Morning Devotion

Mr. Chan Mach, a visitor from Cambodia, also spoke at the Morning Devotion about his first experiences in ASKI in 2000 and the startling differences today. Mr. Chan also works at a microfinance institute in Cambodia. ASKI is seen as a leader in microfinance not only in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia.

The band prepping (below) and playing (above) at Morning Devotion. The lyrics of the song are projected onto the wall, allowing everyone to sing along.

Upon arriving at ASKI, I was asked to attend Morning Devotion at the main office. Not knowing what to expect, I was surprised to see a band prepping up for their performance, sound-checking their instruments as employees began walking into the general meeting room. Approximately 50 employees congregated in the meeting area as the band began to play Christian rock music. While I was not accustomed to Christian rock, I began to feel the vibe of not only the band but also everyone around me. They sang to songs of Christ, clapping and dancing to the melodies. One could feel their appreciation and their devotion to Christianity.

I read that ASKI was a God-centered organization but attending Morning Devotion truly displayed the organization's commitment to being a religious institution as well as a microfinance one. Ms. Garlitos told me that Morning Devotion not only created the God-centered culture within the staff but also served as a "character and confidence builder." Immediately following the music, a lecture about "Leadership and Listening" was given by the Human Resources Department head, Ms. Divina "Joy" Santos. The lecture was insightful, contained Bible references and provided the staff with comprehensible lessons. I learned from the lecture as well, scribbling notes onto my little journal.

Morning Devotion is conducted in all the branches of ASKI and defines one of the unique characteristics of ASKI. My impressions from Morning Devotion were that ASKI strives to not only provide the needy with the opportunities to uplift their socioeconomic status but also to empower both its clients and staff to transform their lifestyle. As a result, both clients and staff members work together with the goal of servicing others. After the one hour Morning Devotion, all the employees and staff members returned to their respective offices with ASKI's mission and vision ingrained in their minds.