Even the twentieth meeting was incredibly encouraging
September 9th–10th, 2024
“When it gets rough…” in the Healthy Youth ministry, in personal life, in relationships… What to do when difficulties appear and everything does not go smoothly? How to find inner peace that we can pass on? We have been looking for answers to these questions too.
Petr Kadlec explains the system of hearts, which helps him to keep calm in the classroom during the programs.
This year was the twentieth time we had the privilege to organize the Annual Workers Conference. The rain and cold weather kept us indoors this time. Which was certainly not a bad thing. There was plenty of space and opportunity for conversations and personal sharing in the pleasant surroundings of the Immanuel Conference Center. We hosted 52 HY workers, supporters of the HY ministry and members of INCZ team.
“When It Gets Rough” – when there are all sorts of obstacles, misunderstandings and setbacks, which is not unusual in these troubled times.
The Executive Director of INCZ Hana Nedvedicka had the privilege of opening the Conference program.
How to deal with a too quiet or, on the contrary, a restless or dissenting class? What if the overactive teacher interferes too much in the program and takes away the children’s initiative? LGBTQ+ issues: what can help in dealing with these tricky and sensitive topics? Eating disorders, transgender… that’s what kids are living through these days, but at the same time it’s kind of ‘skating on a very thin ice’.
Several speakers emphasized the importance of humility, listening, patience and acceptance. What children deal with externally is not the real root of the problem in most cases. To get anywhere, we need to gain their trust. A child has a right to be heard. We are the ones who can help ensure that right.
It was already rattling during the initial warm-up activity. Who would have expected the team’s task to be catching “fish” from the “flying carpet”? Which fish to go after? How to avoid obstacles? How to talk when you are not allowed to talk! An excellent game that helped to break the imaginary ice and gently open this year’s theme.
The presentation of “Oasis”, the new experiential program of the non-profit organization called Hope4kids, fit perfectly into everything discussed. The aim of the project in general is to relax, to refresh oneself just like in an oasis in an arid desert. Each of the participants could try and find their most suitable way of relaxation and regeneration. Now we completely understand that among children and teachers this program is becoming more and more popular and in demand.
More than half of the participants on Monday evening came to a guided wine tasting led by wine connoisseur and sommelier Martin Stavjanik. For many, this was also a nice relaxing stop in good company. Thank you.
A few ‘words of wisdom’ in conclusion. We ourselves are in a sense the creators of the inner peace. Up to 90% of our health problems are caused by pervasive stress. Everyone has to learn to work with their own stress, with their pain, with themselves. At the same time, it is very important not to remain alone in the storms of life like a lonely tree in a clearing. And also beware that each of us needs a particular approach. Just like flowers: a cactus requires different care than an orchid or a nettle.
Relaxed, friendly, welcoming, safe, … simply good atmosphere was felt at the Conference all the time.
Thank you for encouraging each other to keep up in our ministry, for the opportunity to establish new working relationships, for sharing personal experiences, both joyful and difficult.
In the words of the participants:
“Thank you so much for allowing me to come to this conference. It always energizes me to my ministry in the coming year.”
“Thank you for creating an environment of safety, a space to share, a time of sharing and encouragement.”
“It was mega awesome! Very interesting, timely topics.”
“I brought a book, but it was so interesting I didn’t even open it:-)”
“You guys are great! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“I’m looking forward to next year. To see you and meet you.”
We are already looking forward to the next year.
