"We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.”― Henry Melvill"
Last February 2023, my husband and I were invited by his cousin to join a BCBP (Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals). At first, I am hesitant to join this organization because I am not a businesswoman and I'm ashamed because I know very well who were the well-known businessmen and women in Bogo since I was working in Bogo City, 20 years ago. On the other hand, I had also in my mind, that if we will join an organization like this serving God and getting closer to God, we will meet challenges. You will be tested on how committed and how stronger you are in your purpose of joining.
My husband was very eager to join the organization, so he was the first to join and there's no reason why I will decline the invitation. And when my husband was hospitalized and diagnosed with many complications, I said to myself, this is it. But then, I did not find any reason to quit the organization instead to continue what we have started. I believed that whatever trials or challenges we faced were just passed and we can recover. We trust him and believe in him that he will never leave us in this situation.
What is BCBP
BCBP started in 1980. All Christians are welcome to the organization regardless of religion. It started with only 12 men having their breakfast at Makati Sports Club. The first breakfast prospers or develops. More businessmen and professionals attended. Breakfast was the first entry of the organization. Through breakfast fellow Christians meet for food, fun, fellowship, and aspiration in life by listening to the shared life stories with other fellow members. The group also conducts seminars, meetings, retreats, and Christian life programs. They even trained young members to be the leaders and agents of strengthening faith and bringing Jesus in all forms of environments or workplaces in the marketplace. The activities continued to expand their wings and created various chapters in all communities nationwide and outside the Philippines.
Since breakfast is the first entry to be a member of the group, so we attended several breakfasts and already graduated and became regular breakfasters. I'm thankful to our almighty Father for giving us the wisdom and strength to continue serving him, strengthening our faith, and getting closer to him. We learned a lot during the sharing of life experiences from various guests in different chapters. Their life stories helped us in personal growth and development. Our multiple aspects of life have changed. From moral, spiritual, emotional, social, and even physical well-being. By listening to their life insights, words of hope, and encouragement on how to face our life with so many challenges we find hope and security. Our relationship with our family and fellowmen was getting better.
The Christian Life Program
We also attended the CLP with the theme "Finding Balance in Life Through Work and Prayers". This theme suggests bringing Jesus into the marketplace. There were 14 Saturdays of our study and we already have the 6th Saturday. The CLP was done through having our get-together dinner, then the session proper of different talks. Before the talk, there will be an opening song, prayers, and an introduction of speakers coming from other chapters. The speaker was usually coming from a higher position of govt. and private agencies whose life were already been successful. Some were successful entrepreneurs who owned businesses. After every talk, we will be having groupings of discussion and sharing our life experiences, and insights about the topic. After sharing are the closing prayer and closing songs.
Insights
BCBP helped us in developing our life aspects. Through BCBP our spiritual life was enhanced. We got closer to God. The more we praise and pray to him. Our faith becomes strong. The more we live morally and shows our action that we love Jesus and therefore we bring him into our everyday life. Our married life getting stronger. Our patience in facing everyday stress and risk in life was increased. Giving time and attention to our children was enhanced. The more responsible we are in giving what is best for our children. Thankful to the one who invited and sponsored us to be a member of BCBP. They were the instruments sent from above to get closer to him.
That's all for this blog. Thank you much for all your support. To God be the Glory!