Photo: Jeannette Reyes
Everything at the Eastern True North Conference 2013 was amazing; the food, the people, the competitions. However, what truly touched my heart were Sessions One, Liveloud, and Three, Turning Water Into Wine.
The first session was a two-hour concert by the music ministry and a choir. It was led by Kuya Noel Aquino, Music Ministry and Sector Head from Metro Region. The Liveloud songs were beautiful but it was even more beautiful with Kuya Noel’s voice. His voice is truly a gift from God. It inspired everyone to truly lift up everything to the Lord and express their shameless love for Him. I was overjoyed because I had not seen this much love in a while.
Another part of the session that touched me were the shares. There were two shares; the first one was by a brother from Big Sky. He shared the problems he experienced within his family. I could instantly relate to him and I wanted to go talk to him afterwards because I knew exactly what it felt like. I had tears coming out of my eyes without realizing it. I didn’t know if they were tears of joy, because I knew I wasn’t the only one that experienced this, or if they were tears of sadness because the feeling of loss was coming back. I knew one thing though, I wasn’t alone. This brother’s share reminded me that through all suffering God, our brothers, and our sisters are with us.
The third session was by Ate Ellen Maigue-Talacca, a Full-Time Pastoral Worker in Metro Region. This was an unforgettable session. There were skits showing a boy needing to make decisions. For example, he was in the Music Ministry and was asked to be the Music Ministry Head, but he was also asked to lead a new Youth Camp in Nunavut. He didn’t know what to do, stay in his comfort zone and be Music Ministry Head or try something new and lead a camp. This skit showed me that God has a greater plan for us than we have for ourselves, even if we don’t expect it. One of the quotes from the session that I will always remember is, “As so is heaven higher than earth and so is my plan for you”.
Aside from the skits, something I can’t forget will be the shares. A sister close to my heart shared about all the struggles she had, from school to losing her relatives. She said, “As soon as I overcame one obstacle, it seemed like two more came.” I had no idea how much she had faced and how strong she was. It brought me to tears. God has truly turned her water into wine. She is such an inspiration to me and I’m so thankful to have her in my life. Session Three showed me to be fearless and trust in what God has planned for you.
My first Conference truly opened my eyes to see so much more. I saw how many more blessings the Lord gave us, how many more brothers and sisters I truly had, and just how much God has done for us all. I’m so grateful to God for bringing me to this conference and I can’t wait for next year!
Krestyl Hitgano, CFC-Youth Canadien Region
