiastic, charming, and in great shape. Where does she get her energy and the motivation to go on? She rely everything on God and God has definitely provided everything for her. Her vision? To continue to plant new churches in Brazil until her time is up here on Earth.
I had the privilege to serve in different ministries and handle multi-tasks and responsibilities in few churches. However, when I reminisce the times I’ve been serving, I realized that I was too occupied with serving that I had missed the real purpose, the real meaning. I was not fully content. I felt overwhelmed and overworked from the responsibilities. Serving in church ministries are important but maintaining a personal relationship with God was more important. I needed to work with God rather than for God all the time.
I’ve recognized my flaws and learned from my mistakes over the retreats. I have more room for improvements. I have one last winter retreat coming up shortly and I look forward to it. I’m going to rely everything to God because God is great.
Ten Things I Learned From The Church Retreats:
1. Mafia game is endless of fun. Great all-nighter activity.
2. I need more practice on drumming, especially the tempo and volume control.
3. Recognized a new characteristic about myself that I’ve never realized until recently.
4. Retreat speakers are simply amazing.
5. Need to rely on the Holy Spirit rather than my own ability.
6. It is all about attitude. I’m going to make the best out of the upcoming winter retreat. Carpe diem!
7. Don’t take anything and anybody for granted.
8. Because I am a horrible singer, God blessed me to with the ability to play an instrument. 
9. You can never satisfy everyone. If you’ve satisfied one, you accomplished.
10. Christianity is a life-long journey.