More of Thee, My PYC Story

Philippine Youth for Christ or PYC has been and is such a blessing. Its always a unique experience everytime and it just specifically addresses the needs of my soul for that moment. Our God is a great yet intimately personal God.

Photo taken from last year's PYC

One of the major changes was that it was held in my hometown, the beautiful and incredibly warm (both the temperature and the people) city of love: Iloilo City. 

Since its run in 2010, PYC has always been held in Luzon. By God's leading, it was held in the heart of the city itself this year, which would be another unique thing since PYC is usually held in less urban venues. 

The funny thing though is that a lot of Luzon delegates were first timers. The charms of Christ can never be said enough. 

Team AUP and Team Iloilo City were in a long distance relationship leading up to May 31, 2017. One would be amazed at the preparations, the foresight, the seamlessness of the whole event considering that most the arrangements were done via chat and phone calls. God alone is to be praised. Even the volunteers were like old buddies even though it was the first meeting for most. 

PYC was bathed in somber, heart searching prayers literally every "evening, morning, and at noon". We were blessed by Spirit filled speakers who shared their personal walk with God as well as vital Biblical truths both on practical and theological viewpoints. 

Aside from the meaty plenary sessions, the delegates were able to get closer to the speakers through the break out sessions. As a member of the speaker care committee, I attended the session of Professor Michael Dant's Delighting in the Almighty. 

The fully packed schedule was exhausting but the reservoir of strength never seemed to run out on the delegates and even on the busy volunteers. In addition to the schedule was the considerable walk between the venue of the break out sessions to the church and to the final venue which was the San Agustin Auditorium. Instead of adding to the exhaustion, the exercise and even the heat helped in perking up the delegates even with the busy schedule.

It was an extra special moment for extrovert me because of reunions with old friends and meeting with new people. It had been awhile since these dear friends of mine from all over the country and I met and talked albeit briefly.

The surprising twist was my inclusion in the next year's set of officers. I know there are other more qualified, more able, and definitely more spiritual leaders and I am unworthy, thus God's help alone shall sustain me.

And the best news? PYC will still be in Iloilo City next year! It will be a week long this time around so file your leave of absence ahead for my working mates out there on May 28-June 2, 2018.