August 21, 2020, was an historical day for the Philippine Nazarene Pastors’ Kids (PKs). It was on that day that the first online summit for PKs kicked off. More than 150 PKs from across the Philippines, ranging in age from 10-35, participated in the event. Spearheaded by a team of passionate PKs in the Philippines, this event represents the launch of the Philippines-Micronesia Field’s Decadal Emphasis on Children. The summit aimed to empower PK’s in their roles and identity and to strengthen the fellowship among them. This event gave them encouragement and inspiration and established accountability in their journey towards Christlikeness.
The summit event was packed with inspirational messages given by plenary speakers. Topics included being an “Alongside,” or someone who can hold other Christians accountable and encourage them in their walk. There was also a forum on Justice and Discipleship. The PKs enjoyed age-appropriate workshops, meaningful worship, powerful testimonies, and relevant reflections and sharing in breakout sessions. Rev. Stephen Gualberto, the Field Strategy Coordinator, said: “My prayer and desire for all the Pastors Kids in the Field is that they will be radical in their faith for Jesus Christ, trusting and obeying Him every step of the way, and to become incarnational disciples of Jesus who make Christlike disciples wherever they are.”
One participant commented: “The most impactful experience in this summit is the sharing part, wherein we got to know the struggles of our fellow PK and we also got to share our struggles as well…I realized that I am not alone, I have an extended family wherein I can share my problems to them and they can give the best advice because they have experienced it as well”. As was pointed out in the conference, who better to understand and know PKs than other PKs? The summit affirmed each attendee that they are not journeying alone, but that there are also other PKs walking the same path. This knowledge helps them realize their value and purpose in their identity as Pastors’ Kids.
Another attendee testified, “I’m so grateful to those who push these kinds of events for us PK’s. God knows how much we actually need gatherings like this, where we can be heard, understood, and comforted by people that go through the same things. Personally I’m always looking forward to PK events since I don’t really have a really close PK friend whom I can vent to comfortably. So, for now, these are the events [where] I can share my frustrations and dilemmas on being a pastor’s kid. So again, thank you very much and God bless you all”.
One PK stated on the five learning and practical actions he would apply after the summit: “First, hug my parents, because I hate the thought of them crying or discouraged because they see me struggling. Second, try my best to look at the blessings rather than the problems. Third, be the light no matter how hard it can be especially in this generation. Fourth, focus on God, and don’t let others bring you down, and lastly, learn to be a proud PK”.
This summit is the beginning of lifelong relationship-building and intentional mentoring of PKs that are called, favored, and strategically positioned by God to do His will. Everybody is looking forward to the next event where PKs can again have meaningful conversations, warm fellowship, and strengthen one another.
Contributed by Leah Mae Open Alquizar, Philippines-Micronesia Field
