Once again, the youths of the Manila Congregation gathered together for the monthly youth activity, which was held last March 30, 2008 at the UCG Manila Church Activity Center in Quezon City. This time, we stayed indoors to do a project: to construct a Table Tennis Table.

The table will be used not only for playing Table Tennis but also as an additional table for the coming “Night to be Much Observed,” which the Manila Congregation is planning to have at the same Church Activity Center.

We started to work at 9 a.m. The guys got their hands busy in measuring and sawing the pieces of wood that were to be used. Meanwhile, the ladies were busy as well in the kitchen, preparing lunch. While all of us were working, we shared experiences, stories, jokes, and anything that we could think of. As soon as the guys finished sawing, we took break for lunch, to reenergize.

We were hoping to finish the table on that day so no time was wasted. Right after lunch, we resumed work.

I guess I am one of the most excited to do the project, simply because I love playing Table Tennis. That’s why I couldn’t just watch the guys do all the work. When they gave us girls the part where we could help, we gladly did our best!

At first, I thought it was impossible for us to make it. No one among us had made a Table Tennis Table before and honestly we are not good carpenters. But as they say, “there’s always a first time.” And our first time to make a Table Tennis Table was quite an experience!

It was fun putting wood glue and wood putty. One ironic thing was that, the wood putty was supposed to fix the flaws of the wood and cover up the nail holes; but as it turned out, the putty became the flaw as we applied it on the surface of the table.

Well, what can I say? I told you we’re not good carpenters, but the important thing is that we learned something from our mistakes.

We took turns on working so that everyone could rest for a while and have a snack. It was already dark when we finally painted the table green.

At last we saw the finished product and we were all pleased. While waiting for the paint to dry, we had dinner and a brief Bible study about Passover. Interesting questions were raised that made the Bible study more edifying.

We all got dirty and tired, but it was nothing compared to the wonderful bonding that we had. It’s really nice to be with church friends, people who we can trust, have fun with, and learn good things together with.

It wouldn’t be possible to finish the project if it were not for the help and cooperation of everyone, and most of all, if it were not for God’s blessing and guidance.

Though the table we made was not perfect, it will always remind us how we all worked together and to do better next time. Just as we are not perfect but continually striving, with God’s help, to have the character that He wants us to build. With the things we learned in this activity, we are all eagerly looking forward to the next youth activity.

© 2008 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas