More Than a Training: A Day of Growing Together in Service and Life by Mick Nuestro

There are some days that feel less like an event on the calendar and more like a gift for the soul. This past Saturday, 7 March 2026, was exactly that for the YFCA Vic Couple Coordinators.

Gathered from 8:30 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon at the warm and welcoming Nazareno residence, we came together not just for a training, but for a moment of genuine connection and growth. The theme, "Growing in Service and Life," was more than just words on a page; it was the very heartbeat of our day.

It was truly inspiring and fruitful—a beautiful blend of learning, heartfelt sharing, and joyful fellowship. As couples, we often pour so much of ourselves into serving others, into guiding the young people entrusted to our care. But this day felt like a special opportunity for us to be replenished and to grow, not only as servant leaders in the ministry, but also in our personal journeys as individuals and as partners.

The day was anchored by a line-up of speakers who truly fed our spirits. We began with brother Allan Miranda, who set a powerful vision before us in "Fulfilling Our Mission and Vision in the Third Millennium," reminding us of the incredible purpose we are part of.

Brother Jun San Jose then helped us see the bigger picture, masterfully combining Talks 2 and 6 to unpack the YFCA Structure, Responsibilities, and Relationships. It gave us a wonderful clarity on how we all fit together in this beautiful work.

Understanding the heart of the young people we serve was a key theme. Brother Joevis Claveria offered practical and compassionate wisdom on "Dealing with Young People," while brother Nap Serrano deepened that understanding, guiding us on "Understanding and Pastoring the Young." It was a powerful one-two punch that left us feeling more equipped and more empathetic.

Finally, brother Bobby Mathew inspired us to look to the future with hope and intentionality in his talk, "Preparing a New Generation of Believers." It was the perfect capstone to a day that was all about legacy and lasting impact.

But more than the talks, it was the feeling in the room. The shared laughter over lunch, the great bonding time shared and the quiet moments of realisation that we are not alone in this journey. We left the Nazarenos' home not just with full notebooks, but with full hearts.

We are truly grateful for the opportunity to have stepped back, learned together, and grown closer to God and to each other. Days like this remind us that as we strive to build the next generation, God is lovingly building us. Here’s to growing in service and in life—together.