NECF Malaysia’s first mediation workshop was an eye-opener to the 44 participants who gathered from all over the country in September to learn the ropes of mediating conflicts.
The trainers from Eagles Mediation and Counselling Centre (EMCC), Singapore, set the tone for the “Mediating Family and Church Conflicts” workshop by giving a biblical perspective of conflict and the types and causes of conflicts.
They then took the participants through the actual process or stages of mediation, from making opening statements, to sharing perspectives, generating and assessing options and reaching agreements.
Finally, to reinforce learning, participants were engaged in role-play case studies.
Participants expressed gratitude for the workshop which has helped them in various ways. Lawyer Daniel Tay from Muar Assembly of God felt the workshop has helped to reinforce the importance of building and maintaining a right relationship with Jesus, without which he could not even consider the idea of becoming a mediator.
“The workshop has helped me to know how to deal with conflicts within my family. In this regard, the session on types and causes of conflict was enlightening. It has set the stage for me to become a better husband and father,” he shared.
“As a practising lawyer, a working knowledge on mediation will certainly help me to negotiate deals effectively and apply the necessary techniques in trying to reach an out-of-court settlement in any legal disputes.”
Elder Mary Tok of Gereja Grace Presbyterian Church, Batu Pahat, felt mediation was a skill for life and “we all should be properly equipped in order to be effective in our role as ‘peacemakers’ whether in the home, in our work place or in the church.” The workshop has therefore helped her to better understand the role of mediation and how to stay objective and look at real issues in any conflict.
For Pr Matthew Ling, attending the workshop had given him the confidence in managing conflicts. “The principles I have learned and the biblical values attached to them will help me to be an able mediator especially in the area of family life,” said the pastor from Calvary Family Church, Kuching.
Participant Ee Joo Lian, a lawyer attending First Assembly of God Kuala Lumpur, believed that mediation is a life skill which should be taught to every one because consciously or unconsciously we do have to mediate on a daily basis.
“It is better to do preventive maintenance than to do remedial maintenance. Therefore, to maintain a healthy and harmonious relationship, the best way is to take care of the needs and concerns right from the beginning or whenever they change, rather than to neglect them and allow them to develop into a walking time-bomb,” she said.
Daniel Tay |
Ee Joo Lian |
Pr Matthew Ling |
Mary Tok |
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