Where Faith Meets Innovation, Miracles Happen. Reflections from the First Tato.Net Fatherhood Workshop in Asia

Where Faith Meets Innovation, Miracles Happen.
Reflections from the First Tato.Net Fatherhood Workshop in Asia

It began with a bold idea and barely a week's notice. A workshop for fathers. No budget. No certainty. No time. And yet, what happened on May 1st, 2025, in a conference room in Manila, was nothing short of remarkable.

The idea emerged during the brief visit of Dr. Dariusz “Darek” Cupiał, founder of Tato.Net, to Manila for the Family First Global conference. When asked if he would offer a workshop for local fathers, he didn’t hesitate. A six-hour training, completely free of charge. Aimed at men who longed to grow as fathers, many of whom are members of Ligaya ng Panginoon (Joy of the Lord) – a covenant Christian community in Metro Manila.

The odds weren’t exactly in our favor. We had just days to organize everything – participants, venue, meals, logistics. It was also a national holiday. And yet, like in every true story of transformation, the right people stepped forward. A free venue was offered by eScience Corporation. Meals and logistics were covered by generous donors. Lodging was arranged. We had no flipchart easel. The facilitator battled a stomach bug. The admin assistant forgot breakfast. Still… the workshop began.

We started the day in prayer and worship, entrusting it all to the Holy Spirit.

What followed can only be described as a day of small miracles.

The men who gathered—fathers of teenagers—entered into deep, honest reflection. Through the engaging delivery of the "Closer – Full Connection" workshop, they explored the role of their own fathers, their parenting journeys, and the subtle barriers that sometimes prevent connection with their children. They listened. They shared. They laughed. They reconnected—with their stories, with one another, and with the mission of fatherhood.

Each father crafted his own Fatherhood Action Plan, committing to practical steps—starting new behaviors, letting go of ineffective ones, and continuing what works. They each planned a personal, heartfelt moment with every one of their children. Not tomorrow. Not next month. But now. In the days ahead.

We used the I-CAN model of effective fatherhood:

• I – Involvement: Being actively present in everyday life.

• C – Consistency: Offering steady values and presence.

• A – Awareness: Truly knowing one’s child.

• N – Nurturance: Loving through word, touch, and encouragement.

The workshop wasn’t just a training. It became a sacred space where men—many for the first time—gave themselves permission to feel, to share, and to change.

The truth is, our world is in need of miracles. But sometimes, they don’t arrive with thunder or lightning. Sometimes, they arrive quietly—in the tears of a father deciding to call his daughter. In the silent prayer of a man ready to be more present. In a circle of dads recommitting to their families.

Yes, miracles happened. And we believe they will continue to multiply—one father, one family, one decision at a time.

God is good. All the time.

— Jun Marfori, Workshop Coordinator and Participant
With the support of the Ligaya ng Panginoon Community & eScience Corporation