The Gift of Tongues

Speaker’s Outline

I. Introduction.

• A. We all have been prayed with for baptism in the Spirit. Having asked and received, the Holy Spirit is at work in us in a new way.
• 1. Part of the Spirit's work is implanting a desire in our hearts to have more and more of God, to continue to experience Him more intimately.
• 2. One powerful experience some lack is speaking in tongues.
• B. In the Bible, we first encounter speaking in tongues in the book of Acts, on the day of Pentecost.
• 1. It was something totally new, appearing only at this time.
• We have encountered the other spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8 10) in the Old Testament and the gospels (Note: an example of interpretation is Daniel figuring out the handwriting on the wall). But the gift of tongues is new.
• 2. The gift of tongues is also unique. It is a prominent feature in the church established at Pentecost.
• C. Speaking in tongues is for all of us. "Now I should like all of you to speak in tongues" (1 Corinthians 14:5).

Speakers’ Training Workshop

TALK No. 1: COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC SPEAKING


Speaker’s Outline

I. Communication is an exchange of meaning.

• A. Two people may talk and exchange ideas, opinions or words, but if they do not mean what they say or say what they mean, the result is miscommunication.
• B. The purpose of communication is to bring two or more hearts and minds together to become one.

II. Important Facts About Public Speaking

• A. Reality: Good speakers are MADE, not BORN.
• B. Elements for effective public speaking:
• 1. Use your own style.
• Do not copy someone else’s style.
• 2. Do not read your talk.

Training On Spiritual Gifts

This "Training on Spiritual Gifts" is a one day course normally given to all members on their second year of membership in CFC. However, Chapter Heads may decide to give this course even earlier, depending on the needs perceived and the adaptability to the first year formation schedule. Also, the Chapter Heads can exercise flexibility in deciding to give the training not just in one day but over a period of time (e.g., over two weekends).

Healing Workshop

In CFC we are continuing with Jesus’ mission of bringing his light and life to others. His public ministry consisted of teaching, proclaiming the gospel, and healing (Mt 4:23). Proclaiming the gospel is our work of global evangelization. Teaching is our work of continuing formation with the goal of making disciples. This workshop focuses on the ministry of healing.

CFC Youth For Christ Discovery Camp

AN OVERVIEW

I. OVERVIEW

The Discovery Camp is a three day, two night camp intended for members who have gone through the Youth Camp and have been in YFC for one year. Ideally, each batch of Youth Camp participants will go through this together a year after their camp. You may also put two batches of Youth Camps together.

This camp serves as a refresher for the members and will bring them to a deeper level of commitment to God, to YFC and to their households.

In their Youth Camp, they learned about how giving their life to God is the only way to be happy in this life. In this camp, they will discover very basic, very real and very crucial issues in their lives.

The youth live in a social environment where there are conflicting values. They can be easily confused and misled. It is important to help them gain understanding about these crucial issues in a manner that appeals to them and will make them more open and accepting.

Family Enrichment Recollection 1

Objectives:

1. To provide a venue for parents and youth to address common concerns and to thresh out areas of difficulty, with the goal of achieving unity and building a peaceful environment in the home.
2. To strengthen family life by educating both parents and children about their roles, skills, and responsibilities in building a Christian home.

Spiritual Warfare

GOALS: To help YFC members become more aware of the Spiritual conflict in service;
To teach YFC members how to spiritually prepare for service or a youth camp.

DYNAMICS:

1. This talk is to be given in preparation for serving in the Youth Camp.
2. Find a fun way to pair each member with another member. You can draw lots too. Before the talk, have the activity. Make sure that everyone has picked a name. Ask them to keep the name in mind until further instructions.
3. After the reflection, lead the group to pray for the up coming Youth Camp and for protection for all God’s people around the world working for His victory.
4. Tell them to group themselves into their households and share on the guide questions below.
What stuck you the most about the talk?
Share an experience wherein you felt the spiritual battle.
5. Ask them the name they picked out from the activity earlier. Tell them to speak with that person to set a time to pray for each other and remind each other to pray for the camp and for each other’s protection.
6. End with a prayer of empowerment and end the session.

The Greatest of These

GOAL: To teach the members the value of forgiveness, humility and the healing power of prayer.

DYNAMICS:

1. The talk is meant to lead the members into the prayer-healing session later on. Since the prayer session may take much of the prayer meeting time, it is advisable not to have a game or activity for this assembly.
2. Arrange the seats in a circle wherein everyone is part of the circle. The speaker can move around inside or sit with the group. It would be good for the group to be in this arrangement so that there will be no need to break the momentum and go straight to the healing session.
3. Music can play a big part in this activity. Invite a music team to assist or prepare songs that can help the members into a prayerful mood during the prayer-healing session. Reflection songs may be a big help as well. Also, jubilant praise songs may be played for the mini worship after the prayer-healing session.

On Hands & Knees

GOAL: To encourage YFC members to serve without conditions.
To build up the identity of each household.

DYNAMICS:

1. Begin the activity with worship.
2. Give a short introduction about the activity and give them instructions.
3. Ask the to divide into their household groups.
4. The materials will either be distributed to the members or the members will be asked to provide for their own.
5. Instruct them to come up with a banner for their group using only their hands. Tell them that no paintbrushes will be provided and they will not be allowed to use one.
6. Tell them that they should draw or paint images that best represent their household and the individuals within. Encourage them to be creative.
7. The newspapers will be used on the floor to prevent any spillage and the cloth rags/tissue paper to wipe any stray paint.
8. At the end of the activity, ask each household to come forward to present the banner to the whole assembly. Tell them to choose a spokesperson to explain how they came up with their work.
9. After each household has presented, gather them to process the activity.
10. After the talk, lead them into a reflection (You can sing “Song of the Servant” as a reflection song). Lead them to a commitment to serve God and His people.
11. To end, play fast songs and close with a prayer.

Giving All

GOAL: To teach the members the value of giving our all in everything that we do.

DYNAMICS:

1. Generate excitement from the members by setting the mood. Arrange the venue like that of a funeral. Put up curtains, candles and flowers around your activity venue. If possible set up a lectern. This will help them have fun and still take the activity seriously.
2. After the opening worship, the leader introduces the activity.
3. Ask them to write their eulogies. A eulogy is like a speech. It is given at a funeral and speaks about the deceased.
4. As much as possible make them picture the event. At the moment of their death, someone will come up in front of everyone and give a eulogy. Ask them, “If you were to write this eulogy, what would be in it?” Then, tell them to write it. Tell them that the eulogy shouldn’t be too long.
5. Clarify that you are giving them a limited time to do this (inform them exactly how many minutes you’re giving them) and that they will be asked to read this later on. It is important to tell them this so that they will know what to expect and be able to pace themselves.
6. After the time is up, ask them to divide into their households and have them share. Each one must be able to share in this discussion. Again, tell them exactly how much time they have for this. Every once in a while remind them how many more minutes they have left.
7. When the time is up, gather them together and tell them to choose 1 or 2 from their groups to share in the big group. If time permits, you can choose additional sharers. You may also ask for volunteers. Pray and be open to the Lord’s prompting. He may be leading someone to share.
8. After this sharing, wrap up the activity.
9. Close with fast songs and a closing prayer.

Compassion

GOALS: To teach the members the value of compassion.
To encourage YFC members to be sensitive to the needs of others before their own that they would see how life-giving caring for others is.

DYNAMICS:

1. Scout for or prepare a picnic venue that is conducive for fellowship and sharing.
2. Inform the group that there will be a picnic for the next prayer meeting. Build up the activity to excite the members.
3. Ask them to bring food and drinks good for at least 2 people or just enough food to share. Consider the best way to minimize costs for everyone. Nothing should hinder the members from going!
4. Before the meeting, the service team should set up the picnic venue. They should set the picnic mats and the table.
5. After worship, the prayer meeting leader gives the opening exhortation.
6. The leader instructs the members to divide into their households and to put their food in one place.
7. The leader tells the group that there are only two instructions that they should follow:
• You are not allowed to get food for yourself.
• You can only get food for someone else in the group.
8. The leader now gives time for the members to eat their food. The members can play games, sing songs, and share amongst each other as they eat their food.
9. You may give them the following guide questions:
• Have you ever failed to care for others?
• Make concrete resolutions to reach out to others who may need you.
10. Gather the group together and give a closing exhortation and a closing prayer. The picnic can go on after you pray if the circumstances permit.

Pat On The Back

GOALS: To teach YFC members the culture of honoring
Aims to build and uplift lasting relationships through positive encouragement and respect.

DYNAMICS:

1. After the opening worship, instruct everyone that they should have a piece of paper and a pen.
2. The prayer meeting leader or the speaker will give the short exhortation on honoring. (a brief outline is attached to this module)
3. Ask them to have the paper taped to their backs.
4. Tell them to go around and write on the backs of as many people as they can. They should write what personality trait or characteristic they like best in that person. They should sign/write their names after what they wrote so that the person will be able to identify who wrote what.
5. Tell them to think about what they will write because they will be asked why they wrote what they did later on. Many people tend to just honor people and do not really mean what they say. They do not even think about it. Encourage them to consider how this person has blessed them in any way.
6. It would be good to have songs played throughout the activity.
7. After the given time, gather the group to form a big circle in such a way that everyone is a part of the circle.
8. Ask them to pick out what struck them the most of all the things written on their papers. Then, ask for 3 to 5 volunteers or choose people to share that with the assembly.
9. The sharer will read the characteristic or trait that he/she chose and mention who wrote it. Then, have the person who wrote it say why they wrote that. It is good for the honoring to be heard by everyone. This way, the person will be honored by all.
10. Give the final exhortation.
11. To end, sing fast songs and close with a prayer.

Friends For Life

GOALS: To teach and pass on the YFC culture of brotherhood/sisterhood in friendship.
To exhort each one to become a better friend to others

DYNAMICS:

1. Divide the group into 2 groups of around 25 members each. You can put households together to form the bigger group. If you need to, you can form more than 2 groups.
2. Ask them to form a straight line with their hands on the shoulder of the person in front of them. Then ask them to form a circle by having the first person in the line reach out for the shoulder of the last person in that same line.
3. Then instruct them to bend their knees and sit or lean on the lap of the person behind them. This will be the basic stance for the whole activity. Explain that the objective of the game is to keep the circle intact in that stance.
4. While in this stance, each group will follow your instructions for movement. You can make them move 3 steps back and 5 steps forward. You can also ask them to move sideways, from left to right. You can even ask them to go around.
   NOTE: Make sure each person is really leaning on the lap of the person behind him/her. It is so easy to get away with just bending their knees. The success of the activity lies in that they rely on each other to maintain the circle. It is important that you make sure they follow the stance.
5. It would be more exciting if you keep score. Award a point to a group for each time that group accomplishes your command without breaking the circle. In the same way, deduct points from the group that breaks the circle.
6. Then, for the final contest. Stand up on a chair and hold out a handkerchief. Designate a starting line and at your signal have both groups race to get the handkerchief from your hand. They should still be in the basic stance.
7. After the game, gather them to process the activity. Give them the mini talk on friendship. The outline is with this module.
8. You may have sharers about how they have been hurt by bad friendships and how they have found real friendships in YFC. (e.g. someone who was involved in fraternity violence, someone pressured to take drugs by their peer group, etc.)
9. During the pray-over, have someone play slow songs to help set a prayerful atmosphere.
10. After the pray-over session, play fast songs to end the activity and hype up the people. You may play songs on friendship and ask them to approach each other and affirm them of their commitment to being a real brother or sister to them. Join them in this.
11. Ask them to divide into their households and share among each other with the reflection questions as guide.
12. To end, gather them again with fast songs then end with a prayer.

Egg

GOAL: To encourage the members to participate and give importance to their households
To build up the households

MATERIALS:
 Eggs
 Newspaper
 Masking Tape

DYNAMICS:
1. Ask the participants to divide themselves into their households.
2. Give each group an equal allocation of the materials. Limit the materials.
 1 egg
 2 sheets of newspaper
 one yard strips of masking tape
3. Instruct them that their main objective is to protect the egg in the best possible way using only the limited materials that you have given them. Tell them that the egg will be tested for “quality control”. It may be tossed around and dropped later on.
4. Encourage them to strategize and plan together. Ask them to come up with a name for their group. Give them 3 minutes to do this.

NOTE: During this time, go around and observe those who are actively participating in the activity and those who are not. Note some names of those who are involved. You can refer to them later on when wrapping up the activity. when the time is up, gather them and explain that you will call one group at a time to “challenge” the egg they have prepared. Simultaneously, have members of the group toss the egg to each other with a considerable distance between them. Then, have each group stand in front of the whole club to introduce themselves. Take the group’s egg, stand on a chair and drop the egg to the floor. Create as much suspense, tension and excitement as you can. Be conscious not to take too spend too much time on this. Notice that those who participated actively in the preparation of the egg are the ones most excited and affected by the tossing and dropping of the egg. They are more interested in what happens to the egg because they took part in protecting it.

5. After each group has had their turn, ask them to check the condition of the egg.
NOTE: Affirm everyone for a great time. Congratulate those who were able to protect the egg. If there is time ask them how they were able to do so. What strategy did they use?
6. Gather them together and get them to settle down for the wrap up.
7. After the wrap up, ask them to divide into their households again and share with the guide questions:
What are your expectations from the household?
What can you contribute to this household?
8. Close with a prayer.

SUGGESTED SCHEDULE

Gathering/Teaching of Songs 30 minutes
Opening Worship 15 to 20 minutes
Activity 30 to 40 minutes
Processing the activity 15 minutes
Sharing by groups 30 minutes
Closing Prayer and announcements 5 minutes

PROCESSING THE ACTIVITY
Have you ever read the book, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery? (This book is usually given as book report assignments for high school students) In this book, the Little Prince was from a different planet and had one rose that he protected and loved very much. Then, he came to earth and saw a whole garden full of roses just like his rose. He was disappointed to see that his rose was not as special and as unique as he thought. But, as one other character in the book said,

“It’s the time you wasted on your rose that made it so important”

It was funny to see all of you so excited and worked up over an ordinary egg. Some were nervous, others were even shouting. (Mention some names of those you noticed were particularly involved in the activity. “For example, look at ______. He was close to tears when the egg was being dropped and tossed around! He was so involved in the planning and wrapping of the egg…”) This is because you spent time on the egg. What made the egg different from any other egg was the time and energy you gave into “protecting” it. As with anything you will ever be involved in, you will only get what you put in. You reep what you sow.

Here in YFC, we, along with your coordinators and household heads, will try our best to make the whole year fun, exciting and meaningful. Just as what the Christian life should be --- fun, exciting and meaningful. But, you will have to be involved. You will have to give of your time and energy. Just as with the egg.

We don’t want to waste your time. We definitely don’t want to waste ours. You heard about “It’s better to give than to receive”? I think whoever came up with that knew that when you give, you always end up with more. When you open up to the friendships you have in your household or in this group you’ll end up having great fun with great friends. You’ll end up with more than you gave. The only way you’ll ever get the most out of YFC this whole year is if you give the most. That’s the irony of it. It’s your call.

Family Talk

GOALS: To help YFC members value their family as God’s special gift to them.
To encourage YFC members to take an active role in strengthening the family.

DYNAMICS:

1. Discern a speaker for this activity.
2. Prepare 1 to 2 sharers and brief them accordingly.
3. Open with worship.
4. After the talk and the sharers, give the guide question for reflection.
5. For the reflection song, have the music ministry play a song that can lead the group to reflect.
6. Ask the group to divide into households to share among each other with the reflection question as guide.


SUGGESTED SCHEDULE

Opening Worship 15 to 20 minutes
Talk Proper (with sharers) 30 to 40 minutes
Reflection 5 minutes
Sharing by households 30 to 40 minutes


TALK OUTLINE


Introduction
We may be very different from each other, the things we like and don’t like, our situations, opinions, etc. But one thing we all have in common is the family. We all came from families. Whatever family situation you are in, you still belong to a family. Even if your parents are separated, you still came from them.

The family has been known to make or break a person. In the U.S. 70 % of all juveniles in state reform institutions come from fatherless homes. You see, whether we like it or not, the family has so much influence in our lives and in the lives of all those who will come in contact with us.

The Lord has a beautiful plan for the family. We should begin to take an active part in making our family what it should be.
I. The Family Situation

If we want to make our family life happy and complete and if we want our relationships within the family to work out, we should understand the situations that our families are in.

A. Limited time

The family is pressed for time. If you live until you’re 80 years old, you would spend only about 23 to 30 years of your life with your families. Out of those 23 to 30 years of your life, take out the time you spend:

- in school
- sleeping
- out with your friends
- on the phone
- etc

You see, when you add it all up, you really don’t have much time left. Remember that, the next time you waste your time whining, complaining or fighting with your parents or siblings just because you don’t get what you want.

B. Each family member is different from each other
Realize that each person in your family is different, each with their own preferences. You can’t expect them to know what you want or to understand why you want it.

C. Each family member has individual struggles
You may be going through difficulties in school, with your friends, with your boyfriends. But do you realize that your parents have their struggles, too? And that their struggles may be much bigger than yours? They could have trouble at work and that means trouble providing for you and your schooling. That means problems putting food on the table.

Rather than get angry that they don’t understand you, why not try thinking about them for a change?

D. No one chose to be in their family
We were all born into our family. We are in our family not by choice but by the will of God. So, each time we complain about our family or compare them with other people we tell God that He made a mistake.

As you can see, the family is in such a fragile state. There are so many factors that can shake the foundation.

II. The Key

Here’s a story that I feel can make my point clearer.

There was once a family on vacation that got into an accident and no one survived except their pet monkey. At the scene of the accident the police were interrogating their only witness --- the monkey.

They asked the monkey, “What were the children doing right before the accident?” The monkey made signs and gestures that they were fighting. Then they asked “What was the mother doing?” In signs and gestures again the monkey answered that she was nagging. They asked again, “And what was the father doing?” The monkey gestured that he was drinking. Lastly they asked, “So, what were you doing?”

The monkey said he was driving.

If we are dealing with the problems in our families with same amount of knowledge the monkey had about driving, we are bound for disaster. Many families are broken because troubled, imperfect, weak, and often-selfish people take it upon themselves to drive.

As we discussed earlier, with all the differences and individual struggles each family member has, all this makes the family so volatile, so easy to break.

We have to give God the wheel. He has to be real enough to us, so much so that we trust Him with our families. He has to be more than just the guy in our textbooks who parted the sea. He is so much more than that. He is real. He is our Savior. Let him take control.

A. Protect the unity
When our parents made a promise to be there for better or for worse, we were part of that promise. We should commit to be there for our parents and siblings, not just when things are good but especially when things go bad.

Christ alone can unite us like this because He loves us good or bad. Pray hard for the strength and the love to love your family unconditionally.

B. Trade everything for the joy of the Lord
Trade your anger. Trade your jealousy. Trade your complains and hurts. Your and your family’s imperfections can be made perfect through the love of Christ!

C. Lead other families to Christ
You should take it upon yourselves to lead other families to Christ. To be wounded healers. Even if you are going through difficulties with your family, you can be a source of inspiration to other people.

Don’t be a bad influence on your friends when they tell you about their problems with their parents. Instead of helping them indulge in their anger or resentment, pray for them and be there for them as strength.

III. Conclusion

Christ is the answer. You may have been looking for a way out or a solution. You don’t have to look farther or try so hard to run away. Christ is waiting to help you. He’s been waiting all your life. Let Him.

We are called the “Springtime Generation”. We are the generation that will live out this new millennium. This is our millennium. It is in this millennium that you will grow up, and raise your children in. It is in this millennium that you can make your mark. All these politicians, businessmen, economists, etc. have very little time left. You, on the other hand, have so much ahead of you. We can make or break this millennium.


IV. REFLECTION / DISCUSSION STARTERS

1. What is the Lord telling me through this talk?
2. What can I do to as a God’s servant, to strengthen my family?

Heaven Knows

GOALS: To teach YFC members about discernment and the value of seeking God’s advice in all that they do.

DYNAMICS:

1. With your team, prepare an obstacle course in advance. The venue for the activity may be indoors (big room) or outdoors (field).
2. Begin the activity with worship.
3. The prayer meeting leader will give the instructions for the activity.
4. Ask them to find a partner and give each pair 1 blindfold.
5. Instruct them to designate one leader and one follower among each pair.
6. The object of the game is for the pair to get across the obstacle course with one of them (the follower) blindfolded and the other one (the leader) leading the partner through the course by giving instructions or guidelines. The leader is not allowed to hold his/her partner.
7. Have a long piece of rope that goes through the obstacle course. The blindfolded member will hold on to this rope as he/she goes through the course. The partner or the leader will give him instructions like crawl, duck, jump, etc.
8. To save time, do not wait for each pair to finish the course to make the next pair start. Just give ample space between each pair. It may even be good for the activity that the follower (the blindfolded one) will be hearing different voices and would have to tell which of these voices belongs to his/her leader.
9. When they have finished the course, have them trade places or trade roles.
10. Gather the group after the game to process the activity.
11. Ask them to divide into their households and share with the guide questions given.
12. To end, play fast songs then close with a prayer for the gift of discernment and learning to listen and follow God’s word.

Fools For Christ

GOALS: To help YFC members understand and appreciate the YFC culture of Praise and Worship
To help YFC members develop their spiritual gifts

DYNAMICS:
1. Discern a speaker for this activity.
2. Coordinate with the music ministry what songs will be sung during the activity. This activity will be more effective with a music ministry that knows the dynamics of worship – can flow smoothly from one song to the next and can play while people are singing in tongues
3. The music ministry should be briefed thoroughly regarding the flow of worship. A music ministry / music ministry leader may also be “imported” from a more mature group if need be.
4. After the gathering song (and an optional energizer or game), a simple prayer will be used to open the meeting. (Worship will come after the talk).
5. After the talk and activity – which will be worship, the group divides into households to share their experience in the worship (refer to the talk outline).
6. The whole group gathers again for the closing summary and prayer by the speaker. (He should be encouraged to also include prayers for birthday celebrants / those with special concerns).
7. The group may be asked to sit down again for some announcements just before the final jubilant song.

Dare To Be Daniel

GOALS: To challenge YFC members to have conviction like that of Daniel and his young friends.
To inspire them to stand up for God even if it means standing alone.

DYNAMICS:

1. Discern a speaker for this activity.
2. Prepare 1 to 2 sharers and brief them accordingly.
3. Open with worship.
4. After the talk and the sharers, give the guide question for reflection.
5. For the reflection song have the music ministry play Refiner’s Fire or another song that can lead them to reflect.
6. Ask the group to divide into households to share among each other with the reflection question as guide.

One Year Household Assembly Topics

TITLES:

1. DARE TO BE DANIEL
2. FOOLS FOR CHRIST
3. HEAVEN KNOWS
4. PERFECT MOMENTS
5. EGG
6. FRIENDS FOR LIFE
7. PAT ON THE BACK
8. COMPASSION
9. GIVING ALL
10. KNEE DEEP
11. THE GREATEST OF THESE
12. SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Discovery Camp 2 - Talk 5: Discover Your Power

Discovery Weekend
Expanded Outline


TALK 5: DISCOVER YOUR POWER

I. Introduction

A. We are the most powerful creation of God because we are created in His image and likeness and because He gave us dominion and control over all creation.

B. It is when we know God that we discover the power that is in us. Our goal in life and our mission in SFC is to discover this power, to use this power in us, and to bring this power out in others so we can serve God.

II. Without God We are Weak and Powerless

Here are common sources of weakness for those who have not found God.

A. Hurts and suffering are a source of weakness.

B. Guilt and fear are a source of weakness.

C. Anger and hatred are a source of weakness.

D. Pride, selfishness and vanity are a source of weakness.

E. Vices are a source of weakness.

F. Laziness and apathy are a source of weakness.

III. The Source of Power and How to Cultivate Them

A. Prayer

1. Start your day with prayer. Begin the day with joyful expectation of God’s surprises.
2. Spend your day in prayer by being conscious of God’s presence in everything you do and everyone you meet. Convert the boredom of daily routine (traffic) with a special time of joy by being in a prayerful stance and always asking yourself: “What is the loving thing to do?” or “What would make God happy with the choices I face?”
3. At night, recollect and thank God for His goodness and the privilege of living a productive day.

B. Passion for Service

1. The more I serve, the more I learn and the more I grow.

2. The more I serve, the more I love and the more I am loved.

3. The more I serve, the more I heal and more I am healed.


4. The more I serve, the more I bring joy and the more I find joy.

C. Zeal for Righteousness

1. Power is having the moral authority to lead and the moral authority that comes form being right with God.

2. Power doesn’t just come from what I say or do but how I witness to God’s righteousness in my life.

D. The Decision to be Happy

1. The decision to be happy is not dependent on what others do or do not do for me. It is not dependent on what they give or withhold form me. But, believing in my heart that it is what I deserve because I am loved by God.

2. It is not something that I can buy, even with all the money in the world, nor is it something I am deprived of because I do not own anything. Therefore, I can be more powerful in my simple life as a farmer or as an a driver than a bank executive or powerful businessman because the Spirit of God is in me and I live a happy and contented life because that is enough for me.

IV. Conclusion

A. We live a life of power because it is our birthright as sons and daughters of God who is the source of all power.

B. We are called to live a life of power and to be a source of power. We have to have a passion for life, the passion to love and care for others, and the passion to serve in SFC because this is the community where we have received an empowered life and where we are called to serve.

C. Sharers: They will answer the question, “What have they discovered in the conference?”

D. Reminder: Before the start of the talk a group of singles will present a dance number to the tune of “We’ve Got the Power!”

E. The talk will end with:

1. The Christian song of power.

2. A prayer of empowerment to be led by the speaker.

Discovery Camp 2 - Talk 4: Discover Your Pleasure

Discovery Weekend
Expanded Outline

TALK 4: DISCOVER YOUR PLEASURE

I. Introduction

A. We live in a suffering world where many people are unhappy because they have chosen to live at the level of existence without God as a source of joy.

B. But for us in YFC, the love of God is very real and it is our source of joy because we are loved by God. We know He has a beautiful plan for us to be happy and successful in life.

C. We have discovered the sources of our pain and unhappiness and have allowed God to deal with them victoriously, as we have just experienced this afternoon. Now, we want to learn how to live joyfully, which is the only way to live for us, by discovering our pleasure in life.

II. Discovering Our Pleasure: What are Our Pleasure?

A. Our highest source of pleasure is God. He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to be happy in everything that happens to us, in everything that we do, in the people that we meet, and the places that we go to.

1. Everything is beautiful if we see through the eyes of God. Every person is worth loving if we relate with them with a heart that wants to love because we have God as our source of love.

2. Happiness is a state of the heart and it is a decision.

a. Happiness is a state of the heart.

(a) I am happy because I am loved by God.
(b) I am at peace because my heart rests in God,
(c) I love because I was made by God to love.
(d) I love because no one is undeserving of my love.

b. Happiness is a decision

(a) I will not allow anyone to steal my joy away from me.
(b) I will love even the most difficult and undeserving person.
(c) I will be a source of joy to the people around me.

B. Achievement is a source of pleasure.

1. All our achievements are an offering to God of our talents and skills
2. If all our achievements are used to serve God and to contribute and add value to the life of other people.
C. Our possessions, wealth, and all other resources are a source of pleasure.

1. If we have hearts that are grateful and content with what we have and we are not envious of what others have.
2. If we realize that we are only stewards of our possessions and they are to be shared; especially with those who are in need and those who have less in life.

D. All our relationships are a source of joy.

1. Our family is a source of joy.

a. I can be happy as a son and daughter if I honor and respect my parents and forgive them for their mistakes and shortcomings.
b. I can be happy also with my blood brothers, sisters and other members of my family, If I relate to them with love, honor and respect, and if I offer the best of myself and bring out the best in them.

2. My brothers and sisters in YFC are a source of joy.

E. The source of true pleasure is not just in receiving joy but in sharing and giving joy to others. I am happy when I see others are happy… when my parents are happy… when my brothers and sisters are happy with the things I do for them.

III. Conclusion

A. Every moment of our life is a celebration because there are so many perfect moments and so many genuine sources of pleasure.

B. We can convert our workplace into a place of joy by the spirit of joy and love we bring with us. Our homes will become an oasis and a source of pleasure because of the joy that we generate in all our relationships. And, all the activities of YFC will be a cause of excitement because we are happy with our brothers and sisters, with our God whose presence is very real in our community.

C. So tonight we will celebrate, party until we drop dead, because we are a community that knows how to enjoy life to the fullest.

IV. Activity

A. For reflection:

1. List down the three (3) events in your life that have been a major source of joy.
2. List down the three (3) persons in your life right now who are major sources of joy.
3. List down three (3) places that you associate with pleasure and joy. (Ex. My home, my workplace, Bacolod, Boracay, etc.)

B. Sharing: Ask some brothers and sisters to share their experiences of joy.

C. Greeting.

1. Tell the participants, “Right now your brothers and sisters around you are your immediate source of joy. Let’s go around the whole conference hall/area and say to as many brothers and sisters we meet, “You’re my source of joy. I really appreciate your friendship.”

2. Tell them that as they greet one another with joy, they must hold hands, embrace or hug each other.

3. While this is going on in the are some should sing the song, “You’ve Got a Friend.”

Discovery Camp 2 - Talk 3: Discover Your Path

Discovery Weekend
Expanded Outline

TALK 3: DISCOVER YOUR PAIN

I. Introduction

A. Pain is real. To live is to be in pain. “When we are cut, we bleed.”

B. Jesus Christ did not come in comfort and luxury. Instead, His glory is in living a life of pain and overcoming it.

C. “To experience joy is to acknowledge pain and to overcome it.

II. We are Called to Discover and Overcome Pain

A. What are the common sources of pain?

1. Pain we are born with.

a. Being born poor
b. Being raised in a broken or troubled family
c. Feeling ugly or feeling not good enough in anything

2. The things people do that cause a pain.

3. The things that we do – the consequences of the bad choices and decisions we make.

III. How to Deal with Pain

A. Know that pain is real and that we need to deal with it.

B. Decide to be victorious over the pain.

1. Let go. Do not hold on or hang on ort nurture the pain. Decide to heal, to forgive, and to forget the pain inflicted on us by people.

2. Decide to let go of the guilt over the pain caused by our mistakes.

3. Decide to let go on the fear over circumstances and situations over which we have no control but trust that God is in control over these things.

C. Just trust that God did not allow us to go through the pain to punish or put a burden on us, but to help us learn and grow.

1. Realize that the pain we go through can be sweet pain for us if we trust in God who is in control. That through all the pain we go through He is refining us, fine-tuning us, sharpening us, toning us so that we can be more perfect and be a better source of strength and joy for others.

2. Concretely, how do we deal with others?

IV. Activity

A. Directions:

1. Write down the three (3) events or situations in your life that have been the source of your deepest pain.

2. Write down the three (3) persons in your life who have caused you your deepest pain.

3. The persons and events that are written will not be shown to anyone. They are things that only you and only God know.

4. The pain can only go away if you offer the pain that these experiences have brought to you and if you allow God to take the pain away.


B. Prayer

1. Let’s take 10 minutes to pray and to write down our experiences. (Someone will sing, “Spirit of the Living God” and/or “Refiner’s Fire” while participants are writing and praying.)

2. Instruct the participants to hold what they have written and join the speaker in praying over their pain.

a. Pray for the release from pain. Tell them to offer their pain and to ask God to take their pain away.
b. Minister to the pain of others. Move to other brothers and sisters around you and pray over the pain.

3. Bring a large trash can to the front of the participants and put a big candle on each side of the trash can. Ask them to come forward, put the pain written on paper on fire, and throw it in the garbage bin.

4. Tell everyone to watch the smoke rise and allow God to wipe away their tears from their eyes. As the fire consumes the list of pains, tell them to see in the smoke the hand of God turning what was for so long real pain into ashes that will be blown away by the wind until nothing is left in your heart but joy.

Discovery Camp 2 - Talk 2: Discover Your Passion

Discovery Weekend
Expanded Outline


TALK 2: DISCOVER YOUR PASSION

I. Introduction

A. When we talk passion, it immediately brings to mind a hot and steamy romance and wet and torrid kisses. But, of course, passion is bigger than this.

B. How do we define passion in the broader sense?

1. Strong and intense emotions and feelings
2. Deep and undying love for a person or cause
3. Total, unconditional, and enduring commitment


II. Discover Your Passion

A. When we need to live a passionate life. A life without passion is not living for.

B. What are the more important areas of passion that we need to discover for our lives to be meaningful and colorful.

1. Discover Your Passion for God. Realizing that He is the source of life and the source of love, you need to cultivate your passion for God. Your life is worthless without Him. Your life is useless without Him. “You have no purpose apart from God. “ You need to grow a conviction about these basic truths in life.

a. he has been true to His promises. When I look into my life, God was always there for me. During my cost difficult moments, He has blessed me abundantly. He has surrounded me with people I care about and people who love me.

b. Knowing God’s faithfulness to me, I need to claim His promise of a bright future. I live with the passion to claim His promises to me; the promises which He gave who love me.

“For I know well the plans I have for you, .. plans for your welfare not woe,.. plans to give you a future full of hope..”

I live my life everyday full of hope and expectation that the promise of happiness, success, and everything good that is in life will be mine if I am faithful to the Lord.

c. Remember the passion of our first love for the Lord during our CLP and, for many, especially after the baptism? Wasn’t that a great feeling? To be so deeply in love with God after realizing how He has loved us totally and unconditionally despite our sinfulness. Remember also the days and weeks after that; when we just wanted to attend all meetings, pray regularly, and be in fellowship with brothers and sisters?

d. After a while, many have lost their passion because it simply remained at the level of feelings and emotions. There are many however who continue to remain in that honeymoon stage with the Lord because they transformed their feelings into a deep and intense commitment. And, they are now experiencing endless love, in good times and in bad times.

2. Discover Your Passion for Service.

a. This is the community where you found your faith and your love for God. This is the place that possesses a clear vision of the beautiful plan of God for us in our aim to live a youth, Christian and happy life.

b. Seeing this vision and trusting that God is faithful to His promises, the only wise thing that we can do is to remain faithful and to grow in our passion to serve in this community.

c. Neglecting this community after what God has already shown us will be the most stupid decision that we can make in our lives.

3. Discover Your Passion for Life

a. Strive for excellence in everything that you do. Anything that you cannot do well is not worth doing at all. It will be a waste of your time.
b. Strive for excellence in all your relationships.

 Be a good son or daughter to your parents.
 Be a good household head or unit head to your members.
 Be a good friend to all your brothers and sisters in and out of the community.
 If you cannot be excellent in all your relationships then its not fun having you around.

4. Discover Your Passion for the Love of Your Life.

a. For those who are called to marriage, you deserve the greatest romance and the greatest passion in your love life because love is a gift from God, the most passionate lover. He loves us with passion even when we’re not worthy of His love. He loves us with a passion to even die for us.
b. How do you discover that one true passion who will be your partner all through life?
 Look for that person who just doesn’t excite you because of physical attraction. But, look for somebody who can give you that enduring and endless love. In other words, look for that lifetime partner in life and in mission and not just for a short-time thrill. While looks and personality are the first consideration, what can give you sustaining relationship is a common vision on the crucial issues in you life; e.g., how to live your family life and your roles and responsibilities in it; your faith; the important values you want to cultivate; life style; and, career paths.
 While in a relationship, cultivate your passion for each other by not neglecting your passion for the Lord and your service in YFC. You’ll not know how to love your partner, if you don’t know how to love the Lord first. Your relationship will lose its life and purpose if it takes you away from God.
 To cultivate your passion without neglecting God:

a. Remember always that without God your relationship will not work.
b. You cannot grow in love and intimacy with your GG without growing in your love and intimacy with God. So if you have time to see or call your GG everyday, there is no reason why you cannot call on God everyday also.
c. All expressions of intimacy should be done in righteousness, honor, and respect. Engaging in premarital sex is not a proper way of proper way of expressing intimacy because it is not right with God. It is alright to hold hands and hug. It is even alright to kiss as long as it is to express affection and (call the attention of the brothers) not to work your partner up to prepare her for sex and to reach the point of no return.

c. For those who are not called to married life, how do you discover your passion for the love of your life.

III. Conclusion

A. The passion that you have now for the Lord is the passion you should sustain throughout your lifetime because without this, life is devoid of meaning and purpose. You deserve to be in a honeymoon with the Lord all throughout your lifetime, without any backsliding, any falling out, any burning out; but a life sustained by the burning passion of your love for the Lord.

B. Brothers and sister, do not be mediocre in anything you do… LIVE and LOVE with PASSION.

Discovery Camp 2 - Talk 1: Discover Your Purpose

Discovery Weekend
Expanded Outline


TALK 1: DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE

I. Introduction

A. People go through life without direction and they live empty and meaningless lives because they do not know who they are and the purpose they were created for. They drift from day to day, from job to job, unable to create something of value because they do not have a sense of identity and purpose.

B. In YFC, we live exciting and powerful lives because we have discovered who we are and our purpose in life. Our highest identity is that we are sons and daughters of God and our purpose in life is to live a life pleasing to God.

C. We live with the conviction that we are loved by God and that he Has a beautiful plan for us so that we can live happy and meaningful lives. A part from God we know that will be confused and we become more vulnerable to all kinds of temptation to commit evil.

D. Many Catholics consider themselves Christians yet they live weak, meaningless and sinful lives because they are not true to their identity and purpose. Their faith lacks integrity because their intentions and actions do not match what they preach. They fall to witness to the joy and power of Christian life because of their lukewarmness, doublemindedness, and compromise with evil and unrighteousness.

II. Preparing Our Personal Mission Statement

A. As young men and women, it is important that we discover early our true purpose in life so that we can chart our goals in life along this path.

B. A personal mission statement is like a map that will guide us to the real treasure in life. It includes three important element:

1. Identify your goals
2. Identify your core values
3. Prepare a concrete plan of action.

III. Identify Your Key and Core Values

To be happy and contented in life, these are our key goals and core values:

A. Key Goal: We want to be successful in our studies so we can live a good future ahead
and provide a good life to the people we care about and to have the resources to support our service to God.



Core Values to achieve this Goal:

1. As a man or woman of God, I will strive for excellence in my studies.

2. I will not compromise my integrity to get ahead.

3. I will not commit anything sinful or unrighteous to achieve success.

B. Key Goal: We are called to service and to serve God by serving our families.

Core Values:

1. We value the sanctity of marriage and are called to be faithful to our future spouse at all times.

2. We take full responsibility in providing for the needs of our future children, protecting them from all danger and dangerous influences, and raising them in the love and fear of God the way we were raised by our parents in a loving and caring environment.

3. We value the sanctity of life at all stages of development. We reject
abortion, any act of violence that endanger the life, and euthanasia.

4. We believe that the sex is a gift from God in marriage and I reject premarital
and extra-marital sex.

C. Key Goal: To live meaningfully, joyfully and productively in the love and service of God.

Core Value:

This includes refraining from any active homosexual activity for those of us who have homosexual tendencies.

D. Key Goal: We will promote, preserve and protect the life and mission of Couples for Christ and its Family Ministries.

Core Values:

1. As young men and women, we will be faithful to our covenant in CFC Youth for Christ.

2. When married, we will be faithful to our covenant in Couples for Christ.

3. We will make ourselves available to serve wherever and whenever we are called to serve.

4. We will be generous with our time and resources.




IV. Conclusion

A. We live a life of power if we have a clear purpose in life. It will spare us the confusion, the diversions, and the mistakes that we will make that might have serious consequences. We will avoid the fate of the Israelites who wandered for 40 years in the desert because they were not true to their purpose.

B. We do not have to drift through life like many of our friends are doing because they have no clear purpose and they continue to compromise with sin and evil.

C. Brothers and sisters, the good is here… it is available to us.. it is there just for the taking.. and it is available not just now but for the rest of our lives.

V. Activity: Reflection

A. Allow the participants to reflect on their lives. Asking them their purpose in life and to ask God to put purpose and meaning to their life.

B. While the group is in reflection, someone should sing, “All I Want” and/or “Till the End of My Days”.

C. Close with a prayer for all the participants.

CFC Youth for Christ Covenant Orientation

I. The Covenant Orientation ... 4
(goals, resource persons,
materials, how this is given)

Schedule ..................................................................... 6

Note to the Team Head .............................................. 7

II. Expanded Outlines

Talk 1: Loving, Honoring, and Serving God ................. 8

Talk 2: Loving, Honoring, and Serving the Family ....... 13

Talk 3: Loving, Honoring, and Serving
Brothers and Sisters ...................................... 16

Talk 4: Loving, Honoring, and Serving the Country ..... 20

III. Participants Hand-outs .............................................. 23


IV. The Covenant of a Youth for Christ member .............. 28

---

THE CFC YOUTH FOR CHRIST
COVENANT ORIENTATION

The Covenant Orientation is the first set of teachings given to the young adult upon joining CFC Youth for Christ. After initially responding to God’s invitation during his Youth Camp, he has learned how to put into action his commitment to God. The Covenant Talks help guide him in this response.

The Covenant Talks are as follows:

- Loving, Honoring and Serving God
- Loving, Honoring and Serving Family
- Loving, Honoring and Serving Brothers and Sisters in YFC and in School
- Loving, Honoring and Serving Country

Goals:

1. To learn and live out the covenant of a YFC member.
2. To renew commitment with Christ.
3. To develop a sense of identity and responsibility.
4. To inspire the young adult as he matures in his Christian life.

Resource Persons:

1. Youth Team heads for recollection
2. Worship leader
3. Music ministry
4. Service team (seat arrangements, registration, food committee, etc.)
5. Speakers for each talk

Resource Materials:

1. Expanded outlines - to be given by the team head/couple coordinator to the assigned speakers.
2. Sound system/tapes to record talks
3. Snacks
4. Registration Sheets
5. Participant’s Handouts

How are these given?

The Covenant of YFC should be given to every member within 3 months after a Youth Camp. The Covenant talks may be given as a whole day activity or as two half-day activities. Planning should be done by the Chapter Couple Coordinator in coordination/consultation with the youth leaders in his chapter. It may be scheduled on the chapter level or as a joint effort of a cluster/sector depending on the venue, availability of speakers. The talks must be delivered by young adult leaders who have already undergone this training track.

Like any YFC activity, the teachings should be given in a light atmosphere. The talks should be made interesting and its importance stressed (e.g. anecdotes, jokes, stories, personal life experiences), making it real to the young adult.

After each talk, copies of the teaching outline are distributed, and the assembly is divided into discussion groups (or even into their own households if possible) to further discuss the teaching. The household or discussion groups allow members to bring up and share more personal aspects of the teachings. This system also trains Household Heads in true Christian leadership.

The suggested format for the teachings is as follows:

SCHEDULE


8:00 - 8:30 Arrival/Registration/Teaching of songs
8:30 - 9:00 Worship
9:00 - 9:45 Talk 1: Loving, Honoring and Serving God
9:45 - 10:15 Group Discussions
10:15 - 10:45 Break
10:45 - 11:30 Talk 2: Loving, Honoring and Serving Family
11:30 - 12:00 Group Discussions
12:00 - 1:30 Lunch Break
1:30 - 2:00 Gathering songs/Energizer
2:00 - 2:45 Talk 3: Loving, Honoring and Serving Brothers and Sisters in YFC
2:45 - 3:15 Group Discussions
3:15 - 3:30 Break
3:30 - 4:15 Talk 4: Loving, Honoring and Serving Country
4:15 - 4:45 Group Discussions
4:45 - 5:00 Prayer for God’s Grace/Closing Song


To break the monotony of having discussion groups all the time, each group may instead be asked to come up with a skit, dance/song number to interpret what was heard from the talk or to express decisions that they may have made because of the teaching. Other activities that achieve this same goal may also be used.





Note to the Team Head:

1. Before the first talk, give a short orientation about the activity.
a. State the importance of having a covenant.
What is a covenant?
- A solemn agreement between two parties/persons.
- It establishes a significant family-like relationship between the parties.
- It is not just an ordinary promise - especially since our covenant is a covenant with God.
- It involves commitment and sacrifice to remain faithful to the covenant.

* A common covenant - way of life/culture brings unity within YFC. It gives us an identity as YFC members. (We should be aware that YFC members all over the world is receiving these same teachings, accepting this same covenant.)

b. Run down the schedule for the day. (Refer to schedule)
c. Introduce first speaker.

3. Make sure to connect the talks, stressing the importance of each.

4. Take this opportunity to help those new members grow is worship - many of them still haven’t raised their hands, clapped, danced as an expression of love for God or have spoken out words of prophecies in faith. Encourage them to do so.
5. May God bless you and the whole service team for accepting this service for the Lord. You will be helping more young adults deepen their commitment to the Lord.





CFC Youth for Christ
Covenant Orientation
Talk 1: Loving, Honoring and Serving God
Expanded Outline

I. I believe that I am special to God.

A. God loves me.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

We can personalize this sentence as if the Lord is speaking to us: “For God so loved me that He gave me His only Son, so that if I believe in Him, I will not perish but I will have eternal life.”

God loves us inspite of our sinful nature. He accepts us for who we are.

B. God forgives my sins.
“...for this is My blood of the Covenant, which is poured out to many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matt. 26:28)

God is full of mercy. He wants to forgive our sins so we can always be close to Him.

C. I am a son/daughter of God.
“You yourselves are no longer a slave but a son or a daughter; and yours is the inheritance by God’s grace.” (Galatians 4:7)

We were once “slaves” of sin, but Jesus freed us. We became sons and daughters of God the Father and brothers of Jesus. We are also prince and princesses because we will soon inherit the kingdom of God.

II. Our Response.

Since we know that God loves us and that we are special to Him, He has forgiven our sins and we are His children, then the Lord is also special to us. He is so special that it makes us want to love Him more than anything else.

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

We are called to love the Lord ...

... with all our heart

1. For the writers of scripture, the heart meant the “center” or “core” of oneself
a. Loving God with all our heart means loving the Lord with our whole being. “With all our heart” means to accept totally and live out the ideals and principles of our Lord Jesus Christ even if it means to deny ourselves.
b. Loving God means that we should always include God in our decisions, be they big or small.
c. Loving God means being pure in body as well as in spirit. We do this by not disgracing our bodies through the abuse of drugs, drunkenness and immorality.

6. Loving God also entails sacrifice because sometimes, it is hard to give up something for the Lord (A bad habit, fasting, being generous with our time, talent and treasure, etc..)

The phrase “Putting your heart into it.” means to work hard for something to achieve high standards. (e.g. a high grade, a. good thesis or project). It means sacrifice and perseverance.


... with all our soul

1. Our souls were created by God, who is also a pure Spirit. There is a longing for our souls to be united with God, to be one with Him. (Ps. 84: 1-2)
- Prayer is a means of communicating with God and being “one” with Him.
- We must be consistent with our prayer time. Participating actively in joyful and reverent worship brings us in the presence of the Lord together with our brothers and sisters.
- Decide to pray for at least 15 mins. a day
- Make prayer a habit - allocate a certain place and time for prayer
- Make your prayer dynamic - sing songs, read scripture, talk with God

2. Practicing the sacraments expresses our souls’ longing for God. Hearing Mass nourishes our souls. Receiving Holy Communion is receiving Jesus Himself. Going to confession, our souls are washed and polished by Jesus and reunites us with the Father.
3. We should be eager to bring other souls to the Lord by serving actively in YFC activities, Youth Camps or church activities.

... with all our mind

1. The mind includes our thoughts, intentions, and learning.
- Sometimes, we think about people who we love. We should practice also thinking about Jesus and the things He has done for us.



2. We should learn about Him and study His teachings to gain wisdom. We can achieve this by reading and reflecting on Scripture and/or other Christian books.
3. We must learn how to witness to other people how the Lord is working in our lives

III. There will be times when our love for God will be tested.

A. We will experience sufferings, trials and doubts.
- In all things, we should realize that loving God is not based on feelings but on solid commitment.
- We should believe and be faithful to Him no matter what happens in our lives.

B. When we sin, we feel guilty to come back to the Lord.
- This dampens our love for God.
- Solution: Go to confession and ask for God’s mercy.
- He will not only be happy to see you come back to Him, but He will even embrace you.

C. We will experience dryness in prayer as if God is nowhere to be found.
- The Lord will test our faithfulness. The more we pray to Him in times like these, all the more He will be pleased with us and will reward us.
-

IV. Conclusion

God is our Creator and our Father. He cares for us. He wants to see us happy and live fruitful lives. He loves us and He considers us special. Let’s acknowledge this and respond to Him by telling Him how special He is in our lives. Let us love Him will all our heart, soul and mind.

Memory Verse:
“You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

Discussion Starters:

1. How have I shown my love for God
a) with all my heart?
b) with all my soul?
c) with all my mind?
2. What more can I do to express my love for God?
(Choose one concrete example in your life where you can grow in your love for God.)




CFC Youth for Christ
Covenant Orientation
Talk 2: Loving, Honoring and Serving Family
Expanded Outline

I. Introduction

There are two things that we should realize about the family:

A. The family is God’s plan (Gen.1:27-28; Gen.2:18-24; Gen.7:1)
- God created the family for a purpose - to be a means by which His kingdom is established on earth.
-

B. The family is under attack/ is being destroyed.
- People say it is outmoded.
- Some say it is a barrier to progress (e.g. issue on abortion— having too many children hinders economic growth)
- “The greatest oppressors of women today are the church, the state and the family.” — Cyndi Lauper (rock star)
-

We need to see the spiritual side to this, and take our part in this battle by bringing our families back to the plan of God.

II. Our Role in the Family

A. Relating With Our Parents
1. Honor and Respect (Ex 20:12) - only commandment with a promise attached to it.
a. Show them their importance to us (e.g. stand up to greet them, pleasing our parents.)
b. Attitude of gratitude: Express our appreciation.
c. Speak well of them / Avoid speaking negatively about our parents.

2. Obedience (Eph 6:1)
a. Accept direction / listen to advice: Our parents are God’s stewards on earth.
b. Accept correction (Prov.13:1)
c. Serve our parents (joyfully doing our household chores/doing well in our studies.)

3. We respect our parents primarily because they are our parents. (Sir.3: 1-15)
a. They chose to participate in God’s work of creation, this in itself should be enough reason for us to honor them.
b. We respect and honor our parent’s inspite of their faults, mistakes, and problems.

B. Relating with Our Brothers and Sisters in Our Families

1. Seeing our families (even our brothers and sisters) as God’s gift to us.
a. Expressing to them their importance to us and appreciating them.
b. Respecting and listening to what they have to say-even if they are younger.

2. Finding opportunities to share
a. Our time (spend quality time together—enjoying, helping one another out— homework, school projects of brothers/ sisters.)
b. Resources- sharing our talents

C. Being Instruments of Healing

1. Loving - (Mt.22) loving your neighbor is the direct
consequence/ effect of loving God.
a. Our closest neighbors are our families.
b. Type of love - 1 Cor. 13:4-7

2. Witnessing
a. Be forgiving, patient and loving towards your brothers and sisters.
b. Initiate healing - find ways to reconcile differences within the family.

3. Praying and interceding for family members

4. Serving God with our family whenever possible (especially for children of CFC members.)

III. Conclusion

There is an attack on the family. As YFC members, we need to take a stand to protect and build the family — become witnesses and a hope to other families and take our part in “renewing the face of the earth.”

Memory Verse:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Josh.24: 15)

Discussion Starters:

1. What area in my relationship with my parents can I grow in?
2. What area in my relationship with my brothers and sisters can I grow in?
3. If there is one thing I could do to be an instrument of healing tomy family, what would that be?





CFC Youth for Christ
Covenant Orientation
Talk 3: Loving, Honoring and Serving Our Brothers and Sisters
Expanded Outline


I. Introduction: Loving Youth for Christ as a Family

A. Blood relations are often the strongest type of relationships.

1. Families have strong ties because of the same “blood” they share.
2. Comrades in arms/soldiers feel a close bond among themselves after they have sacrificed and “shed blood” together.

B. The blood that unites us is greater than any of these— the blood of Jesus Christ (Jn. 3:16)
1. He has made us God’s children- we are brothers and sisters.
2. Because we are a family, we should relate to one another in ways a family should.

II. Characteristics of Family-type Relationships

A. Commitment

1. Consistency in our relationships- being committed whether we feel like it or not (e.g. attending YFC meetings faithfully and punctually)
2. Being ready and willing to be inconvenienced on behalf of a brother/ sister. (e.g. brother giving his seat for a sister, making sure everyone has their share of food before eating.)
3. Being a brother/sister no matter what happens
(choosing to be loving inspite of misunderstandings)

B. Unity (Ps. 133:1)

1. Avoid being exclusive.
a. Being a brother to all -in families, you don’t choose your parents, or your brothers & sisters, they simply are.
b. Being a brother/sister even to those you aren’t close to.
c. Go beyond your chapter, sector, and area
2. Decide to grow in your relationship with the brother/sister.
a. Go out of your way to get to know all brothers and sisters.
3. Pray for unity always within YFC, the Catholic Church, and all Christian churches. (Jn. 17:20-23)

C. Loyalty
1. Protect the brothers/sisters
a. Protecting the character of brothers/sisters
(Refuse to believe/listen to gossip about brothers and sisters)
b. Loyalty means correcting a brother or sister
c. Protecting the brother/sister physically
(e.g. making sure a sister gets home safely, having concern/ looking out for one another)
2. Protect YFC as a body/ community

• Keep yourself from doing things that will destroy the
name of YFC

C. Love

Love should always be part of our relationship as brothers and sisters. “If we love God, we must love our neighbor “ (Matt. 22:39)


1. We love by showing honor and respect—giving importance (Rom 12:10) (e.g. greeting one another, listening to one another’s ideas and opinions)
2. It is God’s command that we love one another.
(Jn 13:34-35)
3. 1 Cor.13:4-7 expresses the kind of love we should have.

D. Service

Like any family, love and loyalty is expressed through service.
1. Have a “What can I give?” attitude as opposed to “What can I get?” (The attitude of servanthood is more important than the actual service)
2. Be open/willing and ready to serve in any way (e.g. speakers, music ministry, household heads, facilitators, clean up committee etc...)

III. Obstacles that Hinder Us from Growing in our Relationship with our Brothers/Sisters

A. Fear of Rejection
- We should draw our confidence from knowing that the King of Kings has accepted and loved us as we are. Rejection from others won’t affect us as much because of this fact.
- We should then grow in confidence in relating to our brothers/sisters.
- Let us be the ones reaching out.

B. Pride

- Take on the attitude mentioned in Phil. 2:3
- Love others and reach out to others because God loved you even if you did not deserve it.

C. Cliquishness
1. Let us avoid sticking just with those we are comfortable with because it causes division.
-(1st. 4:9-10) Instead let us learn to grow in loving all the
brothers/sisters more and more each day.
2. Entering an exclusive “boyfriend/girlfriend” relationship often hinders other relationships.
- If we do have to enter into such relationships, we are to make sure that we are guided accordingly (e.g. by our elders, our parents.)


IV. Our love for God and the YFC Family should extend and be expressed in our schools.

We do this by being:

A. Witnesses
1. Being responsible students
- Being the best we can be for the Lord.

2. Being good examples to our classmates (by not cheating, respecting school authorities and property).

B. Evangelistic
1. Inviting our classmates to youth camps
- Sharing our faith/service in YFC to our classmates

2. Helping establish/sustain YFC in your school

C. Loving our neighbors—classmates, teachers, janitors, etc.

V. Conclusion

If we love God, then it follows that we should love one another (1 Jn 4:20). As God’s family, each of us is called to love, honor and serve one another, building up God’s community as a witness to all.

Memory Verse:

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live in unity.” (Ps. 133:1)
Discussion Starters:
1. Which obstacles hinder me at present from growing in my relationships with brothers/sisters?
2. What can I do to grow in these relationships?





CFC Youth for Christ
Covenant Orientation
Talk 4: Loving, Honoring and Serving Country
Expanded Outline


I. Introduction

As Christians, we don’t believe in coincidences. We know that God has a purpose for everything. God has placed us where we are, for a purpose.

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

God calls us to be a light to the nations. We should be able to do that wherever it is that He has placed us - our own countries.


II. To Love, Honor and Serve Our Country

A. Showing our country honors and respect.

1. Avoid treating our country like one big trashcan/toilet.
- Let us not litter - as if we can “flush” down our dirt in our surroundings.
- We don’t vandalize.

2. Taking pride in our heritage.
- Take pride in national symbols (flag, national anthem).
- Learn about your heritage (If your parents migrated, learn about the country they migrated from. Keep positive aspects of that culture)

3. Take a positive attitude about our country.
- We avoid jokes or negative comments about our country, culture, and government.

B. Serving our country - being model citizens. ( Rom 13:1-8)
1. We obey the laws of the land.
- Traffic laws, pedestrian crossings.
- This includes the laws and regulations of our schools. (We do not look for loopholes to cheat our school - we come to class at the time the school says we should).
- We should help in furthering the vision and mission of our government and schools especially if our school is Catholic/Christian. (However, this also means that we have to speak up when our country/ government begins to adopt unchristian policies that are against life, family and God like abortion, divorce, etc.)

2. Being aware and actively taking part in the affairs of our country.
- If we are of voting age - we should exercise this right at every opportunity.
- Condemn corruption in government and society without condemning the government and society itself.

B. Loving our country. Mt. 22:39 “Love your neighbor.”
Genuine love and Christian charity are essential.

1. Charity: the love for all that God loves.
a. It is not heartless. It is not just alms giving - it is genuine concern for each person and all of God’s creation.
b. Each person bears the image of God and is loved by God. If we love God, then we must love those whom He loves. (1 Jn 4:20)
c. All creation belongs to God. We protect the environment.

2. Our love for all those that God loves, namely our country should give us a greater desire to evangelize. (Mt. 28:18-20)

III. Conclusion

Mt. 22: 15 - 22.

God has placed us where we are, according to His purposes, so that we can use their circumstances that surround us to be witnesses for Him.

As we do this, we also become witnesses and lights to the nations, by giving to our countries the love, honor and respect it deserves, as responsible citizens, and giving to God our whole lives as true children of God.

Memory Verse:

“You are the light of the world ... let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:14,16)

Discussion Starters:

1. What things do I do that show dishonor for the country that God has placed me in? How can I correct these?
2. What concrete decision can I make that will help me love, honor and serve my country better?


Loving, Honoring & Serving God
Participant’s Handout

I. I believe that I am special to God
A. God loves me (Jn. 3:16)
B. God forgives my sins (Mt. 26:28)
C. I am a son/daughter of God (Gal. 4:7)

II. God is so special to us that He enables us to love Him more than anything else (Mt. 22:37)
A. Loving God with all our heart
1. Heart means “core”. We love the Lord with the core of our being
- Includes our ideals and principles, and decision
2. Loving God entails sacrifice
B. ...with all our soul
1. Our souls long for God (Ps. 84: 1-2)
2. Practicing the sacraments express our soul longing for God
3. Eagerness to serve
C. ...With all our mind
1. Includes our thoughts, intentions and learning
2. We should grow in our knowledge of Scripture/books about the Lord
3. We must learn how to witness to others about the Lord’s work in our lives.

III. We will go through times of testing
A. Sufferings, trials and doubts
B. Sin will make us feel guilty
C. We will experience dryness in prayer

Discussion Starters:
1. How have I shown my love for God:
with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind?
2. What more can I do to express my love for God?

Memory Verse:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Mt. 22:37)





Loving, Honoring & Serving the Family
Participant’s Handout

I. Two things to remember about the family:

A. It is God’s plan (Gen. 1: 21-28; Gen. 2: 18-24; Gen. 7:1)
B. The family is under attack

II. Our role in the family

A. To our parents:
1. Honor and respect (Ex. 20:12)
2. Obedience (Eph. 6:1)
3. Respect primarily because they are our parents
(Sirach 3:1-15)

B. To our brothers and sisters in the family:
1. Seeing our families as God’s gift to us
2. Finding opportunities to share

C. Being instruments of healing:
1. Loving
2. Witnessing
3. Praying and interceding for family members
4. Serving God with our family

Discussion Starters:
1. What area in my relationship with my parents can I grow in?
2. What area in my relationship with my brothers and sisters can I grow in?
3. If there is one thing that I can do to be an instrument of healing to my family, what would that be?

Memory Verse:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
(Joshua 24:15)




Loving , Honoring and Serving Our Brothers and Sisters
Participant’s Handout

I. Loving YFC as a family
A. Blood relations are often the strongest type of relationships.
B. The blood that unites us is the blood of Jesus Himself.

II. Characteristics of family type relationships
A. Commitment
B. Unity
C. Loyalty
D. Love (Mt. 22:39)
E. Service

III. Obstacles that hinder us from growing in our relationships with brothers/sisters
A. Fear of rejection
B. Pride
C. Cliquishness

IV. Our love for God and YFC should extend and be expressed in our schools
A. Being witness
B. Being evangelistic
C. Loving our neighbor — our classmates

Discussion Starters:
1. Which obstacles hinder me at present from growing in my relationship with brothers/sisters?
2. What can I do to grow in these relationships?

Memory Verse:

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live in unity.”
(Ps. 133:1)



Loving, Honoring and Serving Country
Participant’s Handout

I. Introduction - God’s Purpose (Jer. 1:5)

II. Loving, Honoring and Serving Our Country

A. Showing our country honor and respect.
1. Avoid treating our country like one big trashcan/toilet.
2. Take pride in our heritage.
3. Take a positive attitude about our country.

B. Serving our country - being model citizens. ( Rom 13:1-8)
1. Obeying the laws of the land.
2. Being aware and actively taking part in the affairs of our country.

C. Loving our country. Mt. 22:39
1. Charity: the love for all that God loves.
2. The desire to evangelize. (Mt. 28:18-20)

Memory Verse:

“You are the light of the world ... let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:14,16)


Discussion Starters:
1. What things do I do that show dishonor for the country that God has placed me in? How can I correct these?
2. What concrete decision can I make that will help me love, honor and serve my country better?




The Covenant of a Youth for Christ Member

1. I believe that I am special because I am a son / daughter of God.

* I will spend time in prayer where I can grow in loving, honoring and serving Him.
* I will learn and grow in living out these ideals and principles of my Lord Jesus.
* I believe that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I will not dishonor the Lord through drunkenness, drugs or immorality.
* I will participate actively in the life of my Church.

2. I believe that my family is God’s gift to me.

* I will love, honor and respect my parents in spite of whatever state or circumstances they are in,
* I believe that my blood brothers and sisters are God’s gift to me. I will strive to grow in unity and understanding towards them.
* I will be a source of healing to whatever brokeness, or hurt, my family experiences.

3. I believe that it is my privilege to be studying in my school.

* I will show love and loyalty to the Lord and to my school by being a good student.
* I will take responsibility in my studies.
* I will respect school authorities.
* I will serve my classmates and build good relationships in school.

4. I believe that I belong to the bigger family of Youth for Christ.

* I will relate in love and loyalty to the brothers and sisters from other schools, cities, provinces, states and countries.
* I will serve the Lord in YFC in whatever way I can, whenever / wherever the Lord chooses to call me.
* I will follow the directions of my elders and leaders in YFC.

5. I believe that God has a special purpose in allowing me to be born / live in this country

* It is my privilege to love, honor and serve my country.
* It is my duty to obey and respect the laws and authorities that God has placed over me.
* It is my responsibility to preserve and protect the environment.

CFC Youth For Christ - Youth Camp Handouts

God’s Love and His Plan for Us
Talk 1 of the YFC Camp

• God has a crazy dream. (Read Isaiah 65:17-25)

• This is God's crazy dream, His plan for us, "a plan to give us a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11). All because of His great love for us.

I believe God brought you here, to hear about His love, and His plan in your life.

• We experience sufferings because we choose to. (Gen. 3:1-21) / (Romans 6:23)

• God wants us to experience the fullness of life but we continue to follow our own preferences. By choosing to turn away from this promise. God could have just as well chosen to turn away from us, destroy us as we deserve,

He chose to send His only Son to die for us because He did not want to see us suffer in our sin and die forever.

• “ God loves everyone of us as if there was but one of us to love.”(St. Augustine)

DISCUSSION STARTERS:

1. Share an experience or area of your life where you felt most loved by God.
2. How can you respond to God’s love for you? (Make specific resolutions, e.g. start praying more often, do more chores at home etc..)







Who is Jesus Christ to Me?
Talk 2 of the YFC Camp


• When we hear of how great God's love is for us, many of us genuinely want to respond to Him by loving Him back and living a life that's pleasing to Him.

• However, it is difficult to live a life pleasing to God, if it lacks the most basic factor, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The best way to know Jesus is to know what or who He claimed to be..

• God loves you. That's pretty good news, but it gets even better. Not only does He love you, but He wants to have a friendship with you. (John 15:13-15)

• Jesus Christ wants to have a personal relationship with you. He already knows you, and He wants you to know Him.


DISCUSSION STARTERS:

1. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus now?

2. Who is Jesus to you? What can you do to respond to Jesus invitation of having a personal relationship with Him?







Repentance, Faith, Healing and Forgiveness
Talk 3 of the YFC Camp

• Sinfulness in our lives and the hurts we've experienced are hindrances in coming to Christ and receiving His spirit.

• Repentance is an act of the will, a decision..

(4 H's : Attitudes to take in repentance) Honesty, Humility, Hate the sin (and not the sinner), Have a good confession

• We need to have faith that when we come to the Lord in repentance He will forgive us and give us the strength to follow Him.

• Healing will not be complete if we haven't forgiven those who have hurt us, especially if they're the ones closest to us.

God wants us to experience the fullness of life in His love, by knowing Him. However, our sins and hurts block much of His blessings for us.



ACTIVITY:
1. Make 2 lists (list of people who hurt you & list of people whom you’ve hurt)
2. Then speaker will lead you to forgive those in the first list and asks forgiveness for the second list.
3. After, you are encouraged to write a letter to your parents for the same purpose.







Receiving God’s Gift: Power of the Holy Spirit
Talk 4 of the YFC Camp

COMMITMENT TO CHRIST

Leader : Do you renounce Satan and all wrongdoing?

Participant : Yes, I do.

Leader : Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died to free you from sins, that He rose to bring you new life?

Participant : Yes, I do.

Leader : Do you choose to follow Jesus as your Lord, to love Him, honor Him and obey Him?

Participant : Yes, I will.



PRAYER OF COMMITMENT

Lord Jesus Christ,/ I want to belong to you from now on./ I want to be free / from the dominion of darkness/ and the rule of Satan,/ and I want to enter into your kingdom/ and be part of your people./ I will turn away from all wrong doing,/ and I will avoid everything/ that leads me to wrongdoing./ I ask you to forgive/ all the sins that I have committed/ I offer my life to You,/ and I promise to obey you as my Lord.







Growing in the Spirit
Talk 5 of the YFC Camp

• God calls us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. He loved us first, He has already died for us, He has given us His Holy Spirit, but even more, He gives us tools that we can use to grow in our relationship with Him. The challenge is left to us. . ."will we respond to that call?"

• We're not saying that after giving through this youth camp, we'll be living perfect Christian lives. We'll be probably fall but it's standing up that matters most. After all, it's faithfulness, not success that God wants.

God died for us. . .Now it's time we live for Him.


The Covenant of a Youth for Christ Member

1. I believe that I am special because I am a son / daughter of God
2. I believe that my family is God's gift to me.
3. I believe that it is my privilege to be studying I my school.
4. I believe that I belong to the bigger family of Youth for Christ.
5. I believe that God has a special purpose in allowing me to be born / live in this country







The Covenant of a Youth for Christ Member

1. I believe that I am special because I am a son / daughter of God.

2. I believe that my family is God's gift to me.

3. I believe that it is my privilege to be studying I my school.

4. I believe that I belong to the bigger family of Youth for Christ.

5. I believe that God has a special purpose in allowing me to be born / live in this country









PRAYER FOR CHILDREN


God has given you to me,/ (name of child) / as a gift/ to love and to guide./ I wish all good things for you./ Forgive me for any hurts that I may have given you./ As I forgive you/ of the hurts you may have given me./ I now call upon you God's blessings./ May the Lord bless you and keep you./ May the Lord make His face shine upon you/ and be gracious unto you./ May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you/ and give you peace. Amen.



PRAYER FOR PARENTS

God has given you to me,/ (Papa and Mama or Dad and Mom) / as my guides in His place/ here on earth./ I know that you love me / and in your love / you may have committed mistakes / that hurt me. / I forgive you for these./ I want you to know/ that I love you/ and ask for forgiveness/ for all the hurts/ I have given you./ May God bless you in everything you do./ This I pray / in the name of Jesus Christ/ my Lord and Savior./ Amen.

CFC Youth for Christ - Youth Camp Manual

(2006 Edition)

Chapter 1: Organizing a CFC Youth for Christ Youth Camp

THE YOUTH CAMP

The entry point to the Youth for Christ (YFC), the Young Adults Program of the Couples for Christ (CFC), is the Youth Camp. It is a three-day live-in camp usually conducted during the summer or semester break to officially bring teenagers and/or young adults into YFC.

To fully appreciate the value of the Youth Camp and to make the most out of it, it must be seen not just as a three-day experience where the teenagers can have fun, (although this is also important), but in the light of the overall objectives of the Youth Camp, so that the youth can develop to be joyful, responsible and fruitful men and women of God. We should realize that the camp is not an end in itself or an annual diversion for teenagers that will give them something to do during the summer or semester break, but it is the beginning of what will, hopefully, be a lifetime commitment to God.

It is the place where they will hear the Word of God proclaimed by other young adults like themselves in an environment of fun and excitement, where they do not experience any form of pressure from adults.

It is the place where they can form friendships with one another through sports, games and as they share ideas and experiences, and entertain one another in a wholesome environment where Christian values are talked about and are actively practiced.

It is the place where they will be stimulated and encouraged to develop their gifts and potentials for leadership as they are exposed to other young adults who are actively involved in serving them as speakers, facilitators, sports and games coordinators, and other services that are essential to the life of the Youth Camp.


CHALLENGES

For the Youth Camp to be successful, it is important for the team to be aware of the challenges that they will face.

1. Many teenagers will come to the camp due to parental pressure encouragement. Many will come with the idea that the activity will be dull and boring, and that it will be a waste of time. This is reinforced when people refer to the Youth Camp as simply a Life in the Spirit Seminar or LSS which makes it sound too serious and unexciting to the ordinary, normal young adult or teenager. Besides, this is really a misnomer because the LSS is just one of the many key elements of the Youth Camp.

2. The participants will be meeting a lot of people for the first time. Teenagers act normally and openly in the company of friends but take a while to warm up to new faces. Having a Service Team of friendly and warm young adults at the time when the participants start coming in will help make them feel at ease and welcome.

3. Some of the young adults will be difficult. Some of them may even have serious addictions to drugs and alcohol. Others will come with a rebellious spirit, while others may be harboring serious resentments towards their parents and other people. For this reason, a responsible Couple Coordinator need always be present during the Camp.

4. Many teenagers will find difficulty in committing to the Lord, to YFC, and to the whole new way of life that is being offered to them. There will be a real fear of giving up a lot of
their attachments to their established set of friends and to the regular activities that they are accustomed to. This poses a real challenge to the team in as much as making the Youth Camp fun and exciting, and to always manifest a joyful and friendly spirit. The team must also come up with activities that appeal to and challenge young adults who are full of energy and spirit.


YOUTH CAMP OBJECTIVES

To plan effectively, it is important for the team to understand both the short-term and the long-term objectives of the Youth Camp.

Short-Term Objectives

1. To make the Youth Camp a fun, exciting and life-giving experience to the young adult.

2. To help the young adults undergo a "conversion to Christ" experience.

3. To help the young adult experience healing and reconciliation with the immediate members of their family, especially their parents.

4. To give the young adults the opportunity to make new friends in a wholesome environment.

5. To expose the participants to young people of their age who find joy and fulfillment in serving the Lord, and in serving them.

Long-Term Objectives

1. To make the Youth Camp the start of a life-long process of conversion and transformation in the life of the young adult.

a. By joining YFC, the young adults are placed in a support environment where they can be sustained in their Christian lives.

b. By joining YFC, they can sustain and develop the friendships that were established during the camp.

c. The young adults can also be supported in the renewed relationships that they have with their parents and the other members of their family.

2. To create a desire, as well as a real opportunity to develop the gifts and talents of these young adults in serving the Lord and other young adults in future Youth Camps.

3. Hopefully, the positive experience of the Youth Camp will remain a special memory that the young adult may look back to and draw strength from throughout his or her life.


IMPORTANT CONDITIONS

Given the above objectives, both short and long-term, it is important to make the following conditions in planning and conducting YFC Youth Camps.

1. It is the entry point to the CFC Youth For Christ Ministry. It should not be conducted if there is no intention to invite the participants into YFC (although, it is possible for some of them to decide not to). This is just to preclude the possibility of making the Youth Camp an end in itself. This is the same condition that is true for the CLP (Christian Life Program) of Couple for Christ. The CLP, or Youth Camp for that matter, is not conducted unless there is a real intent to establish CFC, or YFC or to integrate those who graduate to existing CFC groups.

2. It is possible to invite children of non-CFC members to the Youth Camp and for them to eventually join YFC provided:

a. A real effort is made to invite children of CFC members to the Youth Camp first, and that there are still available slots for children of non-CFC members. In case of space limitations, children of CFC members are given priority.

b. Priority may be given to non-CFC members if the team is able to determine that there is a real need for the individual to join the program as deliberated by the team leader responsible and the YFC Couple coordinator with the guidance of the CFC Area Head.

(NOTE : An example of giving priority to individuals whose parents are not in CFC are the camps within the campus based program of YFC).

3. The ideal site of a Youth Camp is a retreat area or a camp site where the young adultscan stay in without disturbances from the outside or where they can also be prevented from sneaking out. The team should be sensitive to the financial means of the participants who will be attending the camp.

a. It is possible to use school facilities during semestral and summer breaks, and for the food to be catered by CFC members if this will significantly reduce the cost of the Youth Camp.

b. It is possible to raise funds within the chapter or area, to help defray the cost of those who do not have the means to pay the full amount in the Youth Camp.

c. The usual rule in CFC applies that no one should be deprived of experiencing the Lord in any official activity because He of She does not have the means to pay.

4. Only young adults whose parents give written consent and are willing to support the activities of the camp (like writing letters to their children) will be admitted to the camp. If the camp is in a site where there is an opportunity for the young adults to go swimming (e.g. beach, lake, or pool) or mountain climbing, a special written consent from the parents should be presented before the team should allow the young adults to engage in these activities.

If possible, a parents forum should be conducted before the Youth Camp, where the team may be able to explain the objectives, activities, schedule, rules, provisions within the camp, as well as mention areas of concern in which the parents can extend their support.

Normally, the team members serving in the Youth Camp are not expected to pay for their accommodations. But, if they have the means, and they would like to help, their payments may be accepted.


PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. The initiative to organize the Youth Camp starts with the Area’s YFC Couple Coordinator.They can organize just for their area of responsibility if they have enough young adults, or in cooperation with other YFC Couple Coordinators for a joint Youth Camp.

a. They start by getting the approval of the CFC leader in their area.

b. They survey their area and come up with a list of prospective participants.

c. They work out the dates and details, such as venue of the Youth Camp.

d. They form the team of YFC members that will serve ---- these include the Youth Team Leader and his Assistant, Speakers, Facilitators, Music Ministry, and Servant.

2. In the Camp, the Couple Coordinator allows the Youth Team Leader and Assistant, as well as the members of the Service Team, to lead the activities. The Couple Coordinator stays in the background to provide support, direction and protection over the team.

3. Normally, the members of the team who stay in with the participants are the Couple Coordinators, the Youth Team Leader and his Assistant, the Camp Servant and the Facilitators. Other members of the team may stay in, if they offer to pay for their accommodations or if there are enough funds to pay for them. They are, however, expected to be in all the sessions and activities throughout the camp, even if they choose to sleep out.

4. During the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the team may ask support from other YFC members.

Note : The use of couples or parents in the praying-over for baptism is discouraged.

5. Parents, one of both, are expected to send letters to their young adults and to come during the Parent-Youth Dialogue and Dedication ceremony on the last day of the camp.

6. A no-smoking and no-drinking rule will be observed by the participants, the Couple Coordinator and the other members of the team, for the duration of the camp.

7. No participants will be allowed to leave the camp without the expressed consent of the parents. In the event of a sneak-out by any of the participants, the parents shall be informed immediately.

---

Chapter 2: Youth Camp Team Leaders Guide


YOUTH CAMP GENERAL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES


DAY 1

5:00 - 5:30 PM : Service team meeting
5:30 - 6:30 : Arrival/ Registration
6:30 - 6:45 : Gather/ Teaching of songs
6:45 - 7:00 : Orientation of participants
(by team leader)
: Orientation to parents
(by Couple Coordinator)
7:00 - 8:00 : Dinner
8:00 - 8:30 : Gathering of participants/ Teaching of songs
8:30 - 8:35 : Opening Prayer
8:35 - 8:45 : Energizer/ Games
8:45 - 9:25 : TALK 1- GOD'S LOVE AND HIS PLAN
FOR US
9:25 - 9:55 : Discussion Groups
9:55 - 10:00 : Announcements/ Closing song (if desired)
10:00- 11:0 : Informal Fellowship
11:00 : Lights out


DAY 2

6:00 - 7:00 AM : Wake up call
7:00 - 8:00 : Teaching of Songs (One Slow and one Fast)
8:00 - 8:30 : Common Prayer Time (include reflection)
8:30 - 8:50 : Gathering participants
Opening Song and Prayer
8:50 - 9:30 : TALK 2- WHO IS JESUS CHRIST TO ME?
9:30 - 10:00 : Discussion Groups
10:00- 10:30 : Break
10:30- 10:45 : Gathering of participants/ Opening Song and Prayer
10:45- 11:25 : TALK 3- REPENTANCE, FAITH, HEALING, AND FORGIVENESS
Sharers (2)
11:25- 12:00 : Activity (to be done together in session area)

12:00- 1:00 : LUNCH

1:00 - 1:30 : Gathering and teaching of songs (One slow
and one fast)/ Orientation of Facilitators for one to ones session
1:30 - 2:00 Exhortation for the letter writing (Being a source
of unity to the family)
2:00 - 4:00 Confession (a must)/One to Ones Session
4:00 - 5:00 Talents Talk/Workshop(in preparation for Saturday night)
5:00 - 6:30 Rest/ Fresh-up/ Tongues Workshop
6:30 - 7:30 : Dinner
7:30 - 8:00 : Gathering of Participants/Opening Prayers
8:00 - 8:45 : TALK 4- RECEIVING GOD'S GIFT: THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
8:45 - 9:00 : Commitment to Christ Ceremony
9:00 -10:00 : Pray over session/ Worship Orientation
10:00 - 10:15 : Group Worship
10:15 - 10:30 : Closing Exhortation
10:30 - 11:00 : Preparation for program
11:00 - 12:00 : Program
12:00 : Informal Fellowship (Participants may stay up, although they should respect those who are asleep. Therefore, silence should be maintained.)

DAY 3

7:00 - 8:00 : Breakfast
8:00 - 8:15 : Gather/ Teach Songs
8:15 - 8:45 : Worship / Common Prayer Time
8:45 - 10:00 : TALK 5- GROWING IN THE SPIRIT / LIFE AND MISSION OF YFC
Parent’s Forum led by Couple Coordinator or FTPW
10:00 - 10:30 : Dialogue with Parents
10:30 - 10:45 : Pray over session
10:45 - 11:15 : Dedication Ceremony
Sharing of Participants
11:15 - 11:30 : Preparation for Mass
11:30 - 12:30 : MASS
12:30 - : Lunch (if available)


DAY 3 Alternate Schedule

7:00 - 8:00 AM : Wake up call
8:00 - 9:00 : Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00 : Common Prayer time
10:00- 12:00 : Games
12:00- 1:00 : Lunch
1:00 - 1:15 : Gathering of participants / Teaching of songs
1:15 - 1:30 : Worship
1:30 - 2:00 : TALK 5- GROWING IN THE SPIRIT / LIFE AND
MISSION OF YFC
2:00 - 2:30 : Dialogue with Parents
2:30 - 2:45 : Pray over Session
2:45 - 3:15 : Dedication Ceremony
: Sharing of Participants
3:15 - 3:30 : Preparation for Mass
3:30 - 4:30 : MASS
4:30 - 5:00 : Pack-up
5:00 : HOME SWEET HOME


Note : The schedules written in this manual are guides for the Youth Camp Service Team. If circumstances call for a different schedule, the team should be flexible enough to follow as the Spirit leads


GOALS OF THE YOUTH CAMP

The Youth camp should:

1. Introduce the person of Jesus to the participants
2. Encourage the participants to invite Jesus into their lives
3. Invite the participants into the support environment of YFC
4. Introduce the 7 Pillars of YFC to the participants


HOW TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS

These goals should be achieved through the four F principle of the YFC program as implemented in the camp activities;

1. Fun
The camp contains activities that young people enjoy (e.g. games, songs, talents workshop, entertainment, video presentations, skits, bonfire - optional, etc.)

2. Friendship
The camp provides opportunities to strengthen old friendships and make new ones. (The team leader initiates these by encouraging the team to get to know one another and mingle with the participants).

Note : Many times, people join YFC (placing themselves in an environment where they can grow in their faith) initially because of friendships they make in the camps, or because of the faith of a friend in YFC.

3. Freedom
Nothing is ever imposed on the participants. This principle springs from the basic belief that Christianity can only be lived out if it begins with an individuals personal decision to follow Christ (e.g. during pray-over session, we don’t force the participants to commit to Christ)

4. Faith
The camp provides the participants a lot of opportunities to learn more about Jesus and grow in their Faith(e.g. prayers, worship, talks, discussion groups)


ATTITUDES OF A TEAM LEADER

1. The Team Leader should strive to be a person of vision

a. He must at least understand by heart the 7 Pillars of YFC

b. He sees that the Youth Camp is not an end in itself but rather the beginning of a process of growth.

c. He knows that follow up must be done after the camp (Covenant Orientation etc.) and begins to make arrangements for this with the Couple Coordinator.

Note : For new areas where there is no local YFC Chapter, he makes arrangements for YFC to be set up. (The team leader therefore should be always ready with training manuals, especially when going on mission).

d. He is always on the look-out for potential leaders and points them out to the Couple Coordinators of the area.

2. The Team Leader should strive for clarity

a. He makes sure that others see what he sees

b. As the one who will actually be speaking to the participants, he clarifies and makes sure that his co - team leader, the Couple Coordinator/ School Coordinator and the team have the same understanding that he has about circumstances in the camp.

c. He finds ways to make the participants relate to the talks and sharing. These are done through jokes, anecdotes, examples in current movie and music trends and illustrates these in terms familiar to the participants.

3. The Team Leader should strive to have a heart for God and His people

a. He listens to the Lord.

- He prepares spiritually before the camp ( confession, prayer, and fasting)
- He constantly intercedes and consults the Lord throughout the camp.

b. He has a feel for the people.

- Mingles and relates with the team.
- Mingles and relates with the participants.

c. He Loves the people He serves.


ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TEAM LEADERS

1. Each Youth Camp has two team leaders; a brother and a sister.

a. The brother Team leader leads the sessions

- Leads prayers, worship, introduces the speakers.
- Wraps up, summarizes, emphasizes points for clarity
- While the talk is in progress, he should sit in front to listen to the talk.
- Leads the Dedication Ceremony.

b. The sister Team leader is there to respond to the needs of the sisters and provides input in planning and conducting the camp.

- The sister always stays in front so she can remind the brother team leader of things that should have been said or coordinate with him on practical and pastoral matters.

Note: In the same way, there are also two camp servants; one for the brothers and the other for the sisters,

Have one camp servant sit near the team leaders for more effective coordination. The other camp servant should be at the back, ready to bring input from the Couple Coordinator.

c. Both team leaders work in consultation with each other for unity and provide focus for the team.

d. Both team leaders should be prepared to give any of the five talks.

e. Makes sure that the Camp Schedule is followed.

- Start and end the sessions on time
- Let the speaker know when the time is up.


2. The team leaders give input regarding practical and pastoral matters to the Couple Coordinator and/or School Coordinator.

3. The team leaders lead the team

a. Facilitate the youth team meetings

- Listens to input from the team
- Gives instructions to the team / receives instructions from the Couple Coordinator
- Leads worship ( in cases where the group is mixed, the brother always leads)

b. Make sure that the team knows what to do and actually does it.

- Runs through the regular activities with the team before hand ( e.g. one to ones, pray- over session, tongues workshop ).
- Goes around during one to ones and baptism
- Regularly supports and instructs the camp servants

c. Correct the team.

- Corrects both the group as a whole or approaches individuals in the team for more personal matters.
- Corrects the participants through the facilitators.

Note: In situations that are highly personal, correction is done one to one, brother to brother, sister to sister.

The Couple Coordinator should course his corrections towards the youth through the team leaders.

d. Encourages the team

- Exhorts
- Takes every opportunity to commend them.

e. Gives advice to the members of the team.

4. Assist the Speakers
a. Makes sure they get to the camp on time
b. Helps the Speaker in preparing for the talk (i.e. Pointing out the “practical tips in giving talks” found in Chapter 3 of this manual).
c. Lets the Speaker know if time is “up” for the talk.

5. Makes sure that the four F’s (fun, friendship, freedom & faith) are used properly.

6. Make sure that the 7 Pillars of YFC is in the heart of respective activities in the camp.



ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUPLE COORDINATOR IN THE YOUTH CAMP

1. They must have a close coordination with the team leader before, during, and after the camp
2. They should coordinate with the CFC Chapter in the area about the camp
3. They should act as parents to everyone in the camp

4. The Couple Coordinator needs to follow up the parents that they should really go to the youth camp.
5. Conduct the Parents Forum

6. They must be in charge of the liturgy (including the choir & the logistics).

7. Be an example in speech and in conduct to the youth
8. Intercede for the whole youth camp

Note : One of these initial team meetings may be used for Youth Camp Training if the Couple Coordinator and/or tram leaders feel that this is necessary.


PRACTICAL MATTERS TO ATTEND TO

Pre Camp :

1. Conduct initial meetings between Youth Leaders and Couple Coordinators and/or school administrators.

a. Set expectations for the camp
b. Make suggestions for camp assignments
c. Set a youth camp training at least 1 week before the camp

2. The team leaders, coordinators, and camp facility administrators should clarify and agree on Camp rules ( e.g. curfews, and entertainment activities, bonfire, types of prayers -- Pray over session, noise level etc..).

3. Plan follow up activities to the camp

Notes :
• Make sure that you will be able announce at least one follow up activity to the participants after the camp.



6. Set the next team meetings team to;

a. Exhort/Encourage the team to prepare both physically & spiritually
b. Go through schedule of the camp
c. Give out assignments (You may ask for volunteers)
d. Intercession for the camp
Note:
• Decide on team assignments (facilitators, speakers, sharers etc.)
Speaker’s Profile:
• Talk no. 3 speakers should have integrity and conviction in advocating 100% PURE program.
• Talk no. 4 speaker should be a brother except for the all girls camp.
• Talk no. 5 speaker should be a well-experienced Kasangga member. His/ her growth in YFC should be very evident in his service and life. He/ She should be a person who walks his/ her talk.

Sharer’s Profile:
• For Talk no. 5, it should be someone who really used the tools in his/ her growth towards holiness. (1 boy and 1 girl; one of them should have recently graduated in a Youth Camp)

• The team should go to confession before the youth camp.

• Limit the number of service team. (It is more effective to have few equipped service team than a large crowd so that every one has a chance to serve and not just to visit the camp.)


The coordinator should set the time and place for these meetings.

Be at the campsite early to intercede and have an ocular inspection of the place. Conduct worship and binding and casting upon arrival of the service team on the camp site.


Camp Proper

Things to consider:
• Upon the arrival of the participants, there should be a welcome committee to assist them going to their respective rooms then to the session hall for registration.
• Be sure to make the participants fill up the info sheets (2x2 pictures should be submitted together with the info sheets for documentation purposes)
• IDs should be given before the sessions start and should be collected after the day
• It is required that there will be a Youth Camp Kit/ Journal that is standard.
• There should be a separate rooms for boys and girls
• Service teams must share the same room with the participants to control things that should be addressed. (lights off, vices, wake-up call etc.)
• Meaning of songs should be explained
• It is suggested to have at least one game/energizer/ice breaker before the session.
(Suggested games: Do you love me? Bahay-Baboy-Bagyo, Rabbit-Archer-Wall)
• The presence of a Coordinator/ elder is required in the whole duration of the camp.
• Make sure that there is more than 1 participant in every youth camp.
• It is highly recommended to have a creative presentation in every talk except Talk 4
Note: You can have a prepared AVP, skit, dance etc. (see annex)
• It will be better if the whole service team will under go confession before serving in the youth camp.
• Ideally, the priest should be scheduled a month before the Youth Camp.

For Session 4:
• Candles are not compulsory.
• No need for rosary and bible during pray-over.
• Doesn’t have to turn off the lights.
• Conduct pray over session in a conducive and lighted room.
• Prayer warriors should pray until the end of the pray- over session.
• Dress decently.
• Must have a crucifix inside the session hall.
• During pray- over session, DGLs must not leave the place unattended.
• Speaker must be a brother, unless in an all girls camp.



1. General Pattern of sessions:

Gathering/Teaching of songs
(Note: Suggested songs to be taught at the start: My Life, God is Enough)
Ice breaker
Prayer (worship)
Introduction/ Connection of Talks
Talk
Sharing
Wrap up/ summary
Discussion Groups/Activity

2. The Sessions and their purpose

a. Orientation Session
- Sets the tone for the camp
- Clarifies expectations and the house rules.

b. Talk 1: God’s Love and His Plan for Us
- Makes the participants aware of the truth that God loves them. The talk also leaves them with the challenge to respond to this love.

c. Common Prayer Time
- Allows the participants to experience what having a personal prayer time is like.
- After a brief explanation of this activity, one or two songs may be sung to help make the participants see the importance of singing in giving worship to God
- For reflection, the participants may be asked to read scripture readings that will help them recall the first talk (i.e. John 3:16; Psalm 139: Jeremiah 6:16). Ask the participants to write down their reflections.
- Explain ACTS during the common prayer time.
Note : It is during this time that the “Scribbles Prayer Journal” should be introduced.

d. Talk 2: Who is Jesus Christ to Me?
- Makes the participants aware that Jesus is alive in our lives, that he is someone we can know in a personal way and that He is inviting us to have a personal relationship with Him.

e. Talk 3: Repentance, Faith, Healing and Forgiveness
- Helps the participants become aware that sin and hurts in our lives become obstacles for us to experience God’s love. The talk helps the participants realize that a personal relationship with Jesus can only happen when we first admit and become sorry for our sins, repent and forgive those who have hurt us.

Activity: Team Leader leads the participants to make 2 lists (list of people who hurt them & list of people whom they hurt) they are then led to forgive those in the first list and asks forgiveness for the second list. After, the participants may be encouraged to write a letter to their parents for the same purpose. The team leader can make sure that this letter is completed during the third day’s prayer time.

f. The Team Meeting
The Team Leader - leads the team in worship and intercession
- gives feedback
- gives inputs for the Baptism session
- leads prayer for empowerment

g. Talk 4: Receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit
- Impresses the need for the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide our lives and clarifies how we can experience this power personally during the pray-overs.

h. Program and Christian Entertainment
- The program is used as a time of celebration after the participants have received the Holy Spirit. This also becomes a good venue for building strong and lasting friendships among the youth.

- Encourage both participants and service team to prepare presentation numbers that are brief and wholesome. For this evening, the curfew is often set to a later time.

I. Common Prayer Time for the third day
- Reiterates the importance that the prayer time must be made into a daily habit.
- The reflection activity for this prayer time may be used to finish the participants’ letters to their parents.

j. Talk 5: Growing in the Spirit, Dedication to the Life and Mission of CFC Youth for Christ.
- Equips the participants with the knowledge of how to grow in their relationship with God.
- The session should be conducted in a prayer meeting format (there should be full worship before the session). This further imparts the YFC culture to the participants in showing what an assembly is like. It is in this session that the participants are asked to join YFC.


Post Camp :


1. The Team Leader should conduct leaders training especially for new areas where structures are not in place (Refer to Fast track Leaders Training)

2. Make sure there are scheduled activities scheduled immediately after the camp the participants to look forward to (e.g. fellowships, assemblies etc.)

3. Prepare the facilitators to become Household Heads (Refer to Household Heads Training Program)

4. Set evaluation meeting with the team and Couple Coordinators

5. There should be a batch picture for Documentation

6. Make sure Completion Report is filled out by the Couple Coordinators.

PRACTICAL TIPS

Purpose of Mingling

1. Becomes basis for determining discussion groups
2. Allows you to relate to the participants/ team and makes you more effective
3. Helps you spot leaders ( among the participants and the team)
4. Evangelistic
5. Builds friendships

Purpose of Seating Arrangement (the ideal arrangement is U shape)

1. It is easier to speak to the audience because distance is cut
2. Removes the formality of a classroom setting
3. Participants end up encouraging one another to be more participative
4. The one speaking in front becomes part of the group.

Purpose of Songs

1. Teaches us to pray, and helps make prayer more enjoyable
2. Because songs are enjoyable, God’s message is received with the least resistance from the participants
3. Makes each activity participative
4. Energizes the sessions (wakes people up)
5. Can be used to emphasize a point in any of the talks/ sharings
6. Used to gather people

Note : The Music ministry should always stay in front.

- To establish rapport with the participants. This makes it easier to teach songs and get the participants to sing.
- Allows better coordination between the music ministry and the team leader

Purpose of Humor

1. Makes participants listen/ enjoy the sessions
2. Establishes support/ interaction between the team leader/ speaker and the participants
3. Makes a point easy to remember

Purpose of Games

1. Makes sessions enjoyable
2. Makes activities participative
3. Energizes the camp


TEAM LEADERS ORIENTATION OUTLINE (To be given by Team Leader before the first session)

I. Welcome the participants

A. Make the atmosphere light and joyful. (Give a joke as an icebreaker.)

B. Make it your goal to help everyone build friendships by the end of the camp. You may ask the participants to mingle for a minute or two for them to get to
know one another.

C. Welcoming Remarks:

1. Introduce yourself as the Team Leader,
2. Introduce the team,
3. Explanation of terms: What is it that they are getting into? What is YFC (Youth for Christ), a Youth Camp?
II. Expectations

A. What the participant may expect

1. Meet new friends
2. Have fun
3. Know more about God and grow close to Him
4. Give a general picture of what the camp will be like (e.g. fun, friends, talk...etc.)


[Note : A lot of people have different expectations about this Camp. Some may know that its something like a Life in the Spirit Seminar. Some expect to cry or have an emotional experience. While some may have no expectations. Others may expect to come to great revelations or may expect to be helped in making big decisions. Although, these may happen, these are not the goals that we are aiming for. Rather, if they come out of this Camp being able to say that they know God a little bit more, that they are closer to Him even more.... them, they have reached the goal of the Camp.]

B. Attitudes to take. (What we expect from the participants)

1. God brought you here.
Whatever reasons you have for being here, it was God who brought you here. He wants to do something in your life during the Camp.

2. Make the most of the Youth Camp.
How much you give of yourselves in this Camp, is how much you will receive.

3. Participate. Don't anticipate.
Don't keep thinking of what might happen next. But rather, participate in the present activity. Pray, when it's time to pray. Sing, when it
's time to sing. Rest, when it's time to rest.

4. Don't analyze or criticize.
Be open to new things.

5. Expect God to work.
If we truly desire Him and seek Him, we shall find Him. This is God's promise.


III. What They Should Know (At this point, the team leader may pass on the microphone to the camp servant, preferably a youth as well, as one who is being trained for leadership, for the following information.)

A. House rules of venue and other related important information. (Get house rules from retreat house and Couple Coordinators)

B. Whom to approach, if the participants need anything

1. Practicalities (e.g. bed sheets, phones, toothpaste)

2. Emergencies (First Aid)

C. It would be helpful to always have a pen, paper/notebook, and a Bible with you during the sessions.

IV. Ask everyone to move into the dining hall for dinner.

---

Chapter 3: The Youth Camp Talks

THE GOSPEL MESSAGE

In this day and age when so many ideas abound and so many different philosophies are taught, the youth are often placed in confusing situations. So many different influences around say what to run after and what to live for. Still in the budding idealism of their young minds, the youth search for the truth that they can believe and live by. So often, however, young people fall into whatever whim their peers invite them into. Whether it be drugs or drinking, being popular, being "in" or just simply living for the moment. Still the thirst is there for the truth -- their hearts restless for God

It is in this situation that the Gospel message should be brought to the youth. A message that speaks of God's love and mercy -- That in our sinfulness, He is always willing to forgive us. And, if we come before Him and place our lives at His feet, our restlessness ends, and we begin to experience a new life with Him. It is this message which the talks in the Youth Camp seek to share.

SHARING THIS MESSAGE IN THE YOUTH CAMP

The Gospel message, however, is so great, so vast and so wonderful that our minds can only begin to comprehend it. Moreover, to explain it thoroughly is hard enough for more knowledgeable Christians to do, what more for young people, who in our case, will explain it to other young people as well. In this perspective, we cannot even begin to teach the Gospel. What we can do, however, is to share it. We don't have to be Biblical Scholars or Church Theologians to share the Gospel with others. All we really need to do is look into our lives, recognize God's work and share what we know with conviction. Then, in our limitations, we will see God working through us, in these talks and the activities of the Youth Camp.

THE GOSPEL AND THE YOUTH CAMP TALKS

To be able to share the Gospel message in an orderly and simple way, its different points were divided into five (5) talks. Each talk helps the speaker impart this message effectively. So as not to compromise nor give an incomplete Gospel, the talks include truths which are basic enough for young people to begin a meaningful journey with God in their Christian lives. Other teachings may then be imparted later, if the participants decide to join YFC. Here are the basic points or truths with their corresponding topics in the Youth Camp.


BASIC GOSPEL TRUTH YOUTH CAMP TALK

God's Love for Mankind; His Plan for * God's Love For Us
Man's Fullness of Life with Him

Introduces the ultimate expression of * Who is Jesus Christ To Me?
God's love -- Jesus Christ

Man’s sin as he turns away from * Repentance, Faith, Healing and
God’s plan Forgiveness

Man's Response: Accepting God's * God's Gift: The Power of the
Invitation and Living as His People Holy Spirit

* Growth Talk/ Life and Vision of YFC

Some of the talks in the Youth Camp have more than one basic Gospel truth included. These truths sometimes even overlap between two or three talks. The talks are given in this way and order so as to help bring the participants through a process where they can make a real and sincere decision to live a life pleasing to God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by the power of His Holy Spirit.

The speaker should be able to realize that each talk, especially the one that he or she will be giving, is part of one message; “God's love reaching out to man and man's choice to respond to this love." (Refer to “The sessions and their Purpose” in Chapter 2 -Team leaders Guide, to see how each talk flows to the next).

The speakers and Youth Camp Service Team should understand this flow to be able to place themselves in the proper position where God can work through what they say and do, in order to effectively help the participants make a decision to know, love and serve Jesus Christ.


FINAL TIPS

1. Married couples are discouraged from giving the talks in the Youth Camp.

We have to recognize the fact that it is easier of young people to be influenced by their peers. No matter how true the message is, and even if the participants thirst for this message, when older people (as in Parent age) speak to the youth, a natural barrier often stands between them and the young people they are speaking to. These speakers represent the parents of the participants -- parents who may have damaged relationships with their children. As a result adult speakers then begin to lose their effectivity in sharing the Gospel to the youth.

2. The speaker should share and not preach.

The world needs witnesses not teachers. Most Youth Camp participants have heard the same message we speak time and time again. What will make these talks different is when they realize that what we are saying is true and concrete because we have actually experienced it.

3. Maintain a light atmosphere.

Feel free to give jokes from time to time. But never to the point of letting them forget the truth and importance of your message.

Often jokes can even be made use of as means to drive at a certain point. In the same way, anecdotes and stories are good means of explaining or stressing certain points in your talk. Make use of stories. The youth like listening to stories. If it is possible to make the points of your outline flow from a story to the next, all the better. Stories keep the interest of young people and allow them to remember points that you made.

4. Speak from the heart with confidence and conviction.

You are speaking of a truth which all men thirst for, including the youth. Therefore speak with conviction, because it they who will benefit from what is being spoken in the camp more than anyone. Speak of the joy of knowing Christ. Speak of the gift that God wants to give. The gift that you yourself are beginning to experience, a new life with Christ, knowing that what Saint Augustine mentions is truth for yourself and everyone else, "Our hearts are restless, until we rest in you, Oh God."

5. The presence of scriptural verses in the talk requires the speaker to prayerfully reflect on the passages before giving the talk. It would be better if these verses are narrated in the speaker’s own words. Reading scripture verses word-for-word takes away eye contact between you and the participants.

6. Listen to / study other speakers

This may help give you ideas in giving your talk

7. Undergo the Speaker’s Workshop (This can be found in the Youth Camp Training Program of YFC).































CFC Youth for Christ
Youth Camp
Talk 1 : God’s Love and His Plan for Us
Expanded Outline


I. INTRODUCTION

A. The Crazy Dream

(NOTE: The crazy dream exercise is done so that the speaker may have an amusing way of making the participants realize God's tremendous love for them. Just as the participants may have their own "crazy dreams" their own nearly impossible hopes of things that are better, God has His own seemingly impossible dream for us, "a plan for a future and a hope" in union with Him. It is this plan for us that may be used to introduce God's love to the participants.)


1. Ask the participants about their greatest ambition or craziest dream. Give them 30 seconds to do this. Allow 3-5 persons to share.


2. Even God has a crazy dream.

(Referring to the "crazy dreams" of the participants.) All of us have our own crazy dreams, but even God has his own "crazy dream". I say this, because like many others, our dreams may seem far out, hard to believe. But then again, He is God, and nothing is impossible with Him. Let's see what God's crazy dream is. (Illustrate creatively, reflect and share the essence of Isaiah 65:17-25)

This is God's crazy dream, His plan for us, "a plan to give us a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11). All because of His great love for us.


B. You may have your own reasons for being here (your friends are here, you want to meet new friends, your parents forced you, you are truly seeking God).

I believe God brought you here, to hear about His love, and His plan in your life.


II. WHY WE ARE NOT EXPERIENCING GOD'S PLAN

* You may be asking. “If God loves us so much, why are our lives and situations so different from what He says His plans are for us?

* Show the disparity between God's plan (Isaiah 65:17-25) and the situation around us.

- on a larger scale: poverty (ex. people are starving), same sex marriage, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, terrorism etc.

- on a local scale: state local issues relevant in your area like drug addiction, corruption, street crime etc.

- in our families: we have broken relationships; some people we know have broken families

A. We experience these sufferings because we choose to.
- They think that they are victims of their circumstances but must emphasize that each of us has a CHOICE. Each of us is given a FREE WILL to choose a response to any given situation, good or bad.


1. (Gen. 3:1-21)
When our first parents chose to disobey, and rebel against God's commands, they chose to turn away form God the source of all life. In doing so, they chose death, and suffering. From the moment this happened, our world that was full of life and blessing began to experience difficulties, pain, suffering, and even death.


2. (Romans 6:23)
Even today, whenever we choose to go against God, (or the authorities He has placed over us, e.g. parents, government and school authorities), we continue to choose the suffering and death that our first parents chose. (Mention specific experiences to bring your point across).

B. God did not end it at that.

God wants us to experience the fullness of life but we continue to follow our own preferences. By choosing to turn away from this promise, God could have just as well chosen to turn away from us, destroy us as we deserve, and create a more faithful people who would gladly accept His love and the life that He offers. Instead, He decided that His love, His mercy should prevail.

1. He began by sending His prophets.

2. John 3:16
Finally, He chose to send His only Son to die for us because He did not want to see us suffer in our sin and die forever.

NOTE: Make use of the diagram to illustrate how Christ bridges the gap that sin creates between God and man.


DIAGRAM:

Sin separates God from man. Christ bridges the separation


GOD MAN GOD JESUS MAN


SIN







III. CONCLUSION

“ God loves everyone of us as if there was but one of us to love.”(St. Augustine)

God has a seemingly insane love for us. A love that would suffer even death on a cross. Even if you were the only one who needed saving, God would do it all for you. Let’s respond to this love. Let’s decide to love God back.

( Note: One way to challenge the participants to respond is to seek God during the camp, to participate, but all the more, to receive God’s love and try to respond by desiring to know about God and to live for Him.)

Lead to a short reflection about the talk.
Suggested Song: Strong Arm or other song that is related to the talk.

Suggested Activity:

1. Opening Video about the current situation.

2. Closing video about Wonderful world that shows all the beauty of all creation and ends with a statement and God made all these truly loves you (90 sec)


DISCUSSION STARTERS:

1. Have a getting to know activity and/or create a name for the group, a chant or a gesture/clap, etc.
2. Share an experience or area of your life where you felt most loved by God.



























CFC Youth for Christ
Youth Camp
Talk 2 : Who is Jesus Christ to Me
Expanded Outline


I. INTRODUCTION

When we hear of how great God's love is for us, many of us genuinely want to respond to Him by loving Him back and living a life that's pleasing to Him.

However, it is difficult to live a life pleasing to God, if it lacks the most basic factor, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Living the Christian life by our own strength is impossible. Only the strength we have in Jesus can make this happen.


II. WHO IS JESUS?

A. Impact in History

Did you know that…
• Jesus was born some 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, Judea in the poor country of Palestine.
• Jesus grew up in poor family of carpenters.
• During his 3 years of public life, He challenged the authorities and after a formal trial on charges of rebellion and blasphemy, was put to death at age 33.
• He split History in two (B.C. - Before Christ, and A.D. Anno Domini or Year of our Lord).
• Jesus is one of the most portrayed historical figures in history?


Like most religious leaders in His time, Jesus should have faded into oblivion, forgotten in the pages of history. Yet no other person has
affected history as much as Jesus.

No other person has had as many books and stories written about him. The book that tells His story, the Bible, has been the No. 1 bestseller, of all time.

Until today, Jesus of Nazareth is the most controversial, most popular, most revered and most respected person that ever lived.

There are so many things said about this man. What was He really like?


B. Misconceptions

1. Jesus is strange
Then..
a. Some say he was some freak with new ideas. He said things like, "The first will best..." and "Love your enemies".

b. He wasn't a freak, because so many were attracted to His personality that they left everything to follow Him. (Mark 1:16-20)

2. Jesus as a coward

a. Others perceive him as a coward, a loser who gave into all his persecutions.

b. I wouldn't call Him coward or a loser since He was bold and courageous enough to stand up against he known authorities of His time. (Matthew 23::1-27).

3. Jesus as boring

a. Many say He lived a boring life because He was focused on saving the world and didn’t have any fun or adventure

b. His life wasn’t boring because He met a lot of people and traveled to many different places, performed great miracles, and had many close friends.

4. Jesus unsuccessful leader

a. Others simply say, "He was a very unsuccessful leader -- talented. But unsuccessful. After all, He got himself killed. Didn't he?"

b. Lastly, I would not consider Him unsuccessful, because 2,000 years after He first preached His message, the Christian Faith remains to be the most widely preached and received faith in the world today.






C. The best way to know Jesus is to know who He claimed to be.

He took upon Himself qualities that belonged only to the person of God.

1. He claimed to possess all authority in Heaven and on Earth; a characteristic that only one person can claim to have--God. (refer to Matthew 28:18) Jesus is my Father. As sons and daughters we are heirs to His Kingdom

Nature seemed to believe Him and recognize this authority.
( refer to Luke 8:22-26)

2. He forgave sins; Jesus is my best friend because He accepts me for who I am.
The people during Jesus’ time strongly believed, that only God had the authority to forgive sins. In Luke 5:17-26, Christ showed just what kind of authority he had

3. He claimed to give life (John 5:26) A power that only God has. In times of difficulty I’m able to get through it, because He is my Source of strength and He is always there for me.

Suggested Activity:

1. The speaker will ask the participants to bring out the rock or stone that they got before the session.
2. Ask the participants to form 2 lines facing each other. Making sure that each one has a partner.
3. Place the rock on top of your right palm and use your left hand to support the right hand of your partner until the speakers tells you to let go.
4. Observe how they feel, how they react until they start complaining.
5. Ask one of the service team to collect all the rocks and ask them to go back to their seats.
6. Processing of the activity.

III. OUR RESPONSE

The claims that Christ makes concerning Himself are so great and different from the claims of other great teachers in history (i.e. Buddha, Confucius, and Mohammed), that we just need to stop and seriously consider them because, our acceptance or rejection of these claims greatly affect us.

A. If we begin to realize that the claims that Jesus made are false, then we should forget Christianity altogether and even correct the great hoax that has deceived men for 2000 years.

B. But if deep down we believe that Jesus’ claims are true. . . then we cannot just leave Him in one corner of our lives like most people do.

In fact, we will have to begin to find a way to relate to Jesus as the Mighty God, as the risen Savior that He really is. We will have to follow Him as Lord, and accept that personal relationship He offers us today.

IV. WHO IS JESUS TO ME?

Personal Testimony (3-5 minutes) : The speaker should give a brief sharing on his/her personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

V. CONCLUSION.

God loves you. That's pretty good news, but it gets even better. Not only does He love you, but He wants to have a friendship with you. (John 15:13-15)

Think about it. Jesus Christ wants to have a personal relationship with you. He already knows you, and He wants you to know Him.

Suggested Reflection Song: Above All

DISCUSSION STARTERS:

1. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus now?

2 Who is Jesus to you? What can you do to respond to Jesus invitation of having a personal relationship with Him?



CFC Youth for Christ
Youth Camp
Talk 3 : Repentance, Faith, Healing and Forgiveness
Expanded outline


I. INTRODUCTION

We have just heard of God's love for us, and how it brings us to the point where we just have to decide for ourselves how we should respond to Him.

We have heard how He himself invites us into a personal relationship with Him. In this talk, we will learn how we can begin to do this.


II. REPENTANCE AND FAITH

Creative Skit or AVP depicting various sins of humanity (global and local)

Intro..
Christ began His preaching ministry with these words "The right time has come, the kingdom of God is near, turn away from your sins and believe in the Gospel..." (Mark 1:15), or repent and have faith. Christ used these words because repentance and faith in Christ's message are the first steps we need to take to truly respond to God's love and invitation for us.

A. Repentance

Sinfulness in our lives and the hurts we've experienced are hindrances in coming to Christ and receiving His spirit. This is the reason why Christ called those who came to Him to repentance.

1. Misconceptions about repentance

a. Feeling terrible about yourself

Some people believe that repentance is sincere only when you despise yourself because you're a hopeless sinner.

b. Feeling regret

Repentance brought about only because of the consequence of what was done, and the regret that comes with it.

There is no repentance because the sin was evil, but because of the punishment that will be received because of it. (e.g. Feeling sorry you were caught cheating in an exam. If you weren't caught you wouldn't have been as sorry).

c. Getting rid of all tendencies to sin

Some people think that true repentance can only happen when we are able to rid ourselves of that tendency to sin. But that will never happen. What we can do, however, is to say no to that temptation.

This is the reason why many Catholics don't go to Confession, saying, "Why will I confess when I'm just going to sin again?"

All of these may be effects of repentance but are not repentance in itself. All of these focus on feelings, repentance is much more objective and concrete.

2. What is Repentance?

a. The Greek word for repentance is "metanoia" which literally means change of mind.

b. It is an act of the will, a decision.

c. In this case, it is deciding and to turn away from sin and look towards God.

3. Some sins to repent from:

a. Rebelliousness: to parents, authorities and society. (e.g. answering back to parents, vandalism of others property, cutting classes)

b. Cheating, lying, stealing, cursing, dirty jokes, humiliate and gossip about others.

c. Abuse of alcohol, illegal drugs

d. Gambling or betting

e. Sexual sins: necking, petting, pornography, masturbation, homosexual acts, pre-marital sex etc.

f. Horoscope, feung-sui, yoga, superstition, spiritualism (witchcraft, occult, spirit of coin/glass, ghost-hunting), new age religion (scientology, Masonic temple) non-Christian religions (atheist, Muslims – we will accept them in the community but let the Holy Spirit work for them to embrace the faith) – For consultation with a priest; for PFO to look at.

All of these sins can be translated in the 10 commandments. Examples:
Do not kill not only literally but also in other ways like killing someone’s reputation by slander and gossip.
Do not commit adultery – all sexual acts and those that could lead to sex outside marriage

Note: Give examples that are appropriate to the participants. In some cases, the speaker should be able to explain why these sins are actually wrong. Such as pre - marital sex, gossip and other related things like the stated. These sins have been so widely accepted that people do not see them as immoral anymore.

Note: Speaker can insert at least two sharers between the points.

4. What Must We Do To Repent? (4 H's : Attitudes to take in repentance)

a. Honesty - call sin a sin. (e.g. Some say sin is a growth experience. . . or that cheating during exams is sharing)

b. Humility - Admit you fell into sin because you are weak. You need God to overcome your sins. .

c. Hate the sin - Hate sin and not the sinner. If you hate sin you'll stay away from it and you won't make any justifications for doing it (e.g. "I am just human", "somebody else made me do it").

d. Have a good confession.

Go to confession, it allows you to be humble.

You get sound advice from priests and support from brothers and sisters in Christ when you share your weaknesses to them.
B. Faith

1. We need to have faith that when we come to the Lord in repentance He will forgive us and give us the strength to follow Him.
To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see (Heb 11: 1).
a. We place our trust in Christ, believing that He will conquer our sinfulness, that He will forgive us and heal us of our sins.

b. Trusting, committing ourselves to the person of Christ.

2. The characteristics of faith instead of faith that we are talking about is shown in Matthew 14:22-33.

a. Faith is relying on what God said.

When Christ told Peter that he could walk on the water, although he knew it was impossible, he still believed. In the same way, when Christ promises that He will save us from our sins, we should believe that He can and He will.

b. Faith is not just a feeling but is a decision to believe.

Peter acted in spite of fear. He was scared of drowning. Still, he believed in what Christ said that faith is not a feeling but rather a decision that we should make. Faith is deciding to put our trust in Christ.

c. We should accept and believe in Christ as our personal Savior and in His promises. (Acts 16:31, Luke 11:9-11)


III. HEALING AND FORGIVENESS

A. The need for healing

1. When we come before God and respond to Him, we first acknowledge our sinfulness and come before Him in repentance and then in faith, ask for forgiveness.

2. As we do this, we also ask Him to heal us, because these hurts, sinful ways are obstacles which keep us from totally receiving God's grace.

Healing will not be complete if we haven't forgiven those who have hurt us, specially if they're the ones closest to us.

B. Healing through Forgiveness

1. Share how hurts in the different areas of our life listed below can hinder us from drawing near to the Lord, and how forgiveness begins the process of healing.

a. Our parents/ family,
b. Our friends,
c. Others





2. Healing Occurs

a. When we forgive
b. When we ask for forgiveness
c. When we humbly ask God to heal us
d. When we serve others, focus more on helping others “heal” instead of focusing on ourselves


ACTIVITY:
Ask the participants to write down on a piece of paper, the things that they want to give up to God (Sins, People whom you have hurt/have hurt you).


IV. CONCLUSION

God wants us to experience the fullness of life in His love, by knowing Him. However, our sins and hurts block much of His blessings for us.

Christ wants to remove these hindrances and extend His mercy towards us, but we have to do our part and repent from these sins. We need to believe that He will forgive and strengthen us and bring us healing.

Then we can fully receive God's blessing, His Holy Spirit which strengthens us and allows us to live our lives as truly pleasing to God. We will hear more about this in the next talk.


Note : Refer to Team Leaders guide -- “The Sessions and their Purpose” for the activity after this talk

(Suggested song: IGive My All)










CFC Youth for Christ
Youth Camp
Talk 4 : Receiving God’s Gift: The Power of the Holy Spirit
Expanded outline

Note: Should be given 1 hour at the most. Goal of the speaker should make the participants willing to receive the Holy Spirit and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

It would be better if the speaker can illustrate the bible verses of the talk.

I. INTRODUCTION : Christians Today and Before

A.. Christians today:

Christians today can't seem to live as they should; They seem weak, lacking power. (Give examples / illustrate)

However, Christians were not always like that.

B. Christians before:

The Christians in the early Church possessed a certain strength and boldness of character, a power that attracted so many to join this group of fishermen, slaves, Gentiles and Jews.

So many converts from different races, nations, social strata were brought into their fold. By 325 AD, the Emperor of Rome himself became a Christian. And today, it is the largest faith in the world.

What was this power that transformed 12 insignificant men and their brethren into the pillars that established Christendom? It wasn't human might or intellect, it was the Power of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that continues to fill and transform the lives of so many Christians today.








II. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

A. Misconceptions:

1. God's messenger
2. The dove in Christ's baptism

The Holy Spirit is God, the 3rd Person in the Blessed Trinity.

B. God's promised spirit

1. A New Heart and a New Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

God promised a spirit that will enable all men to follow Him. He promised to give men "A new heart and a new Spirit...”

2. The Valley of the Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37 : 1 – 14)

This story gives us a vision of what the Power of His Holy Spirit can do.

In scriptures, the wind is often used to refer to God’s Sprit. -- God’s Holy Spirit can fill us and bring life, help us live as His sons and daughters.

3. God’s Spirit brings about

a. United with God

When we receive the power of the Holy Spirit, we begin a personal and intimate relationship with God. God’s word becomes alive in us as we read scripture. We hear Him speaking to us in our hearts and we experience Him touching our lives.

b. A new you (Galatians 5: 22 - 23)

As we grow in our personal relationship with God, He slowly molds us into His likeness, removing the selfishness in our hearts, making us more loving, more like Jesus.

c. Power to serve ( Acts 1:8)

God’s Spirit empowers us to serve, giving us the boldness to speak His words and making us willing to face the challenge of bringing others to Him, in spite of the difficulties and trials we may face.

(Note: In sharing the 3 points above, the speaker should share his own experiences of these 3 points.)


III. HOW DO WE RECEIVE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

A. The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-8) Narrate in your own words this passage.

Praying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit may not be exactly like this event. But we can take certain points from this event to help and guide us in receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

1. We ask. (Luke 11:9-10)

In faith, we know that when we ask for it, it will be given to us.

2. We believe. (Luke 11:13)

We should believe that when we ask for God's Holy Spirit, He will surely give it.


B. What do we specifically as for?

1. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

2. Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

a. These are gifts that God gives to help us in our Christian lives.

Include the gifts of the Holy Spirit with brief explanation of each gifts, should have a standard list of gifts of the Holy Spirit:
1. Wisdom – is not just good practical judgment or common sense or a high degree of knowledge. The wisdom that is of the Spirit is centered on Jesus.
2. Healing – is the supernatural ability to effect a cure of physical or other human illness through prayer
3. Miracles- is the supernatural ability to perform miraculous act, acts that are not the result of any known natural law or agency but are caused by divine intervention.
4. Prophecy- is the gift by which a person is used by God to speak on his behalf
5. Discernment- is the gift by which a person can recognize the spirit behind a particular situation.
6. Faith- is not just an intellectual belief in God, but a confident assurance in God which allows us to move forward without any doubt at all.
7. Tongues- is a charismatic gift by which a person is able to utter words or sounds which are not known or understandable to his human intellect.
8. Knowledge – is not just knowing a lot of things through study or experience. Knowledge that is of the spirit is the fruit of revelation, founded on faith, and synthesized by Christian experience.
9. Interpretation- is a companion to the gift of tongues, when used for prophecy, and is necessary so that those who hear may understand, and so be edified.

(Each gift should be explained thoroughly by the DGLs during one-to-ones session)

b. Explain especially the Gift of Tongues.

It is a gift of prayer - It is a prayer that only God can understand and only we can speak. Because of this spiritual gift, our souls are able to say what it really wants to express to God.

This spiritual gift pleases God. We humble ourselves when we pray in a language we don't understand. This total humility pleases God.

The gift of tongues becomes a doorway to the other spiritual gifts.


C. Hindrances to receiving the Holy Spirit.

1. “ I am never wrong” (self righteousness)
Sin alienates us from God. When we refuse to be repentant for our sin, we keep ourselves from experiencing God and His Spirit. This is why we need to go to confession.

2. “ Am I worthy?” (self pity)
Everyone is unworthy, what the Lord requires is simply a humble spirit that approaches Him in repentance and asks for forgiveness.

3. “ I am too cool for this” (pride)
keeps us from acknowledging our need for God, and asking Him into our lives, but God will keep on knocking until we're humble enough to ask Him in.

If we're afraid of looking foolish, we must humble ourselves if we are to receive God's Spirit.

Note : People are often willing to look foolish for other reasons, e.g. concerts, basketball games, celebrities. We should be more willing to look foolish for God.

4. “Are you for real?” Doubt
Encourage the participants to focus on what's true. God promised His spirit and He won't go back on His word.


IV. CONCLUSION (This portion may be omitted if the speaker will be conducting the baptism or Pray over Session)

Recall Ezekiel 37:1-14

Living the Christian life seems almost impossible. But we have a hope, a hope in god's promise. . . His Holy Spirit which strengthens us and gives us the gifts we need in order to live as true sons and daughters of God.

Note : Our next activity will be the commitment ceremony and pray over session. Give the participant a general view of what they can expect. The Speaker must ask the participants to stretch and exercise a bit to avoid people sleeping while the session is ongoing.


V. PRAY OVER SESSION EXPLANATION (omit the term Baptism Ceremony)

Note: We recommend that the speaker should conduct the baptism or pray over session.
Delete this section since the speaker will be doing the baptism or pray over session

Our purpose tonight is to ask the Lord for the power of His Holy spirit that enables us to live as true Christians. To do this, we will first have to come before our Lord, believe and accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior and commit our lives to Him. After this, we will pray with one another for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.


A. Explain the Baptism.

1. This is not a new baptism. We were all baptized when we became Catholics. What we want to do now is to pray for one another so that we can immerse ourselves in God's Spirit and be empowered as Christians.

2. Explain the process of Baptism / praying over session

a. First, we will be having a “Commitment to Christ Ceremony” where you will be encourage to accept the Holy Spirit because receiving the Holy is receiving Christ.

b. After this, your discussion group leaders will approach you and bring you somewhere more conducive and private for the pray-over.

c. Process of praying over.

* Prayer of Thanksgiving: Your discussion group leaders will thank the Lord for the commitment that you just made.

* Prayer of Deliverance: Casting out the works of Satan in you life. (e.g. "In the name of Jesus, spirit of deceit we cast you out".)

* Prayer for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit / spiritual gifts.

d. After the pray over.

* Go back to your seat, we will end together once everyone has been prayed for.

* We encourage you to continue to be in an atmosphere of prayer.

B. Final tips

1. Relax.

Our pray over session, and your decision to follow the Lord, is very important, but don't let this make you anxious. Relax and be at peace, this will make it easier for you to open up to the Lord.

2. Don't expect a particular experience.

Expecting one particular type of experience might keep you from recognizing God's work in you. God knows you more than you know yourself. He knows exactly how he should touch you.

3. Don't analyze the sounds you make.

In speaking or praying in tongues, just focus on the Lord and praise Him. What comes out of your mouth, and how you praise God is up to Him.

4. Initiate.

God respects you, and won't force you to praise Him in tongues. You have to initiate praying in a language you don't know, and then God will inspire you and give you the words to say.

(e.g. Even if God has already inspired you to write a song, the song will never be heard unless you actually pick-up a guitar, play the tune and write the words. In the same way, you have to begin praying in tongues by first initiating it.)

* Focus on God. Worship Him in your own words.

* Once you've run out of words to worship God, utter the first syllables that comes into your mind and use this for worship.

* Focus on worshipping God and not the words you use to worship, then let God take control.


C. COMMITMENT CEREMONY

1. After the explanation, the speaker or team leader asks the participants to meditate about all the talks.

2. While the participants are meditating, a meditative song may be played (e.g. God Alone, We Belong To God). We recommend that there should only be one song for reflection and participants are asked.

3. After the song is sung, the speaker asks those who want to make a commitment to Christ to stand up. Then, the Prayer of Commitment is recited together.



COMMITMENT TO CHRIST

Leader : Do you renounce Satan and all wrongdoing?

Participant : Yes, I do.

Leader : Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died to free you from sins, that He rose to bring you new life?

Participant : Yes, I do.

Leader : Do you choose to follow Jesus as your Lord, to love Him, honor Him and obey Him?

Participant : Yes, I will.


PRAYER OF COMMITMENT
(Ask participants to repeat after you.)

Lord Jesus Christ,/ I want to belong to you from now on./ I want to be free / from the dominion of darkness/ and the rule of Satan,/ and I want to enter into your kingdom/ and be part of your people./ I will turn away from all wrong doing,/ and I will avoid everything/ that leads me to wrongdoing./ I ask you to forgive/ all the sins that I have committed/ I offer my life to You,/ and I promise to obey you as my Lord.

4. Everyone is then asked to be seated, and wait for their turn to be prayed over.


(PRAY OVER SESSION)


VI. CLOSING EXHORTATION (After the worship)

A. Different people different experiences.

1. Some may have prayed in tongues, cried or simply felt God's presence. Others may have had a very simple experience. The Holy Spirit comes to each of us differently.

2. An emotional experience is not an indication of God's Holy Spirit. Rather, focus on the fact, that you committed yourself to Jesus Christ and that is the most important. If you asked for His Spirit, whatever experience you had, He surely gave it to you.

B. Satan will tempt you to doubt.

* He will never cease in trying to take away the treasure you have just received today. (The speaker should give an example on how satan will tempt them to doubt.)

C. Don't expect all your problems to go away.

* Focus on the truth. Now you have God and through all your problems, He will always be there. And these problems will never overwhelm you.

D. Go easy on sharing with others what you have experienced.

1. All of these things were first explained to you before they were done. Don't expect your friends to understand you.

2. Try to explain what you went through in a very ordinary and understandable way. Better yet, share to them what you experienced by showing the change in you as Christ begins to dwell at the center of your life.


E. Be faithful/ Take care of the Spirit.

1. Like any gift, the gift you received tonight can be lost, so use it.

2. You committed to follow the Lord, be faithful to that decision.

3. Have a daily prayer time where you can experience and get to know God and where He can slowly but surely work in your life daily.


VII. CONCLUSION

“When the Holy Sprit comes upon you, you will be filled with power and you will be witnesses for Me in Jerusalem in all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

(Note : Encourage the participants to be faithful in their commitment to the Lord. God has begun a powerful work in their lives today, He will always be faithful to us, by His Spirit we can be faithful to Him.)

































CFC Youth for Christ
Youth Camp
Talk 5 : Growing in the Spirit
Expanded outline


I. INTRODUCTION

We have heard a lot of good things in this camp, God's love, His salvation, and received His Holy Spirit. All of us in one way or another have experienced God's goodness this weekend. But after all these, what do we do next?

In this talk, we'd like to share with you what we can do to sustain our new found relationship with God.


II. HOW CAN WE GROW AS SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD?


We know, clearly now more than ever, that God's love is real. that the Holy Spirit is real and that He is truly in us. God is truly good. All His plans for us are for our own good.

But what happens after this Camp when all of us are no longer in this exciting environment. What happens when we go back to our friends at home or classmates in school who do not understand what we have gone through -- friends who might even convince us that what we have gone through is weird and out of this world?


A. Attitudes we should have:

1. We have God's gift of salvation.

We should leave this place with the conviction that what we have gone through was truly a gift from God, for our good and our salvation. The way to God through Jesus is the only way and we should fight any idea or direction that tells us otherwise.

2. We have God's Spirit.

We now have God's Spirit in us to strengthen us, to protect us and to help us overcome obstacles to our decision to grow as men and women of God.

3. We need to grow.

We need to realize that we have to invest time and effort learning the tools to growth to preserve what we have and to receive much more.

B. Tools For Christian Growth : The Four Spokes

All the tools to Christian Growth are available when you join Youth for Christ.

NOTE: You can illustrate this portion by likening the tools of Christian growth to the four spokes of the wheel. The wheel represents our Christian life which draws power from the center of the wheel, or the hub, which represents Christ. The power is transmitted through the four spokes of the wheel. If any one of the four spokes is missing, the wheel will not function.




1. Prayer and Study of Scriptures

If we want to grow in our relationship with God, we need to spend time with Him in prayer and reading scriptures.

a. Decide on having prayer time - 15 minutes will do.

b. Have a regular time and place for prayer.

c. Use of prayer and scripture guides will be very helpful.



2. Fellowship

a. Fellowship is important to us.

* It is in our nature to enjoy the company of people our age. It is for this reason that teenagers have their own groups in the neighborhood, and fraternities and sororities in school.

* There seems to be a strong need for us to belong to a peer group. In a peer group, there is oftentimes peer pressure, which could be either positive or negative.

b. The YFC provides a real environment where genuine friendship can happen.

* It is a place where we experience positive peer pressure, to speak what is true and to do what is right in accordance with God's plan.

c. The YFC is a place where building strong bonds friendship and brotherhood are considered as important goals of its activities.

3. Service

a. When we are given the opportunity to serve, we grow in our relationship with God.

* Young adults are endowed with a lot of talents and energies that oftentimes are not tapped for productive use, specially in serving God.
Opportunities for serving God:
• Work with the poor – visiting GK sites, playing with children, conducting/helping talent workshops
• Family – being a source of unity in your own family
• Country – taking care of the environment, participation in nation-building activities

* We know that given the right motivation and challenges, we can be responsible and productive.

b. YFC, just like CFC, is an evangelistic group for young adults.

* Our mission is to bring God to other people.
How? By bringing your classmates or other family members to the next youth camp.

* In doing this, we develop a sense of mission. We develop our gifts and we start to make a real effort to be effective witnesses for the Lord as we serve by being a role model (ex. In school, at home, with your friends, etc)


4. Sacraments: Taking Active Part in the Church

Note: Explain each of the sacraments well

In addition to all these tools that we could use in our Christian growth, we should be aware that another important tool to further enhance this growth is to participate in the sacraments of the Church. (attending Mass on Sundays, having a regular Confession).


III. CONCLUSION

God calls us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. He loved us first, He has already died for us, He has given us His Holy Spirit, but even more, He gives us tools that we can use to grow in our relationship with Him. The challenge is left to us. . ."will we respond to that call?"

We're not saying that after giving through this youth camp, we'll be living perfect Christian lives. We'll be probably fall but it's standing up that matters most. After all, it's faithfulness, not success that God wants.

God died for us. . .Now it's time we live for Him.


















I. DIALOGUE WITH THE PARENTS


Ask parents to spend 30 minutes alone with their children. Ask them to begin the dialogue by giving / reading to each other the letters that they prepared.

Note : It is advisable to insert a time where the participants will be able to share their experiences in the camp

II. PRAY OVER


After the dialogue, the team leader explains the pray over session. Ask parents to go to their children and pray over them using this prayer.

Note: Choose a parent and a child from the participants to lead the pray over.

(You may ask the parents to first say their own prayers for their children and then repeat after the prayer below).



PRAYER FOR CHILDREN


God has given you to me,/ (name of child) / as a gift/ to love and to guide./ I wish all good things for you./ Forgive me for any hurts that I may have given you./ As I forgive you/ of the hurts you may have given me./ I now call upon you God's blessings./ May the Lord bless you and keep you./ May the Lord make His face shine upon you/ and be gracious unto you./ May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you/ and give you peace. Amen.


2. The participants/children will now pray over their parents.

a. (To the participants) We believe that the people who love you the most are your parents. But as they have striven in their own way, to express this love they may have made mistakes. Often, our resentments stem from this.

b. If we are to live a Christian life, we must first ask the Lord to heal these hurts between our parents and ourselves.

c. Ask participants to pray over their parents. (Follow the same format that was done when the parents prayed over their children).


PRAYER FOR PARENTS

God has given you to me,/ (Papa and Mama or Dad and Mom) / as my guides in His place/ here on earth./ I know that you love me / and in your love / you may have committed mistakes / that hurt me. / I forgive you for these./ I want you to know/ that I love you/ and ask for forgiveness/ for all the hurts/ I have given you./ May God bless you in everything you do./ This I pray / in the name of Jesus Christ/ my Lord and Savior./ Amen.





DEDICATION CEREMONY


NOTE: Either the team leader, or speaker may conduct the dedication ceremony. This portion is done immediately after the Talk 5 is given.
The parents will be asked to witness their child/ren in the dedication ceremony.


A. "Living out the Christian life is not easy. We need an environment that can support us in this. It is in to this that YFC would like to help."

B. "Many of us through God's grace, and with the help of the brothers and sisters have been helped in our commitment to Christ because of the environment we have in YFC. We would like to invite you to join us where we can continue support one another."

1. First, read to the participants the YFC Covenant.(Inside the YFC ID)

2 After reading the entire Commitment once, ask the participants to recite the Commitment (you may do this by reading a line at a time and asking them to repeat after you).

C. Some participants may feel discouraged to join YFC upon hearing the difficult demands of the YFC Covenant. This happens when living out this commitment perfectly is perceived to be a prerequisite in becoming a member. It should be made clear that the Statement of Commitment is simply a goal. To agree with this Commitment means supporting one another as we try to achieve this goal.




The Covenant of a Youth for Christ Member



1. I believe that I am special because I am a son / daughter of God.

* I will spend time in prayer where I can grow in loving, honoring and serving Him.
* I will learn and grow in living out these ideals and principles of my Lord Jesus.
* I believe that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I will not dishonor the Lord
through drunkenness, drugs or immorality.
* I will participate actively in the life of my Church.

2. I believe that my family is God's gift to me.

* I will love, honor and respect my parents in spite of whatever state or circumstances
they are in,
* I believe that my blood brothers and sisters are God's gift to me. I will strive to grow
in unity and understanding towards them.
* I will be a source of healing to whatever brokenness, or hurt, my family experiences.

3. I believe that it is my privilege to be studying I my school.

* I will show love and loyalty to the Lord and to my school by being a good student.
* I will take responsibility in my studies.
* I will respect school authorities.
* I will serve my classmates and build good relationships in school.

4. I believe that I belong to the bigger family of Youth for Christ.

* I will relate in love and loyalty to the brothers and sisters from other schools, cities,
provinces, states and countries.
* I will serve the Lord in YFC in whatever way I can, whenever / wherever the Lord
chooses to call me.
* I will follow the directions of my elders and leaders in YFC.

5. I believe that God has a special purpose in allowing me to be born / live in this country

* It is my privilege love, honor and serve my country.
* It is my duty to obey and respect the laws and authorities that God has placed over me.
* It is my responsibility to preserve and protect the environment.


I. The speaker or the team leader presents participants to parents explaining that their child/ren have just made their commitment to live a Christian Life. The team leader will encourage the parents to support their child/ren in the commitment they have made.

Note: Have an appropriate song played at this time. (e.g. Welcome to the Family)


II. Discuss the culture of CFC YFC:

1) YFC brothers and sisters greeting:
• Sister to sister - cheek to cheek
• Sister to brother - pat on the back
• Brother to brother - pat on the back

2) Show proper respect to your YFC couple coordinators

3) Wearing your official YFC identification card (I.D.) in all YFC activities or any CFC community related activity.


III. Allow a few minutes of sharing. (participants, parents and service team)


(mass and closing worship follows)