Yfc Youth Camp Manual (2009 Edition)
April 25, 2017 | Author: Isa Cavaneyro | Category: N/A
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CFC YOUTH FOR CHRIST 3‐Year Pastoral Formation Track Year 1
YOUTH CAMP MANUAL 2009 Revised Edition
CFC Youth for Christ
YEAR 1: YOUTH CAMP MANUAL (2009 Edition)
The CFC Youth for Christ Youth Camp Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS I. ORGANIZING A CFC YOUTH FOR CHRIST YOUTH CAMP A. The Youth Camp B. The Challenges C. The Youth Camp Objectives D. Important Conditions E. Practical Considerations II.THE TEAM LEADER’S GUIDE A. Youth Camp General Schedule of Activities B. Goals of the Youth Camp C. Achieving the goals of the Youth Camp through the YFC 4F’s D. Attitudes of the Youth Camp Team Leader E. Roles and Responsibilities of the Team Leader/Assistant Team Leader F. Roles and Responsibilities of the Couple Coordinators G. Practical Matters in the Youth Camp Preparations H. Practical Tips I. Speaker’s and Sharer’s Profile III.THE YOUTH CAMP TALKS A. The Gospel Message B. Sharing the message in the Youth Camp C. The Gospel and Youth Camp talks D. Final Tips E. Talk 1: God’s Love and His Plan for Us F. Talk 2: Who is Jesus Christ to Me? G. Talk 3: Repentance, Faith, Healing and Forgiveness H. Talk 4: Receiving God’s Gift: The Power of the Holy Spirit I. Baptism Ceremony/Pray over Session J. Commitment to Christ/Closing Exhortation K. Talk 5: Growing in the Spirit L. Dedication Ceremony M. Covenant of a Youth for Christ Member IV. ANNEXES A. Youth Camp Invitation Letter B. Reply Sheet C. CFC Youth for Christ Information Sheet D. CFC Youth for Christ Youth Camp Check List E. Parents Orientation
3‐7 3 3 4 5 6 8‐22 8 11 12 12 14 16 16 20 21
23‐61 23 23 23 24 26 31 35 42 47 49 52 59 60 62‐75 62 63 64 65 68
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F. Tongues Workshop Guide G. Guidelines in Parents’ Area Briefing H. Pre Youth Camp Report/ Youth Camp Completion Report V. YOUTH CAMP SPECIAL HANDBOOKS A. Team Leader’s Guide B. Facilitator’s Guide C. Prayer Warrior’s Guide during the Pray Over Session
69 71 72 76‐110 76 87 96
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CFC Youth for Christ
CHAPTER 1
ORGANIZING A YOUTH CAMP
A. THE CFC YFC YOUTH CAMP The entry point to the Youth for Christ (YFC), the youth program of Couples for Christ (CFC), is the Youth Camp. It is a two‐day, two‐night live‐in camp usually conducted during the summer or semestral break to officially bring teenagers and/or youth into an experience with Christ through 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 be joyful, responsible and fruitful men and women of God. The Youth Camp is not an end in itself or an annual diversion for teenagers that will give them something to do during the summer or semestral break, but it is the beginning of what will, hopefully, be a lifetime commitment and journey with God. The Youth Camp is a place where they will hear the Word of God proclaimed by other youth like themselves in an environment of fun and excitement where they do not experience any form of pressure from adults. It is venue for the youth to form and build friendship with one another through sports and games. It is an opportunity for them to share their 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 youth who are actively involved in service. This will give them opportunities to serve as speakers, facilitators, sports and games coordinators, etc. This will also provide them opportunities to grow in other services that are essential to their life as well.
B. THE CHALLENGES For the Youth Camp to be successful, it is important for the team to be aware of the challenges which they might encounter throughout the preparations:
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1. Many teenagers will come to the camp due to the encouragement and/or pressure from their parents. Because of this, the challenge to all the service team is to make the participants enjoy every moment of the activity and let them feel comfortable and welcomed. 2. The participants will be meeting a lot of people for the first time. Teenagers act naturally and openly in the company of friends but take a while to warm up to new faces. Having a Service Team will help make them feel at ease and welcome. 3. Some of the youth are difficult to handle. 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 these reasons, the presence of the Couple Coordinators in the Camp will play a very important role. It is a general rule that there should always be a Couple Coordinator/s (both husband and wife) assigned all throughout the duration of the youth camp. Their pastoral role and spiritual role is significant in ensuring a smooth and successful camp. 4. Many teenagers will find difficulty in committing to the Lord, to the YFC Community, 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, by always manifesting a joyful and friendly spirit. The team must also come up with activities that appeal to and challenge the youth who are full of energy and spirit. As to their spiritual commitment, we must remember that the youth camp serves as our way of planting the seed of God’s love to them. It is the start of our way of introducing Christ to them. The Camp is not the end but the beginning of their life long journey with God. This seed will grow in its perfect time according to the will of God for them. Let us not be frustrated if we don’t get the expected outcome and commitment we want from them as long as we know that we tried our best to make them experience God’s love all throughout the camp.
C. THE 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. a. SHORT‐TERM OBJECTIVES: 1. Make the Youth Camp a fun, exciting and life‐giving experience to the youth. 2. Help the youth experience a life giving friendship, ever growing faith and renewal in Christ.
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3. Help the youth experience healing and reconciliation with the immediate members of their family, especially their parents, by introducing a special kind of love and appreciation towards them. This is rooted in their sole love from God. 4. Give the youth the opportunity to make new friends in a healthy, nourishing, creative and joyful environment. 5. Expose the participants to other youth who find joy and fulfillment in serving the Lord and in serving one another at all times. b. LONG‐TERM OBJECTIVES: 1. Make the Youth Camp the start of a life‐long process of conversion and transformation in the life of the young. 2. By joining YFC, the youth are placed in a support environment where they can be sustained in their Christian lives. 3. By joining YFC, they can sustain and develop the friendships that were established during the camp. 4. They can also be supported in the renewed relationships that they have with their parents and their family members. 5. To create a desire, as well as a real opportunity to develop the gifts and talents of these youth in serving the Lord and in future Youth Camps. 6. Through the camp, they will hopefully go through the positive experience of the Youth Camp that will remain a special memory that the youth may look back to and draw strength throughout his or her life’s journey with Christ.
D. 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. The YFC Youth Camp 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. The Youth Camp for that matter is not conducted unless there is a real intent to establish YFC. 2. It is possible to invite children of non‐CFC members to the Youth Camp and for them to eventually join YFC provided that the CFC YFC Youth Camp should be evangelistic in nature. This activity is open to all Catholic youth ages 12‐21 years old. However, it is an important consideration for the service team to start evangelizing the children of CFC. 3. The ideal site of a Youth Camp is a retreat area or a campsite where the youth can stay‐in without disturbances or distractions. The venue should be a creative venue to conduct all necessary and important components of the camp. It should be strategic and
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conducive enough for the team to achieve all the goals and objectives of the camp. The team should be sensitive to the financial means of the participants who will be attending the camp as well. 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 or she does not have the means to pay.
4. Parents are to give written consent and to support the activities of the camp (e.g. writing letters to their children). If the camp is in a site where there is an opportunity for the youth 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 allows the youth to engage in these activities. 5. For parish based and school based youth camp, a Parents’ Forum should be conducted before the Youth Camp, where the team will 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. 6. 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. This will be discussed and agreed upon by the Coordinators and members of the service team during the planning and preparation stages of the camp.
E. PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 1. Ideally, the initiative to organize the Youth Camp starts with the Area’s YFC Couple Coordinator. (In starting areas, the area head will make the initiative in organizing the Youth Camp). They can organize just for their area of responsibility if they have enough youth participants to join the camp. They can also work with other YFC Couple Coordinators for a joint Youth Camp. a. Start by getting the approval of the CFC leader in the area. b. Survey the area and come up with a list of prospective participants. c. Work out the dates and details, such as venue of the Youth Camp.
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d. Form the team of YFC members who will serve in the team ‐‐‐‐ these include the Youth Camp Team Leader and his Assistant, Speakers, Facilitators, Music Ministry, and Servants. 2. In the Camp, the Couple Coordinators allow the Youth Camp Team Leader and Assistant, as well as the members of the Service Team, to lead the activities. The Couple Coordinators oversee the activities and provides pastoral 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 Camp Team Leader and his Assistant, the Camp Servants and the Facilitators. 4. 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. 5. During the Pray‐over Session, the team may ask support from other YFC members provided that certain rules will be set for the safety of the YFC members going home after the session during the late night session and entertainment night. Note: The CFC Member/Couple Coordinators can help as prayer warriors and in leading the rosary and prayer vigils during the pray‐over sessions. 6. Parents, one or both, are expected to send letters to their child/children and to come during the Parent‐Youth Dialogue and Dedication ceremony on the last day of the camp. This is also the special role of the couple coordinators in a youth camp. They are to make sure that the involvement of the parents in the letter writing and ensure their presence in the last day of the camp will happen. 7. It is the role of the Coordinator to ensure that before, during and after camp, they will continue to develop a special relationship with the parents of the youth, to ensure the continued support from them all throughout their journey with Christ. 8. A no‐smoking and no‐drinking rule will be observed by the participants, the Couple Coordinators and all other members of the team for the duration of the camp. Service team can also come up with a set of house rules to ensure that the youth camp will be an efficient, effective and a safe one.
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CFC Youth for Christ
CHAPTER 2
THE TEAM LEADER’S GUIDE
A. YOUTH CAMP GENERAL SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES DAY 1 SCHEDULE TIME 5:00 – 5:30PM 5:30 – 6:30 6:30 – 6:45 6:45 – 7:00
7:00 – 8:00 8:00 – 8:30
8:30 – 8:35 8:35 – 8:45
8:45 – 9:25 9:25 – 9:55
9:55 – 10:00
10:00 – 11:00 11:00 DAY 2 SCHEDULE 6:00 – 7:00AM 7:00 – 7:30 7:30 – 8:00
8:00 – 8:30 8:30 – 8:50
ACTIVITY Service team meeting Arrival/ Registration Gather/ Teaching of songs Orientation of participants Orientation to parents Dinner Gathering of participants/ Teaching of songs Opening Prayer Energizer/ Games
Person‐in‐charge Team Leader Team Leader and Music Ministry Team leader
Logistical Needs Venue Table, chairs Sound System, Guitar, and Song Sheets Venue
Couple Coordinator Camp Servant Team Leader and Music Ministry
Venue Food, Dining Area Venue, Sound System, Guitar, and Song Sheets Sound System Sound System and Games Materials Venue, Sound System, and Diagram Venue and chairs
Team Leader Team Leader
TALK 1‐ GOD'S LOVE Team Leader, AND HIS PLAN FOR US Speaker, and sharers. Group Discussion Team Leader and Facilitators Announcements/ Team Leader Closing song (if desired) Informal Fellowship Team Leader Lights out Camp Servant
Wake up call Breakfast Teaching of Songs (One Slow and one Fast) Common Prayer Time (include reflection) Gathering participants Opening Song and
Camp Servant Camp Servant Team Leader and Music Ministry Team Leader and Music Ministry Team Leader and Music Ministry
Venue and Sound System Sound System Sleeping Areas
Bell Dining Area and Food Venue, Sound System, Guitar, and Song Sheets
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8:50 – 9:30 9:30 – 10:00 10:00 – 10:30 10:30 – 10:45
10:45 – 11:30
11:30 – 12:30PM 12:30 – 1:00
1:00 – 2:00
2:00 – 5:00
5:00 – 6:30 6:30 – 7:30 7:30 – 8:00
8:00 – 8:45
8:45 – 9:00
9:00 – 10:00
10:00 – 10:15
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Prayer TALK 2 ‐ WHO IS JESUS Team Leader, Speaker, Venue and Sound CHRIST TO ME? and Sharers System Discussion Groups Team Leader and Venue Facilitators Break Food Gathering of Team Leader and Venue, Sound System, participants/ Opening Music Ministry Guitar, Song Sheets Song and Prayer TALK 3 ‐ Team Leader, Speaker Venue and Sound REPENTANCE, FAITH, and Sharers System HEALING,AND FORGIVENESS LUNCH Camp Servant Dining Area and Food Gathering and Team Leader and Venue, Sound System, teaching of songs Music Ministry Guitar, Song Sheets (One slow and one fast)/ Orientation of Facilitators for one to ones session Exhortation for the Team Leader letter writing and Letter writing Confession (a Team Leader, Priests, Confession Area and must)/One to Ones and Facilitators one on one Area Session Rest/ Fresh‐up/ Camp Servant and Venue and Guitar Tongues Workshop Team Leader Dinner Camp Servant Dining Area and Food Gathering of Team Leader Venue, Sound System, Participants/Opening Guitar, Song Sheets Prayers TALK 4‐ RECEIVING Team Leader and Venue and Sound GOD'S GIFT: THE Speaker System POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Commitment to Christ Speaker Ceremony Pray over session/ Team Leader and Pray Over Area, Prayer Worship Orientation Facilitators Warrior Area, and Guitar Group Worship Team Leader and Venue, Sound System, Music Ministry Guitar, Song Sheets
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10:15 – 10:30 10:30 – 11:00 11:00 – 12:00AM 12:00
DAY 3 SCHEDULE 7:00 – 8:00AM 8:00 – 8:15 8:15 – 8:45
8:45 – 10:00
10:00 – 10:30 10:30 – 10:45 10:45 – 11:15
11:15 – 11:30
11:30 – 12:30PM 12:30
Closing Exhortation Preparation for program Program
Team Leader Camp Servant and Facilitators Team Leader and Music Ministry Informal Fellowship Camp Servant and (Participants may stay Facilitators up, although they should respect those who are asleep. Therefore, silence should be maintained.)
Breakfast Gather/ Teach Songs Worship / Common Prayer Time TALK 5‐ GROWING IN THE SPIRIT / LIFE AND MISSION OF YFC Parent’s Forum led by Couple Coordinator Dialogue with Parents Pray over session
Camp Servant Team Leader and Music Ministry Team Leader Team Leader and Speaker Couple Coordinator
Team Leader Couple Coordinator and Team Leader Dedication Ceremony Team Leader and Sharing of Participants Music Ministry / Praisefest Preparation for Mass Couple Coordinator, Team Leader and Music Ministry MASS Priest and Music Ministry Lunch (if available) Team Leader
DAY 3 ALTERNATIVE SCHEDULE 7:00 – 8:00AM Wake up call 8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast 9:00 – 10:00 Common Prayer time 10:00 – 12:00PM Games
Dining Area and Food Venue, Sound System, Guitar, and Song Sheets
Camp Servant Camp Servant Team Leader Team Leader
Large area with sets of 3 chairs Venue, Sound System, Guitar, Song Sheets
Venue, Sound System, Guitar, Song Sheets
Dining Area and Food
Bell Dining Area and Food Venue, Sound System, Guitar, and Song
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12:00 – 1:00 1:00 – 1:15
1:15 – 1:30 1:30 – 2:00
2:00 – 2:30
2:30 – 2:45 2:45 – 3:15
4:30 – 5:00 5:00
Camp Servant Team Leader and Music Ministry Team Leader and Music Ministry Team Leader, Speaker, and Sharer
TALK 5‐ GROWING IN THE SPIRIT / LIFE AND MISSION OF YFC Dialogue with Parents Team Leader Pray over Session
3:15 – 3:30
3:30 – 4:30
Lunch Gathering of participants / Teaching of songs Worship
Sheets Dining Area and Food Venue, Sound System, Guitar, and Song Sheets
Couple Coordinator and Team Leader Dedication Ceremony Team Leader and Sharing of Participants Music Ministry / Praisefest Preparation for Mass Couple Coordinator, Team Leader and Music Ministry MASS Priest and Music Ministry Pack‐up Camp Servant HOME SWEET HOME
Large area with sets of 3 chairs Venue, Sound System, Guitar, and Song Sheets
Venue, Sound System, Guitar, Song Sheets and Mass Kit
Note to the Service Team: The schedules written in this manual should serve as a guide for the Youth Camp Service Team to follow. If circumstances call for a different schedule, the team should be flexible enough to follow as the Spirit leads them as long as it is not compromising the objectives of the camp.
B. GOALS OF THE YOUTH CAMP
The Youth camp should: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Introduce Jesus to the participants. Encourage the participants to invite Jesus into their lives. Invite the participants into the support environment of YFC. Introduce the Covenant of YFC to the participants.
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C. ACHIEVING THE GOALS OF THE YOUTH CAMP THROUGH THE 4F’S These goals should be achieved through the FOUR F’S PRINCIPLE of the YFC program as implemented in the camp activities: 1. FUN The camp contains activities that young people will enjoy. This should be an opportunity for them to experience fun in a life‐giving and nourishing way. (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 them in an environment where they can grow in their faith) initially because of friendship they make in the camps, or because of the faith of a friend in YFC. The service team is responsible in making sure that all the participants equally experience healthy friendship. 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 a personal decision to follow Christ (e.g. during pray‐over session, we don’t force the participants to commit to Christ or to join YFC during the commitment ceremony) 4. FAITH The camp provides the participants a lot of opportunities to learn more about Jesus and grow in their Faith and relationship with Him (e.g. prayers, worship, talks, and group discussions).
D. ATTITUDES OF THE YOUTH CAMP TEAM LEADER
1. The Team Leader should strive to be a person of vision. a. He must at least understand and uphold the 7 Identities of YFC by heart. The team leader lives out all these values through his own witnessing and example. b. He sees that the Youth Camp is not an end but the beginning of a process of growth for the life of the participants. 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.
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Note: For new areas with 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 lookout 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. He is open to the leading of the Spirit all throughout the camp especially suggestions and feedbacks from the service team and their couple coordinators. b. As the one who will be speaking in front of the participants most of the time, he clarifies and makes sure that his co ‐ team leader, the Couple Coordinators/ 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, and examples from current movie and music trends and illustrate 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) • Reviewing all the talk outlines and will be ready to give the talks at any point if the speaker will not be able to make it on the day itself. • 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. • He honors the work of the team and the coordinators and constantly affirms and exhorts them to seek God in the camp. • He is concern with all the needs of the service team as well as those of the participants. • He handles everything with patience and love at all times.
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E. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TEAM LEADER AND THE ASSISTANT TEAM LEADER 1. Each Youth Camp has only one team leader; a brother and an assistant team leader; a sister. a. The Team leader leads the sessions. • Leads prayer, 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 after the Pray‐over of Parents and Child/children. He is the person who understands all the sessions and knows all the participants well. b. The Assistant Leader is there to respond to the needs of the sisters and to provide inputs 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: There will be two camp servants; one for the brothers and the other for the sisters. Have one camp servant sit near the team leader for more effective coordination. The other camp servant should be at the back, ready to bring inputs from the Couple Coordinator. c. The team leader and the assistant team leader together with their Couple Coordinators work in consultation with each other for unity and provide focus for the team. d. The team leader and the assistant team leader should be prepared to give any of the five talks. e. Make sure that the Camp Schedule is followed. • Start and end the sessions on time • Let the speaker know when the time is up. • Have signages posting the regular schedule. This will remind participants when they should be on the session hall or dining hall. Note: The service team should be the model/ example of following the schedule of the camp.
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2. Both leaders can give inputs regarding practical and pastoral matters to the Couple Coordinators and/or School Coordinator. 3. The team leader leads the team while the assistant team leader documents and takes note of important things in the meeting and makes sure that all the details in the camp are well executed and done. a. Facilitates the youth team meetings/ service 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. Makes 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. Corrects the team if needed or give positive and negative feedback to the service team at the end of each day. This will put order and focus on the goals that the camp should have for the next day. • Corrects both the group as a whole or approaches individuals in the team for more personal matters. • Corrects the participants in a brotherly or sisterly way through the facilitators/ or the Couple Coordinators if needed. Note: In situations that are highly personal, correction is done one to one, brother to brother, sister to sister. The Couple Coordinators should course their corrections toward the youth through the leaders. d. The team leader and assistant team leader encourages and empowers the team. • Exhorts • Takes every opportunity to commend them. e. The team leader and assistant team give advice to the members of the team. 4. They Assist the Speakers. a. Makes a demographic orientation of the participants to help the speakers relate and connect to them easily and appropriately. b. Make sure they get to the camp on time and that they come prepared.
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c. Help the speaker in preparing for the talk (i.e. Pointing out the “practical tips in giving talks” found in Chapter 3 of this manual). d. Let the speaker know if time is “up” for the talk. e. They listen to the speaker well so they can recap or further strengthen/ explain important points of the talks. 5. Make sure that the four Fs (fun, friendship, freedom & faith) are used, exercised and practiced properly. 6. Make sure that the 7 Identities of YFC is in the heart of every member of the service team and in ever activity in the youth camp.
F. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUPLE COORDINATORS 1. They must have a close coordination with the team leader and assistant team before, during, and after the camp. 2. They should coordinate the schedule of the Youth Camp with the CFC Chapter. 3. They should act as parents to everyone in the camp. 4. The Couple Coordinators need to follow up the parents that they should attend the Parent’s Forum and Dedication Ceremony as well as the letters the parents have to prepare for their children for the activity on the last day of the camp. 5. Conducts the Parents’ Orientation. 6. They make sure that the participants will be able to attend the Holy Eucharist. 7. They must be an example in speech and in conduct to the youth. 8. Intercede for prayers for the whole duration of the youth camp.
G. PRACTICAL MATTERS IN THE YOUTH CAMP PREPARATIONS 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 and service team. c. Set a youth camp training at least 1 month before the camp. d. Submit a Youth Camp Proposal to the CFC Chapter and Area Coordinators. 2. The team leaders, coordinators, and camp facility administrators should clarify and agree on Camp rules (e.g. curfews, entertainment activities, bonfire, types of prayers ‐ Pray over session, noise level etc.).
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3. Plan follow‐up activities to the camp (Activities will be the 1st Chapter Assembly of the participants, Covenant Orientation schedule and 1st Household) Note: Make sure that you will be able to announce at least one follow up activity before the Youth Camp ends. 4. Set the next team meetings 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). 5. Decide on team assignments (facilitators, speakers, sharers etc.). 6. All service team should go to the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, Sacrament of Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the youth camp. 7. Limit the number of service team. (It is more effective to have few equipped service team than a large crowd so that everyone has a chance to serve and not just to visit the camp.) Other Visitors or support group are only encourage to come during the Entertainment Night and/or during the 4th Talk. 8. All potential Facilitators should undergo the Household Leaders’ Training since they will be the future Household Heads of the new YFC. The Couple Coordinator should set the time and place for these meetings. 9. All Service Team members should be at the campsite early to intercede and have an ocular inspection of the place. Conduct worship and binding and casting upon arrival. 10. Make sure that there is enough number of participants in the camp—enough number that the team can manage, can shoulder the food and accommodation of service team members, can deliver the best quality of the camp, and can inspire the YFC and couple coordinators to serve more. CAMP PROPER: 1. 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. 2. Be sure to make the participants fill up the info sheets (2x2 pictures should be submitted together with the info sheets for documentation purposes). 3. IDs should be given before the session starts and should be collected after the day.
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4. It is required that there will be a Youth Camp Kit (copy of songs, sheets of paper, and ball pen). 5. There should be separate rooms for accommodation of boys and girls. 6. Service team members must share the same room with the participants to control things that should be addressed. (Lights off, vices, wake‐up call etc.). 7. All throughout the Camp, the meaning of songs should be well explained and taught. 8. It is suggested to have at least one game/energizer/ice breaker before the session. 9. The presence of a Coordinator is required in the whole duration of the camp. 10. It is highly recommended to have a creative presentation in every talk except during the 4th talk. 11. Ideally, the priest conducting the Holy Eucharist and Confession should be scheduled a month before the Youth Camp. IMPORTANT REMINDERS DURING THE 4TH SESSION: 1. The use of Candles during the ceremony is only an enhancer. The receiving of the Holy Spirit can still push through even without it. 2. The Reflection songs during the “baptism ceremony” are also enhancers to bring the participants into the solemnity of prayer and reflection. Let’s focus on the power of the Holy Spirit than dwelling on other unnecessary drama for this session. 3. Every pray‐over station is God’s dwelling place. The Holy Spirit cannot be contained in rosary and bible during pray‐over. The absence of it should not be a reason for the pray‐ over not to take place. (The Rosary and the Bible should be our Catholic symbols of faith but should not be use for wrong religious practices or displays.) 4. The whole session 4 is a time for deep prayer. Prayer is best done in a bright atmosphere; there is no need for us to turn off the lights. It is also important that we conduct the pray‐over session in a conducive and well‐lighted room. 5. Prayer warriors should pray until the end of the pray‐over session.
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6. This 4th session is one of the most important part of the youth camp. One way of preparing for it is to remind the service team and participants to dress appropriately. (Although no dress code or color code is required) 7. There must be a crucifix inside the session hall throughout the Camp. This is a reminder that the camp should be focused and centered on Christ. 8. During pray‐ over session, facilitators must not leave the place unattended. 9. The speaker for the 4th talk is a pastorally mature YFC brother, although exceptions can be made if it is an all girls camp. 10. There should be a full worship to end the session instead of a praisefest after the pray‐ over session. (Refer to Talk 4 Expanded Talk Outline) 11. Closing exhortation should be given after the worship. Session Flow/ Session Patterns 1. Gathering/Teaching of songs 2. Ice breaker 3. Prayer or worship 4. Introduction/ Connect next talk from previous talks 5. Talk Proper 6. Sharing 7. Wrap up/ summary 8. Discussion Groups/Activity POST CAMP: 1. The Team Leader should conduct leaders training especially for new areas where structures are not in place. 2. Make sure there are activities scheduled immediately after the camp which the participants can look forward to (e.g. fellowships, chapter assemblies, households, etc.) 3. Prepare the facilitators to become Household Head. (Refer to Household Heads Training Program. This should be done one month before the Youth Camp.) 4. Set evaluation meeting with the team and Couple Coordinators. 5. Make sure that the Completion Report is filled out by the Couple Coordinators. (See Annex)
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6. There should be a batch picture for documentation attached to the collected information sheets. 7. There should also be a conscious and strong effort from the Coordinators and Team Leaders to give an announcement of HH groupings after each camp to ensure that new members will be sustained and will be taken cared of after the youth camp. 8. The information sheets will be filed by the Couple Coordinators. This will be handed to the new coordinators when the YFC moves to another chapter, service, or program.
H. OTHER PRACTICAL TIPS 1. Purpose of Mingling a. Allows you to relate to the participants/team and makes you more effective in building relationship. b. Helps spot potential leaders among the participants and the service team. c. Builds friendship among participants. 2. Purpose of Seating Arrangement (the ideal arrangement is U shape) a. It is easier to speak to the audience because distance is cut. b. Removes the formality of a classroom setting. c. Participants end up encouraging one another to be more participative. d. The one speaking in front becomes part of the group. 3. Purpose of Songs a. Teaches us to pray and makes prayer more enjoyable. b. Because songs are enjoyable, God’s message is received with the least resistance from the participants. c. Makes each activity participative. d. Energizes the sessions (wakes people up). e. Can be used to emphasize a point in any of the talks/ sharing’s. f. Use as a means to gather people to start the sessions and assemblies. Note to the Music Ministry: The Music ministry should always stay in front to establish rapport with the participants. It will be easier for them to teach songs and encourage the participants to sing. This will also allow better coordination between the music ministry and the team leader. The Music Ministry should be sensitive during sessions specially in tuning up the guitar and other musical instruments.
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4. Purpose of Humor a. Makes participants listen/ enjoy the sessions. b. Establishes support/ interaction between the team leader/ speaker and the participants. c. Makes a point easy to remember by the participants. 5. Purpose of Games a. Makes sessions enjoyable. b. Makes activities participative. c. Energizes the camp.
I. SPEAKER’S AND SHARER’S PROFILE
Speaker’s Profile (all speakers must be a YFC members/leader): 1. Talk no.1 speaker is a YFC leader who can relate well with the youth and can capture the attention of the participants. Someone who can give it in a lively and exciting way but not losing the message of the talk. 2. Talk no. 2 speaker is a YFC leaders who has established a personal relationship with Christ. Someone who have felt what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ 3. Talk no. 3 speaker is a YFC leader who has the integrity and conviction in advocating 100% PURE program. Someone whose story can talk about repentance, faith, healing and forgiveness 4. Talk no. 4 speaker should be a YFC brother except for an ALL Girls camp. 5. Talk no. 5 speaker should be a well‐experienced Kasangga member/Chapter Heads up. 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 (all sharers must be YFC member/ leader): 1. Talk no. 1 sharer is someone who has experienced the love of God in small and extravagant things. 2. Talk no. 2 sharer is someone who has felt how important his relationship with Jesus in his life. Someone whose relationship with Jesus transcends other than being God; sees Jesus as the father, hero, healer or miracle‐worker. 3. Talk no.3 sharer should be someone who has gone through the issues of the youth and is now victorious of his/her conversion story and someone who can share about his/ her love story with God from being good to better Christian.
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4. Talk no. 5 sharer 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).
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CHAPTER 3
THE YOUTH CAMP TALKS
A. 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. Many different influences around them 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 notion their peers invite them into, whether it is drugs or drinking, being popular, being "in" or just simply living for the moment, still the thirst is there for the truth—their hearts are 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.
B. SHARING THE 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 entire 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 and through the talks and the activities of the Youth Camp.
C. THE GOSPEL AND THE YOUTH CAMP TALKS To be able to share the Gospel message in an orderly and simple way, different points were divided into five (5) talks. Each talk helps the speaker impart this message effectively. So as not to compromise and give an incomplete Gospel, the talks include some basic catechism and 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.
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BASIC GOSPEL TRUTH YOUTH CAMP TALK God's Love for Mankind; His Plan for Man's God's Love and His Plan for Us Fullness of Life with Him Introduces the ultimate expression of God's Who is Jesus Christ To Me? love ‐‐ Jesus Christ Man’s sin as he turns away from God’s plan Repentance, Faith, Healing and Forgiveness Man's Response: Accepting God's Invitation God's Gift: The Power of the Holy Spirit and Living as His People Growing deeper in one’s personal relationship Growth Talk/ Life and Vision of YFC with Jesus through community. 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 them 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.
D. 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
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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 forgetting or failing to stress the basic or main point of your message. Often jokes can even be made use as means to drive 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. It is also possible to make the points of your outline flow from a story to the next. 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 is them 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 true 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).
8. To ensure that we maintain the interest of participants, let us use creative visual and PowerPoint’s in giving the talks. Visual media will help in sustaining the attention span of our participants and will make them more interested to listen and remember the points in the talk.
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GOD’S LOVE AND HIS PLAN FOR US TALK ONE OF THE YFC YOUTH CAMP SESSION DYNAMICS OBJECTIVES: 1. Let the participants realize that God loves them so much. 2. Let them be aware of the great plan of God in our lives. 3. Challenge them to respond to His love. SPEAKER’S PROFILE: 1. A YFC leader who can relate well to the youth and can capture the attention of the participants. 2. Someone who can give it in a lively and exciting way but not losing the message of the talk. SHARERS’ PROFILE: (One brother and one sister will share in this talk) Sharer 1 – A YFC member who has experienced the love of God in small things. Sharer 2 – A YFC member who has experienced the love of God in extravagant way. DYNAMICS: 1. After the youth camp orientation and dinner, the team leader gathers the participants for the teaching of songs followed by an opening prayer and energizer. He will then introduce the speaker. 2. Show the opening AVP presentation. This is optional; if the team can make a video that depicts the current situation and issues in the society especially that concerns the youth then they can show it. 3. Talk Proper 4. Just before the continuing to conclusion, the speaker will show Diagram 1 and then Diagram 2 to emphasize more on the role of Jesus Christ. 5. After the conclusion, the speaker calls on the two sharers. Each sharer will be given 5‐7 minutes to share how they have experienced God’s love. 6. The speaker will lead the participants to a reflection how they have felt God’s love while the music ministry plays the reflection song softly. a. Song Profile: Song about God’s unconditional love for us b. Suggested Song: Strong Arm or other song that is related to the talk. (Secular songs that has the same message can also be used)
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7. Show the closing video presentation. This is optional; if the team can make a video that shows all the beauty of creation and ends it with a statement: God made all these for you, He truly loves you. 8. The speaker will now call the team leader. He will announce the discussion groups and the respective facilitator. As soon as the names of the participants are called the facilitator will gather them in an area conducive for discussion. 9. The groups will be given 30 minutes for the group discussion. Discussion Starter: a. Have a getting to know activity and/or create a name for the group, a chant or a gesture/clap, etc. b. Share an experience or area of your life where you felt most loved by God.
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GOD’S LOVE AND HIS PLAN FOR US TALK ONE OF THE YFC YOUTH CAMP 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, "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope." (Jeremiah 29:11). This is all because of His great love for us. This is his great plan for us. 1. Plans for your welfare, not for woe. God is always after our wellbeing, our happiness and safety. As God’s own, everything that comes from Him is good. When He created us, He created us to last forever. 2. Plans to give you a future full of hope. As uncertain as the future is, God guarantees us that not even a part of it will be in despair and that the whole and everything in it is positive and desirable. 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).
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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 (world): poverty (ex. people in other countries are starving), same sex marriage, rampant teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, abortion, global warming, etc. • On a local scale (in our country): state local issues relevant in your area like drug addiction, corruption, street crime, etc. • On our self: insecurity, hatred, pessimism, doubt, peer pressure, etc. • In our families: we have broken relationships; some people we know have broken families; sometimes we really don’t make time to spend with them, sibling rivalry, etc. 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 from 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)
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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 1: Sin separates God from man.
DIAGRAM 2: Christ bridges the separation
GOD
MAN
GOD JESUS MAN
SIN
III. CONCLUSION (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.) “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. (The speaker calls on the two sharers) (The speaker then leads them to a reflection) (Optional: Show closing AVP presentation to enhance reflection activity and group discussions.)
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WHO IS JESUS CHRIST TO ME? TALK TWO OF THE YFC YOUTH CAMP SESSION DYNAMICS OBJECTIVES: 1. Let the participants know who is Jesus Christ. 2. Identify who Jesus claimed to be. 3. Realize the best response to Jesus’ invitation of having a personal relationship with Him. SPEAKER’S PROFILE: 1. A YFC leader who has established a personal relationship with Christ. 2. Someone who have felt what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ. SHARERS’ PROFILE: (There will be 2 sharers in this talk: One brother and one sister) Sharer 1 – A YFC member who has felt how important his relationship with Jesus in his life. Sharer 2 – Someone whose relationship with Jesus transcends other than being God; sees Jesus as the father, hero, healer or miracle‐worker. DYNAMICS: 1. After the common prayer time, the team leader gathers the participants for the teaching of songs followed by an opening song and prayer. He will then introduce the speaker. 2. Talk Proper 3. Just before the conclusion, the speaker calls on the two sharers. Each sharer will be given 5‐7 minutes to share who is Jesus Christ to them. 4. The speaker continues with the conclusion. 5. The speaker will lead the participants to a reflection on who is Jesus Christ to them and their response to His invitation while the music ministry plays the reflection song softly. a. Song profile: The general message of the song expresses the identity of Jesus. b. Suggested songs: Above All 6. The team leader will then ask the participants to have their group discussion. 7. The groups will be given 30 minutes for the group discussion. Discussion Starters: a. Who is Jesus to you? b. What can you do to respond to Jesus invitation of having a personal relationship with Him?
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WHO IS JESUS CHRIST TO ME? TALK TWO OF THE YFC YOUTH CAMP 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?
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B. Misconceptions 1. Jesus is strange. 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 known authorities of His time. (Matthew 23:1‐27).
3. Jesus is 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 is an 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) Nature seemed to believe Him and recognize this authority. (Refer to Luke 8:22‐26) 2. He forgave sins; 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.
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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. 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? (At this point, the speaker calls on the 2 sharers) (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. (The speaker then leads the participants to a reflection)
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REPENTANCE, FAITH, HEALING AND FORGIVENESS TALK THREE OF THE YFC YOUTH CAMP SESSION DYNAMICS OBJECTIVES: 1. Let the participants understand how to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 2. Let them go through the steps by step processes in establishing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 3. Give them basic understanding of repentance, faith, healing, and forgiveness. SPEAKER’S PROFILE: 1. A YFC leader who has integrity and conviction in advocating 100% FREE program. 2. Someone whose story can talk about repentance, faith, healing and forgiveness. SHARERS’ PROFILE: (A brother and sister will share in this talk) Sharer 1 – A YFC member who has gone through the issues of the youth and is now victorious of his/her conversion story. Sharer 2 – Someone who can share about his/ her love story with God from being good to better Christian. DYNAMICS: 1. After the break, the team leader gathers the participants for the teaching of songs followed by an opening song and prayer. He will make sure that the participants have pen and paper before introducing the speaker. 2. Opening activity: This is optional; if the team can come up with a creative skit or AVP depicting various sins of humanity (global and local) then they can show it before the speaker enters. 3. Talk Proper 4. Just after Part III‐B2 (how healing occurs), the speaker calls on the two sharers. Each sharer will be given 5‐7 minutes to share their personal stories. 5. After the sharing, the speaker continues with the conclusion. 6. The speaker will lead the participants to Activity 1 and Activity 2 while the music ministry plays the reflection song softly. Activity 1: The Leader asks participants to write down the things that they want to give up to God (sins, the people who have hurt them, people whom they have hurt)
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Activity 2: 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 asked forgiveness for the second list. After that, the participants may be encouraged to write a letter to their parents for the same purpose. The team leader should make sure that this letter is completed during the third day’s prayer time. 7. Reflection Song a. Song Profile: Song of surrender to the Lord b. Suggested song: I Give My All 8. The team leader will ask the participants that the session has not ended yet. The participants are encouraged to continue on reflecting while having lunch. 9. The service team should be discreet also and respect the reflection mode. 10. After having lunch, the team leader gathers the participants for the teaching of songs (preferably a slow song). 11. The team Leader exhorts the participants for the letter‐writing activity. 12. The participants will not be pressured to finish the letter at that moment; they have until the next day’s common prayer time to finish it. 13. The team leader will remind them the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and tell them that a priest is available for Confession. 14. While the participants are waiting for their turn for confession, their facilitators will now conduct a one‐to‐one session with them
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REPENTANCE, FAITH, HEALING AND FORGIVENESS TALK THREE OF THE YFC YOUTH CAMP EXPANDED OUTLINE Optional opening activity: Creative Skit or AVP depicting various sins of humanity (global and local) 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 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).
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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. Repentance should be desired by the person and not pressured by any other reason. It is a determination of the person to change. c. In this case, it is deciding and to turn away from sin and look towards God. Repentance will always lead us to a deeper relationship with God. We look upon God and live in presence. d. Refer to Luke 15:17‐21 3. Some sins to repent from: Note: • The Speaker can read “The Ten Commandments” in Exodus 20: 1‐17 as a reference. • This section does not focus on the chief sources of sins‐ 7 Capital Sins but on the common sins committed by youth and what made it a sin. The Seven Capital Sins are just a reference for the speaker. a. Rebelliousness: to parents, authorities and society. (e.g. answering back, vandalism) These are sins because God told us to respect our parents in Exodus 20:12. b. Cheating, lying, stealing, cursing, green jokes, slander and gossip. c. Vices, Abuse of alcohol, illegal drugs. d. Sexual sins: necking, petting, pornography, masturbation, homosexual acts, etc. e. Horoscope, superstition, spiritualism, non‐Christian religions. f. Addiction to computer games, talking hours on the phone, hanging out with friends.
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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. 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. We go to confession because we are all sinners and we are sorry for what we did. “If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.” 1 John 1:9 B. Have 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.
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2. The characteristics 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, especially 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
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2. Healing Occurs a. b. c. d.
When we forgive When we ask for forgiveness When we humbly ask God to heal us When we serve others, focus more on helping others “heal” instead of focusing on ourselves
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. (The Team Leader conducts Activity 1 and 2. Refer to Team Leaders Handbook ‐ ‐ “The Sessions and their Purpose” for the activity after this talk)
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RECEIVING GOD’S GIFT: THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TALK FOUR OF THE YFC YOUTH CAMP SESSION DYNAMICS OBJECTIVES: 1. Give the participants a basic understanding of the Holy Spirit and make them appreciate its power and gifts. 2. Let them know how to receive and experience the power of the Holy Spirit. 3. Help them receive the power of the Holy Spirit through the pray‐over session. 4. Teach them how to praise and worship God. SPEAKER’S PROFILE: The speaker should be a brother who is also a YFC leader. A sister YFC leader can give the talk if it is in an ALL girls youth camp. DYNAMICS: 1. After dinner, the team leader gathers the participants and reminds them to dress properly for the next session. He will lead the opening prayer with a song before introducing the speaker. 2. Talk proper 3. After the conclusion, the speaker will explain and give some tips on the pray‐over ceremony. 4. The speaker will continue with the Commitment to Christ Ceremony. 5. The speaker prepares the participants for the pray‐over ceremony and cues the facilitators if they can now start with the ceremony. 6. After the participants are prayed‐over they are encouraged to stay in a prayerful mood. 7. As soon as all the participants are prayed over, the team leader will give a brief explanation of what and how is worship done. (Refer to the Team Leaders’ Handbook) 8. Full Worship to be led by the team leader. The team leader will give the closing exhortation.
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RECEIVING GOD’S GIFT: THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TALK FOUR OF THE YFC YOUTH CAMP EXPANDED OUTLINE Note: The duration of the talk will be 30‐40 minutes. The Goal of the speaker is to 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. (refer to the main points of the talk outline) I. INTRODUCTION: Christians Today and Before A. Christians today: Christians today can't seem to live as they should; they seem weak, lacking power. A lot of people today including the youth have forgotten to dream big and just settle for less. Many people think that life is hopeless. However, Christians were not always like that. B. Christians before: The Christians in the early Church possessed 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. B. The Holy Spirit is God, the 3rd Person in the Blessed Trinity who proceeds from the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is equal to the Father and the Son because He is God.
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C. 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. Union with God (I am united with God) – 1Jn 3:24
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 nature (I am a new being) – 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 (I have the 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.)
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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 ask 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. The gifts are wisdom, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, faith, tongues, knowledge, and interpretation Note: The speaker should explain all the gifts of the spirit but would give emphasis on the Gift of Tongues. The explanation below is a reference for the speaker on the different spiritual gifts.
The Nine Spiritual Gifts i. 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. ii. Healing – is the supernatural ability to effect a cure of physical or other human illness through prayer iii. 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. iv. Prophecy ‐ is the gift by which a person is used by God to speak on his behalf v. Discernment ‐ is the gift by which a person can recognize the spirit behind a particular situation. vi. 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.
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vii. 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. viii. 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. ix. 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. 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. Unrepentant Attitude (“I am never wrong”) 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. Feeling of Unworthiness (“Am I worthy?”) Everyone is unworthy, what the Lord requires is simply a humble spirit that approaches Him in repentance and asks for forgiveness. 3. Pride (“I am too cool for this”) 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.
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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. Doubt (“Are you for real?”) Encourage the participants to focus on what's true. God promised His spirit and He won't go back on His word. 5. Reliance on non‐Christian beliefs and objects (“I get strength from these things”) Example: amulets, “anting anting”, agimat, etc. IV. CONCLUSION (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.
PRAY OVER SESSION (BAPTISM) V. PRAY OVER SESSION EXPLANATION Note: We recommend that the speaker should conduct 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 Session 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.
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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.
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Prayer of Deliverance: Casting out the works of Satan in your 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.
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Go back to your seat; we will end together once everyone has been prayed for.
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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.
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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.
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Once you've run out of words to worship God, utter the first syllables that comes into your mind and use this for worship.
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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. Here I am to Worship, Heaven). We recommend that there should only be one song for reflection. 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.
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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. WORSHIP (Refer to the Team Leaders’ Handbook) VII. 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.
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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.
VIII.
CONCLUSION “When the Holy Spirit 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, and by His Spirit we can be faithful to Him.)
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GROWING IN THE SPIRIT TALK FIVE OF THE YFC YOUTH CAMP SESSION DYNAMICS OBJECTIVES: 1. Help the participants sustain and deepen their personal relationship with God through the tools for Christian Growth. 2. Invite the participant to YFC Community. 3. Introduce them to the covenant of YFC. SPEAKER’S PROFILE: 1. A YFC leader who is a well‐experienced in the community. 2. His/her growth in YFC should be very evident in his service and life. 3. He/ She should be a person who walks his/ her talk. SHARERS’ PROFILE: (1 brother and 1 sister; one of them should have recently graduated in a Youth Camp) A YFC member who really used the tools in his/ her growth towards holiness. DYNAMICS: 1. After the common prayer time, the team leader gathers the participants and collects the letter. He will lead the opening prayer with a song before introducing the speaker. 2. Talk proper 3. While the talk is going on, the parents are gathered in a separate room where they cannot be seen. They will be briefed of what is going to happen next. 4. Just before the conclusion, the speaker calls on the two sharers. Each sharer will be given 2‐5 minutes to share how they have used the tools in their Christian growth. 5. The Speaker continues with the conclusion. 6. The team leader will set the mood and distribute the letters from their parents at the same time in the parents’ area the letters from the participants are also distributed.
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7. The parents will be called over to spend 30 minutes alone with their children with the following discussion starter: a. Read the letters. b. Verbalize what is in the letter. c. Ask forgiveness from each other. d. Express gratitude to each other. 8. The team leader gathers everyone in the session hall and conducts the Pray‐over. 9. The team leader reads to them the covenant of YFC and invites them to YFC. Those who want to join YFC will be asked to stand up and participate in the Dedication Ceremony. 10. A sharing of experiences from the participants, service team or parents will then follow. 11. The whole session will be closed with a Praisefest. 12. The team leader will announce the next HH meeting and the next activity of the chapter.
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GROWING IN THE SPIRIT TALK FIVE OF THE YFC YOUTH CAMP 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 and support pillars to preserve what we have and to receive much more.
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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.
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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. •
•
•
Youth are endowed with a lot of talents and energies that oftentimes are not tapped for productive use, especially in serving God. We have a lot of opportunities to serve such as YCOM (YFC Communications). A special program that involves events, music min etc. Youth are the hope of today. We are called to love the poor and move towards nation building. We have this good news called CFC ANCOP. (ANCOP is our community’s work with the poor. ANCOP Stands for “ANSWERING THE CRY OF THE POOR”) 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 teenagers. • 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. 4. Sacraments: Taking an Active Part in the Church
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. (e.g. attending mass on Sundays, having a regular confession). Note: The speaker should give focus on the sacraments that the youth can receive and mentions the other sacraments. The explanation below is just a reference for the speaker on the Seven Sacraments.
The following are the Seven Sacraments
a. Baptism We were baptized in order to be saved. (John 3:5). The original sin is forgiven. We become children of God and members of the church.
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b. Reconciliation (John 20:22‐23) All of us need the sacrament of penance, because all of us are sinners. (1John1:8‐9). We cannot say that there is no need to confess our sins to the priest, and that we can confess our sins straight to God (Matthew 16:19). Penance remits all sins, and gives us the sanctifying grace. c. Holy Eucharist (Mark 14:22‐24) We receive the body and blood of Christ. We are in communion with the Church and we receive eternal life.
d. Confirmation (Acts 2:1‐4 and Acts 19:6) We receive the Holy Spirit and become soldier of Christ. e. Marriage (Matthew 19:5) Covenant of love between a man and a woman. f. Holy Orders (Luke 22:19‐20) When we receive the vocation from the Lord we should have the courage to abandon everything and follow Him. g. Anointing of the Sick They will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover (Mark 16:18) Confers the sacramental grace on the sick person. (The speaker calls on the two sharers) 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 those 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 am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in Him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. John 15:5
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PARENTS DIALOGUE 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. Discussion Starter: a. Read the letters b. Verbalize what is in the letter c. Ask forgiveness from each other d. Express gratitude to each other Note: It is advisable to insert a time where the participants will be able to share their experiences in the camp
PRAY OVER 1. 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.
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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: The team leader will conduct the dedication ceremony. This portion is done immediately after the Pray‐Over Session of the Parents and Child/children. The parents will be asked to witness their child/children in the dedication ceremony. I. "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." II. "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." A. Read first to the participants the YFC Statement of Commitment. (Inside the YFC ID) B. A YFC ID will be given to all the participants by the service team. C. The Music Ministry will play one reflection song while the participants go through the YFC Statement of Commitment. D. After they read the entire Commitment once, the team leader will 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). III. Some participants may feel discouraged to join YFC upon hearing the difficult demands of the Statement of Commitment. 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.
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The Covenant of a Youth for Christ Member 1. 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. 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 any family brokenness or hurts.
3. 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 belong to the bigger family of CFC 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. God has a special purpose in allowing me to be born/live in this country • • • • •
I commit to love and serve my country with all my heart. I will honor our culture, our traditions and our values. I will give the best of myself to bring out the best to my countrymen. I commit to being a champion of the poor and inspire my family, friends and areas of influence to be the same. I will strive to preserve and protect the environment.
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IV. The speaker or the team leader presents participants to parents explaining that their child/children have just made their commitment to live a Christian Life. The team leader will encourage the parents to support their child/children in the commitment they have made. Note: Have an appropriate song played at this time. (E.g. Welcome to the Family) V. Discuss the culture of CFC YFC: 1. YFC brothers and sisters greeting: • Sister to sister ‐pat on the back/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. VI. SHARING (From the participants, parents and service team) VII. PRAISEFEST VIII.
ANNOUNCEMENTS • HH groupings • Next Activity
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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL ANNEXES SAMPLE CAMP INVITATION LETTER January 12, 2006 Dear Parents, Christ's Peace be with you! Your child has been invited to a Youth Camp scheduled on __________________ to be held at _________________________. The Youth Camp is the entry point to the CFC Youth for Christ (YFC) program of Couples for Christ. It is an experience which will afford your child the opportunity to know Jesus Christ in a personal way and build Christian friendships with other young adults in the High School and College levels. This will be achieved through a program consisting of talks and sharing’s by young adults as well as fun‐filled activities utilizing the talents and skills of the participants. The success of this program largely depends on your involvement especially after the camp. In this regard, we would like to share with you and the other parents more features of the YFC program through the parent’s orientation scheduled on _______________________ to be held at the Youth Camp venue. The camp fee of ________ will cover complete board and lodging and camp materials. Please let us know if there are any financial constraints, so we can make arrangements for your child ahead of time. Registration for the Youth Camp will be from ___________ to _________ of the first day. Your children are enjoined to bring clothing provisions good for two nights and two days. Also, if desired, your children may bring additional snacks. Kindly accomplish the attached reply form and information sheet so we include your child in the list of participants. We are looking forward to seeing you and your child (children) at the camp. Thank you and God bless! Yours in Christ, _____________________________ YFC Chapter Head _____________________________ CFC Chapter Coordinator
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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL ANNEXES REPLY SHEET A. FOR YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN CAMP (Please check one) I/We grant permission for our child (children) to attend Name of child (children) Age ________________________________________________ __________ ________________________________________________ __________ ________________________________________________ __________ ________________________________________________ __________ I/We regret that our child (children) cannot attend for the following reasons: ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ B. FOR PARENTS ORIENTATION (Please check one) Mother and Father will attend Father only will attend Mother only will attend Guardian will attend ________________________________ ____________________________ FATHER'S SIGNATURE MOTHER'S SIGNATURE (Over printed name) (Over printed name) If not living with parents, ________________________________ GUARDIAN’S SIGNATURE (Over printed name. State relationship to participant) Address:_______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Tel. # : _____________________
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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL ANNEXES INFORMATION SHEET Sector/Cluster /Chapter /Area : ___________________________________ Youth Camp Date : ___________________________________ I. General Information Name: _______________________________________ Nickname:___________ (Surname) (Given name) (m.i) Address: ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Home no.: ___________ Mobile no.: _____________ E‐mail: ___________ Birthday :_________ School/Grade or Year level/Course: _________________________________________________ Special Skills (ex. Playing musical instruments, dancing, singing, etc.): _____________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Other Seminars / Retreats Attended: (extracurricular, religious, etc.) ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ II. Membership in School and Parish Organizations: ORGANIZATION POSITION / Nature of Service ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ III. Indicate illness that will require special attention: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ IV. Parental Information Name of Father : _____________________ Occupation:________________ Name of Mother: ________________________ Occupation: ________________ Organizations of parents: (If members of Couples for Christ indicate Area / Chapter). Father:_________________________________________________________ Mother:________________________________________________________ Persons to notify in case of emergency Name Relationship Phone _____________________________________________________________________________
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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL ANNEXES YOUTH CAMP CHECKLIST Cluster / Chapter / Area: ___________________________ Youth Camp Date: ___________________________ A. VENUE: ___________________________________________ Tel.#_______________________ Address :( Include map if needed): ________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 1. Camp Fee: _________________________ 2. Number of Participants: _________________________ 3. Food Provisions: _________________________ 4. Contact Person: _________________________ Tel.#: _________________________ B. MATERIALS 1. Songbooks/Song sheets 3. First Aid and medicine 4. Bell 2. Whiteboard w/ marker or Blackboard w/ chalk or 5. Emergency Lights overhead projector 6. Sound System/ microphones a. Registration materials: 7. YFC Covenant Ids 8. Youth Camp Manual b. Information sheets 9. Holy Bible c. Official receipt and cash box 10. Crucifix 11. Candles d. Pentel pens, ball pens, paper 12. Novelty Table e. Envelopes 13. Youth Camp Completion Report f. Tape 14. Others g. Scissors h. Stapler i. Youth Camp ID’s for participants C. SERVICE TEAM Team Leader: ________________________________________ Assistant Team Leader: ________________________________________ Camp Servants: ________________________________________ Couple Coordinator(s): ________________________________________
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CFC Youth for Christ
Talk 1: Talk 2 Talk 3 Talk 4: Talk 5:
SPEAKERS
SHARERS 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1 2.
Registration Table Brothers Sisters _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Facilitators: (ratio to participants is 1:5) BROTHERS AGE SISTERS AGE Music Ministry: 1. _____________________ 2. _____________________ 3. _____________________ 4. _____________________
5. 6. 7. 8.
_____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________
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Confession: Priest(s): ____________________________ Who will pick up priest? ____________________________ Address: __________________________________________ Phone #: ____________________________ Holy Mass: Priest(s): ____________________________ Who will pick up priest?: ____________________________ Address: __________________________________________ Phone # : ____________________________ Commentator: _____________________________________ Offerers: _____________________________________ Ist Reading _____________________________________ 2nd Reading: _____________________________________ Collection Basket (2): _____________________________________ _____________________________________ C. OTHERS
1. Nearest Doctor: Phone # : Address: 2. Nurse in Camp: Phone # :
_______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________
_______________________________ _______________________________
3. Program / Entertainment Night: Emcee(s):____________________________________________ Bonfire set‐up: Person in Charge : ___________________________ Firewood food matches
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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL ANNEXES PARENTS’ ORIENTATION TALK OUTLINE Note: The Parents Orientation talk is conducted on the first day of the Youth Camp. Presence of the parents/guardian should be checked and confirmed by the Couple Coordinator assigned in the camp. Main Objective: 1. For the parents to have a better understanding of the mission and vision of CFC Youth for Christ 2. To be informed of the dynamics and activities following the camp. Parents Forum Schedule: I. Opening Prayer • to be lead by CFC YFC Coordinator II. Brief history YFC • How it started, Four F’s: Fun, Friendship, Freedom and Faith, mission and vision, etc. III. Share what their child/children will experience during the camp IV. YFC Sharer • allow one YFC service team member/FTW to share briefly their experience in YFC V. Follow‐up • Inform the parents about the activities happening on the next coming days of the camp and the various post camp activities such as Household meetings, assemblies. • They should also be asked to write a letter to their children which they will bring on the last day of the camp. VI. Q&A • open forum for parents to ask questions VII. Closing prayer • Service team member or FTW to end in prayer
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YOUTH CAMP MANUAL ANNEXES TONGUES WORKSHOP OUTLINE Verse: Cor. 12‐ Gifts of the Holy Spirit Acts 2‐ Pentecost Note: The Team Leader/ Fulltime worker/ MV / KASANGGA member can give the tongues workshop. This should be conducted before the 4th session. Gift of Tongues I. Introduction Share the Story of “The Upper Room Experience” in Acts 2. The apostles prayed in Tongues and received the power of the Holy Spirit. After that the rest was history, they made a difference in this world. With the leading of the Holy Spirit through the apostles the whole world knew Christ. Do you want to make a difference with the power of the Holy Spirit? In this Workshop may we just humble ourselves like a child open to receive a Gift. It’s up to you! II. What is Gift of Tongues? 1. Spiritual Gift that was first used during the Pentecost (Tongues of Fire) 2. The key for you to use the rest of the gifts of the Holy Spirit 3. A prayer that the evil one cannot understand 4. Direct Prayer to God (Praying in Tongues is praying in the Holy Spirit it also means praying in God) III. How to Pray the Gift of Tongues 1. Like a Gift we should open it and use it a. Ask (Ask for it in deep and sincere prayer) b. Believe (Believe that the Lord will give) read Matt 7:7 2. Come before his Presence 3. Pray using non‐verbal like Words (ex. Repeating Alleluia.....) IV. Worship Exhort them into worship where they can pray in Tongues Suggested Flow:
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1. 2 Fast Praise Songs (Suggested songs: God is enough, Redeeming Love etc.) 2. 2 Slow Worship Songs (Suggested songs: Spirit of the living God, I give my all etc.) V. Processing You can ask them to share after ‐ Different experiences, feeling but one Holy Spirit who moved us ‐ You might already open it you might not. In his time God will allow you to pray and use it. After this like the apostles its time to celebrate and make a difference.
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CFC Youth for Christ
YOUTH CAMP MANUAL ANNEXES GUIDELINES IN THE PARENTS’ AREA BRIEFING (This should be conducted by the Couple Coordinator) On the last day of the camp, the parents of the participants are advised to come. While the last talk is given in the session hall the parents are also gathered in a separate room, preferably in a room where they will not be seen by their children. The following will be done in the Parent’s room. Note: • As the parents arrive, the facilitators will have to collect the letters to their children. Be ready to provide some pen and papers to those parents who have forgotten to write. • Before starting, the team leader should have collected all the letters from the participants to their parents. I. Opening Prayer II. Review of what happened since the start of the Youth Camp (Cite significant observation and sharing in the camp) III. Check the letters of the parents to their children IV. Explain to them what will happen next and why their presence is important A. Dialogue with their parents Discussion Starter: 1. Read the letters 2. Verbalize what is in the letter 3. Ask forgiveness from each other 4. Express gratitude to each other B. Pray‐over C. Dedication Ceremony (invitation to YFC) V. Entertain some question (While waiting for the cue to distribute the letters to the parents)
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PRE YOUTH CAMP REPORT PROPOSED Date: SECTOR/CLUSTER/CHAPTER: e.g. North1A Team Leaders: Couple Coordinators: Expected number of Participants: SERVICE TEAM: Camp Servants: Facilitators: Music Ministry: Registration: Logistics: Speakers: Talk 1 Talk 2
Talk 3
Talk 4 Talk 5
Venue:
Sharers: a b a b a b a b Time Ends:
Budget: Time Starts: Prepared By: Noted By: _______________________ ________________________ Team Leader Couple Coordinator Approved By:__________________
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CFC Youth for Christ
YOUTH CAMP COMPLETION REPORT Chapter Area Date of Youth camp
Chapter Couple Coordinator Youth Camp Venue (indicate address and contact number)
Couple Coordinators Present: Name Officiating Priest: Name Service Team Evaluation Team Head Camp Servant • preparations • general services Facilitators Prayer Warrior
Chapter Youth Head Total No. of Participants
Contact Numbers
Address
Contact Numbers
Address
Good Practices
Areas to Improve on
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Program Committee • Speakers • sharers • Creatives (if any) before the talk • games • E Night Music Ministry Secretariat • dissemination of information • ids and kits Security Parents Orientation Others Follow up Activities Activity Covenant Orientation First Chapter Assembly (other activities e.g. family focused)
Date
Venue
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CFC Youth for Christ
Facilitators: Gender Male
Female
Name
Participants Attendance: Total Number Male Number of Participants Transitioning from Kids for Christ: Gender Male
Female
Name
Age
Female
Age
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THE YOUTH CAMP HANDBOOK TEAM LEADER’S GUIDE
A HANDBOOK FOR ALL YOUTH CAMP TEAM LEADERS
Chapter 1: Chapter 2: Chapter 3:
Chapter 4: Chapter 5:
CONTENT The Sessions, Activities and Their Purpose Youth Camp Orientation Worship A. What is Worship B. Worship Format Guidelines in the Parents’ Area Briefing Forms to fill‐up A. Pre Youth Camp Report B. Youth Camp Completion Report
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CHAPTER 1
The Sessions, Activities and Their Purpose
I. Orientation Session • Sets the tone for the camp. • Clarifies expectations and the house rules. II. 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. III. Common Prayer Time • Allows the participants to experience what it’s like to have a personal prayer time. • After a brief explanation of this activity, one or two songs may be sung to 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 “In His Steps Prayer Journal” should be introduced.
IV. 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. V. Talk 3: Repentance, Faith, Healing and Forgiveness • Helps the participants become aware that sin and hurts in our lives become obstacles in experiencing 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 1: The Leader asks participants to write down the things that they want to give up to God (sins, the people who have hurt them, people whom they have hurt) Activity 2: 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 asked forgiveness for the second list. After that, the participants may be
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encouraged to write a letter to their parents for the same purpose. The team leader should make sure that this letter is completed during the third day’s prayer time.
VI. 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 VII. Talk 4: Receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit • Introduces to the Youth the power of the Holy Spirit they once received in their baptism at birth, to strengthen and guide our lives and clarifies how we can experience this power personally during our personal encounter Christ. VIII. Entertainment Night (Pure, Clean, Fun 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 friendship 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.
IX. 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. X. 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 reading of letters, participant’s dialogue with parents, praying over each other and invitation to YFC will happen.
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CHAPTER 2
Youth Camp Orientation Orientation Dynamics I. Goals A. To officially welcome the participants B. To set the expectations in the Youth Camp C. To know certain attitudes to take in the whole duration of the Youth Camp D. To introduce the Service Team of the Youth Camp II. Guidelines A. This will be given before the first session B. Since this is the first gathering of the participants, it should be delivered in a light and friendly atmosphere. C. All the service team members should be present when they are introduced and should be wearing their IDs. D. The orientation will be given by the speaker while the camp servants will be called upon for the house rules and other practical reminders. Orientation Outline I. Welcome the participants A. Make the atmosphere light and joyful. (Give a joke as an icebreaker, have set of games to break the ice for all the participants. B. Make it your goal to help everyone build friendship by the end of the camp. You may ask the participants to mingle for a minute or two for them to get to know each other. 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 participants 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.)
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[Note: A lot of people have different expectations about this Camp. Some may know that it’s something like a Life in the Spirit Seminar. Some expect to cry or have an emotional experience while some may have no expectations at all. 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 then, 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 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.
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CHAPTER 3
Worship during the Camp What is Worship? Worship is being able to come before the presence of GOD and being able to acknowledge that he alone is GOD. We are created to worship and glorify him. In glorifying him we sing songs of praise and worship. As said by St. Augustine “he who sings praise twice”. We can Jump and dance like David as he celebrate God’s love in the book of Psalm. We can raise up our hands as we surrender our lives in prayer. Worship Format The Following is the usual format of worship: I. Exhortation. The following can be used as exhortation points: A. What happened in the pray‐over is a gift from God. It is an intimate experience with the Holy Spirit. B. Despite our sinfulness He did not hold back his blessing and grace to us and will never will because He loves us so much. He wants us to continue to: 1. Be united with Him 2. Be a new being 3. Have the power to serve II. Sign of the Cross III. Short Prayer. The worship leader will give an opening prayer that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in the next minutes of worship. IV. First fast song. V. Simultaneous Praising. This is where we honor God and acknowledge His greatness. VI. Second fast song. VII. Simultaneous Worship. Worship is when we start saying how we feel and when we begin to truly realize God’s greatness. In this level, people start to “offer” themselves to God saying “I belong to you…, my life is yours….” VIII. Slow song. IX. Singing in the Spirit. The worship leader will encourage the participants to use the Gift of Tongue which some/few of them have received when they were prayed‐over. X. Gospel Reading and Prophesy. This is the part where, the worship leader will read or will ask someone to read the Gospel which is God’s word for the day. XI. Thanksgiving Prayer. The worship leader will express his gratefulness to God for the success of the youth camp especially the pray‐over session, for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, for the participation of everyone in the camp, and others. XII. Stating our Petitions. The worship leader will lift up the concerns and requests to God specifically the continues work of the Holy Spirit in the camp, that the new gift received from the Holy Spirit will be taken care of, and other matters. XIII. Concluding prayer.
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CHAPTER 4
Guidelines in the Parents’ Area Briefing (This will be conducted by the Couple Coordinator) On the last day of the camp, the parents of the participants are advised to come. While the last talk is given in the session hall the parents are also gathered in a separate room, preferably in a room where they will not be seen by their children. The following will be done in the Parent’s room. Note: As the parents arrive, the facilitators will have to collect the letters to their children. Be ready to provide some pen and papers to those parents who have forgotten to write. Before starting, the team leader should have collected all the letters from the participants to their parents. I. Opening Prayer II. Review of what happened since the start of the Youth Camp III. (Cite significant observation and sharing in the camp) IV. Check the letters of the parents to their children V. Explain to them what will happen next and why their presence is important VI. Dialogue with their parents Discussion Starter: A. Read the letters B. Verbalize what is in the letter C. Ask forgiveness from each other D. Express gratitude to each other V. Pray‐over VI. Dedication Ceremony (invitation to YFC) VII. Entertain some question (While waiting for the cue to distribute the letters to the parents)
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PRE YOUTH CAMP REPORT PROPOSED Date: SECTOR/CLUSTER/CHAPTER: e.g. North1A Team Leaders: Couple Coordinators: Expected number of Participants: SERVICE TEAM: Camp Servants: Facilitators: Music Ministry: Registration: Logistics: Speakers: Talk 1 Talk 2
Talk 3
Talk 4 Talk 5
Venue:
Sharers: a b a b a b a b Time Ends:
Budget: Time Starts: Prepared By: Noted By: _______________________ ________________________ Team Leader Couple Coordinator Approved By: __________________
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YOUTH CAMP COMPLETION REPORT Chapter Area Date of Youth camp
Chapter Couple Coordinator Youth Camp Venue (indicate address and contact number)
Couple Coordinators Present: Name Officiating Priest: Name Service Team Evaluation Team Head Camp Servant • preparations • general services Facilitators Prayer Warrior
Chapter Youth Head Total No. of Participants
Contact Numbers
Address
Contact Numbers
Address
Good Practices
Areas to Improve on
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Program Committee • Speakers • sharers • Creatives (if any) before the talk • games • E Night Music Ministry Secretariat • dissemination of information • ids and kits Security Parents Orientation Others Follow up Activities Activity Covenant Orientation First Chapter Assembly (other activities e.g. family focused)
Date
Venue
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Facilitators: Gender Male
Female
Name
Participants Attendance: Total Number Male Number of Participants Transitioning from Kids for Christ: Gender Male
Female
Name
Age
Female
Age
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THE YOUTH CAMP HANDBOOK FACILITATORS’ GUIDE
A HANDBOOK FOR ALL YOUTH CAMP FACILITATORS TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: Chapter 2:
Chapter 3: Chapter 4:
Discussion Group Guide One–on‐one Guide A. Guideline B. 9 Gifts of the Holy Spirit Pray‐over Guide Roles of Facilitators A. Pre Youth Camp B. Post Youth Camp
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CHAPTER 1
Discussion Group Guide Group discussions take place after the first talk and after the second talk. This allows further understanding of God’s message; especially through personal sharing’s within the group. I. The Processing of Sharing A. Begin with a short prayer. B. Introduce each other in the group. C. Make the participants comfortable / Establish rapport first before dwelling into the discussion. Also, stress the confidentiality of sharing’s within the group. D. Proceed with the discussion, having the assigned discussion starters as guide. E. End with a short prayer. (You may also ask one of your group mates to lead). II. Discussion Starters A. Talk 1: God’s Love and His plan for Us 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. B. Talk 2: Who is Jesus Christ to Me 1. Who is Jesus to you? 2. What can you do to respond to Jesus invitation of having a personal relationship with Him? III. Some Tips in leading your group discussions. A. You are not expected to know all the answers to their questions. If you can’t answer the question, tell them that you will ask somebody then get back to them. B. We are not there to convince them but simply lead them to the truth. C. Avoid using Christian jargons. D. Keep the discussion on the topic. E. Budget your time. Make sure all participants will be given an opportunity to share in the time allotted to your group sharing. F. Strive to make the participant comfortable with you. Hang around them as much as possible. G. Show concern for your participants. H. Intercede for each of your participants. I. Listen to all the talks and sharing’s even if you’ve heard these many times already. You will always learn something new. J. Be a good example to your group. Participate in all activities (e.g. singing).
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CHAPTER 2
One‐to‐one Guide
I. GOALS A. Clarify questions concerning the sessions. B. Know the participant’s prayer concerns 1. Relationships 2. God 3. Family and Relatives 4. Friends 5. Personal issues (vices, studies, and plans in the future) 6. Other Concerns C. Find out factors that may hinder the participant to receive the Holy Spirit. 1. Unrepentant Attitude 2. Feeling of Unworthiness 3. Pride 4. Doubt D. See if the participant will make a personal decision to accept Jesus.
II. THE NINE (9) GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT A. 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. It is concerned with the best way to live. It is God's guidance on how to live as a Christian. (Mark 10:20, 1Cor 12‐14, Luke 18:22) B. 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. This is more of doctrinal teaching and ability to speak an understanding of a truth of the mystery of Christ. (Read how Paul understands the mystery of Christ in Eph 1, Eph 3:2‐3) C. 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. The charismatic gift of faith seems to be a special gift of prayer. Praying with a God‐given confidence which produce extraordinary results. It’s knowing that what one asks for will be given. (Matt 8:10, Matt 15:22) D. Healing – is the supernatural ability to effect a cure of physical or other human illness through prayer. It s a variation of miracles but it is more limited because healing focuses on restoring the physical body back to health. This gift enables the
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person to be God’s instrument in bringing about the well‐being of another, on one or more level, spiritual, psychological or physical. (Act 5:15, 19:12). E. 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. This enables the person t0 be God’s instrument in either an instant healing or in some other powerful manifestation of God’s power. (Acts 8:6‐8, 9:36‐43, 13:8‐12). F. Prophecy – is the gift by which a person is used by God to speak on his behalf. It is a gift when God manifest to man His own thoughts so that a may be given for the individual or for a group of individuals, or for the community. (Acts 13:1‐3, 21:10‐ 13). G. Discernment – is the gift by which a person can recognize the spirit behind a particular situation. This enables the person to know the source of an inspiration or action, whether it came from the Holy Spirit, his own human spirit or from the evil spirit. (Acts 5:1‐10, 8:20‐24, 16:16‐19). H. Tongues – is a gift by which a person is able to utter words or sounds which are not known or understandable to his human intellect, to deliver God’s message for the community. (Acts 10:44‐47, 19:6) I. 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 enlightened. It is when a person, after the use of the gift of tongues, gives the general meaning of what the person has said, or a response to what has been said. Interpretation can also be used privately in combination with the gift of prayer tongues. (1Cor 14:5, 13, 27, 28) III. The Process of conducting One to one’s. A. Greet the participant and ask how he/she is doing in the camp. B. Start with a prayer C. Go through with the one‐to‐one session, keeping in mind the goals (mentioned earlier). D. Explain the 9 Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Ask the participant what gift/s he wants to receive. E. Ask participants for any special prayer he/she wants to include in the pray over. F. Explain what will happen during the evening activity. G. Close it with a prayer IV. Some Tips A. Before the whole session, pray for each participant in your group. Be open to the Lord’s leading (He will give you the wisdom to conduct the one‐to‐ones).
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B. Be aware of the time. We aim for quality time, taking into consideration each participant in the group. C. Keep the session light ‐ just like having a relational conversation with a friend. D. In case you are having hard time remembering what you have talked about. Take note every important detail after the one‐to‐one by writing it in a piece of paper. Avoid writing while conversing with each other so that eye‐to‐eye contact is maintained.
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CHAPTER 3
Pray‐over Guide I. FORMAT A. Ask participant to confess with his own lips that Jesus is Lord. ‐ Ask him to join you in a prayer or to begin the prayer himself B. Spontaneous Praising ‐ Worship and glorify the Lord with the participant C. Prayer for Protection ‐ “Lord Jesus, we ask You to cover us with Your Most Precious Blood and Mother Mary’s Mantle of Protection.” D. Binding and Casting; In‐filling ‐ In Jesus’ name, bind and cast any negativity (vice, addiction, sin) that he/she has (e.g. anger, fear, lust, envy, anxiety, pride, doubt, etc.). ‐ Then pray for in filling of the positive counterpart (e.g. faith when there’s doubt; humility when there’s pride). ‐ “In the Mighty Name of Jesus, we take authority and gather all the evil spirits around us, above us and below us. We bind and cast them at the foot of Your Cross to be gone forever. And we ask the Holy Spirit to fill the void that the evil spirits have left behind. We pray for protection against any backlash from the evil one.” E. Lifting of Concerns ‐ Pray for the concerns of the participant. F. Baptism of the Holy Spirit; Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit ‐ “Father, we now ask You, in Jesus’ name, to pour upon (name of participant) Your Holy Spirit, so that he/she may receive new life. We also ask You, in Jesus’ name, to grant him/her the gift of tongues and any other gift that You want him/her to receive. ‐ Encourage the participant to pray in tongues with you. G. Closing Prayers ‐ Prayer of thanks ‐ Prayer for a strong Christian life ‐ Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
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II. TIPS A. Baptism of the Holy Spirit does not depend on the amount of time you pray. 5 to 10 minutes is enough. B. Remember that it is God who sends down His Spirit, not you. C. Be aware of what is happening (keep your eyes open). D. It is the participant’s prayer. You are merely guiding him/her and praying with him/her. E. In case of disturbances (i.e. demonic oppressions), pray for and claim for God’s peace in the name of Jesus. Don’t panic. F. Feel free to ask for help from your couple coordinator or the Team Leader. G. If you do decide to go for help, ask one of your prayer partners to do it. Do not leave your participant at any time during baptism H. Ask for support from the CFC‐YFC family during baptism. You must have prayer warriors during this session.
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CHAPTER 4
Roles of Facilitators I. PRE YOUTH CAMP A. From the list of expected youth camp participants, one member from the YFC chapter is assigned to a group of participants. He/She is the future facilitator of this group in the youth camp. The facilitators are the primary contact of the participants. B. Weeks before the youth camp, it is expected that they have gone out as a group just to be familiarize with each other. C. The facilitator makes sure that the parents receive the invitation letter for the youth camp. D. The facilitator makes sure that the parents attend the parents’ forum bringing with them the Youth Camp Invitation Reply Slip. E. The facilitator sees to it that everybody in their group will attend the youth camp. II. POST YOUTH CAMP A. The facilitator now becomes the official household head of the group. B. The household head schedules a household meeting at least 1 week after the camp. C. The household head makes sure that his/her lower household attends the welcome party in the next chapter assembly. D. The household head conducts a regular household meeting twice a month at their most convenient time. E. The household head should start monitoring the attendance of their members as soon as the first household is conducted. F. One‐to‐ones should start immediately after the first household. G. The household head checks the attendance of his household in the YFC pastoral formation track H. In case of transition to other chapter/program/area, the household head sees to it that the information sheet is handed over to the new couple coordinators.
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THE YOUTH CAMP HANDBOOK PRAYER WARRIORS’ GUIDE
A HANDBOOK FOR ALL PRAYER WARRIORS’ AND PRAYER SUPPORT GROUP DURING THE 4TH TALK AND THE PRAY OVER SESSION
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1. Sign of the Cross 2. Prayer to take Authority All: In the name of Jesus we take authority an we bind all powers and forces in the air, in the ground, in the water, in the underground, in the netherworld, in fire. You are the Lrd over all the entire universe and we give you the glory for your creation. In your name we bind all demonic forces that have come against us. Our families, our commnity – CFC, our ministry – YFC and we seal all of us with your mantle of love to discourage the enemy. St. Michael and our guardian angels, come defend us , our fmailies, our community – CFC, our ministry – YFC in the battle against all evil ones that roam the earth. In the name of Jesus, we bind and command all the power and forces of evil to depart right now, away from oue homes and our land and we thank You Lord for you are faithful and compassionate God, Amen. 3. Read: Psalm 104 or Sing: Worthy is the Lamb and Enter In 4. Psalm Prayer Leader: God, You created the whole world to show your poer and overflowing love. Send forhe your grace in our hearts and renew the fac eof the earth by Your word that we may sing your praises in a chant of eternal resurrection. Leader: Blessed are the eyes that see what You see All: And the ears that hear what You hear. 5. Read: Psalm 144 or Sing: Blessed be the Lord my Rock or Ascribe Greatness or Crown Him Lord of Lords. 6. Psalm Prayer Leader: God, You have created heaven and earth. You are the sanctificaion of the saints and the justification of repentant sinners. Receive us into the community of Your saints that we may eternally praise You. 7. Marian Prayer Leader: Heavenly Father we thank you for giving us Mary as our Mother of Your son and our mother. As we pray this rosary on her honor, we dedicate our families, our on‐going youth camp, our community – CFC, and our ministry – YFC to her motherly care and protection. Thorugh her prayer and intercession, may we grow closer to your Son Jesus and may the spirit of unity, peace, and a desire for reconciliation grow among us. Like Mary, may we constantly ponder in ur hearts the great mystery of your love for us and seek to do your will in all things Give us, like Mary, the insiughts and awareness to recognize the needs of our brothers and sisters and the courage to respond to those in need. To seek the truth and to
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work for justice that all men may come to know what it means to be your children. Mother Mary pray for us. 8. Prayer for the Youth Camp Leader: Father, through the Immaculate Conception pf the virgin, You prepared a worthy place for Your Son. IN view of the foreseen death of Your Son, You preserved her from all sin. Through her intercession, grant that we may also reach you with clean hearts through our on‐going Youth Camp specially to: a. Our invited partcipants, that they may find new life rediscovering your Son; b. Our Speaker, _______________________ defend him/her against the treacheries and deception of Satan and help him/her by giving the wisdom and knowledge to impart; c. Our brothers/sisters as part of the Service Team, that they will be forever be clothed with graces of servanthood; d. To our facilitators, grant them the grace to become effective workers in yur vineyard; e. To our families and loved ones whom we have left at home, that they will be under our protection and care. 9. Pray: The Holy Rosary with reflection Note: Refer to the next pages for the Holy Rosary Guide 10. Sing: Te Deum or As the Deer 11. Divine Praises All: Blessed be God, blessed be His Holy Name Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man Blessed be the name of Jesus, blessed be his Sacred Heart Blessed be His most precious blood Blessed be Jesus in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the paraclete Blessed be the Holy Mother of God, Mary most Holy Blessed be her most holy and immaculate conception Blessed be herglorious assumption Blessed be the name of Mary, virgin, and mother Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse Blessed be God and His angels and saints. 12. Sing: The Magnificat or Let Us Exalt His Name Together 13. Psalm Prayer Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, good shepherd of the church, You anoint with the oil of salvation and who are born again in the Fountain of
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baptism. Gove them repose in verdant pastures and spread your table before them Leader:
Lord Jesus Christ, formidable is your power and wonderful is Your Holiness! By your cross You have destroyed the sting of death. Enlighten and Strengthen all who suffer that they may sing Your praises forever.
14. Sing: Psalm 139 15. Lsitening to the Lord Leader: Speak Lord your servant is listening, you have the words of Eternal Life Reading of the Gospel 16. Prayer for the Spread of the Gospel All: God our Father, You will to all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of your truth. Send workers into your great harvest that the Gospel may be preached to every creature and your people gathered together by the word of life and strengthened by the power of the sacraments may advance in the way of salvation and love, we ask you this through Jesus Christ Your Son who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Sprit, one God forever and ever. Amen. 17. Concluding Prayers Leader: Christ can save forever those who approach God through Him since He lives always to make intercession for them, believing this we say: All: Lord, remember your people. Leader: As we are now having our Youth Camp, we call on the Son of Man to bless this undertaking. All: Lord, remember your people. Leader: Our speaker and team leader that they may become your anointe spokesperson conveying your wisdom and knowledge. All: Lord, remember your people. Leader: Lord, remember the Service Team it is in them that Your presence dwells All: Lord, remember your people. Leader: Guide our families and loved ones whom we have left behind that they may be safe always in Your grace and blessings. All: Lord, remember your people. Leader: Lord allow us to continue the Youth Camp by continually protecting this place, giving us the perseverance to press on with this camp and the strength to fight temptation. All: Lord, remember your people.
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18. Simutaneous Praising then 1 slow song 19. Simutaneous Singing in the Spirit then 1 slow song 20. Prayer Leader: As your people lift our voices to You, Father. We know the evil of our ways. So we pray to be faithful through the help of Your Spirit and happy under your protecting hand. This we asl Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your Son,w ho lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Leader; The Lord bless us and keep us! The Lord let his face to shine upon us and be gracious to us! The Lord look up on us and kindly give us peace! All: Amen. 21. Sign of the Cross
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PRAYING THE HOLY ROSARY The Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen The Apostles' Creed: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen The Our Father: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Amen. The Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen Glory Be to the Father: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The Fatima Prayer: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy". The Hail, Holy Queen: Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus; O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Additional prayers "O God whose only begotten Son has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, Grant that we beseech Thee while meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord Amen."
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MYSTERIES OF THE HOLY ROSARY
Monday and Saturday
1st ‐ The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said: "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women". And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her:" Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest"... And Mary said:" Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word". And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1,26‐38) Oh Mary with Your "yes" You have opened heaven's ways, You have achieved the will of the Father. You will be blessed for ever: Your intercession is heard in Heaven, because You have accepted God's plan. Let us pray that we can say "yes" to the Father in every instance He ask it of us. Mary help us to be humble and obedient to God's will. 2nd ‐ The visitation of Mary to Saint Elizabeth Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda. And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and she spoke out with a loud voice, and said: "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb". ... And Mary said: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name"...(Luke 1,39‐49)
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Mary goes to visit Elisabeth: She carries God to Her cousin, for the love of Her brothers and neighbours. Lord help us to carry Christ to others, like Mary did. Let us ask Mary the gift of burning charity. 3rd ‐ The nativity of Jesus in Bethlehem
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them: "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger". (Luk 2,6‐12) Infant Jesus in the manger. Mary, Joseph and the shepherds adore Him. Let us also adore Christ, the Son of God, in the silence of our soul and from the depth of our heart. Let us ask Mary to make us love Jesus more, and also the gift of poverty of spirit. 4th ‐ The presentation of Jesus to the Temple
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. ...When the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said: "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation... A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother: "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."(Luk 2,22‐35) We need to pay attention to the voice of God, to discern His call and accept the mission He gave us. After the Simeon prophecy, Mary takes into Her Heart the wound of sorrow, but in the silence She accepts the will of Her Father.
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5th ‐ The finding of Jesus in the Temple
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him: "Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing". And he said unto them: "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. (Luk 2,41‐51) Let us think of how many times we have been far from Jesus; from that Jesus, who with so much love has died for us. Let us meditate that in the difficulties of life the only safety is finding Jesus and never again leaving his great love. Tuesday and Friday 1st ‐ The Agony of Jesus in the garden
Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me". And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying: "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt". (Mat 26,36‐ 39). And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luk 22,44) In the forsaking prayer to the Father, Jesus found strength, trust, and an angel was sent to comfort Him. So Jesus will be our comforting angel. It's as He said to us: " Why do you worry in
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your difficulties? Be strong in me; look to your God in your most troubled hour, and you will be triumphant." Let us ask to forsake ourselves to God, to always do His will. 2nd ‐The scourging of Jesus at the pillar
When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying: "Art thou the King of the Jews?" And Jesus said unto him: "Thou sayest". And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him:" Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?" And he answered him to never a word Pilate saith unto them: "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" They all say unto him: "Let him be crucified!" And the governor said:" Why, what evil hath he done?" But they cried out the more, saying: "Let him be crucified!" (Mat 27). And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. (Mar 15, 15) How many pains, how many torments, and how many wounds on the body of Jesus? How much blood falls to the ground, while His tormenters laugh, insult him, and gather their strength to hit the innocent body of Jesus again? Let us ask to accept every insult for the love of our Lord, and also a true regret for our sins. 3rd ‐ The Crowning with Thorns
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying:" Hail, King of the Jews!" And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. (Mat 27, 27‐31) Think of the indignity, outrage, pain, and humiliation that Jesus suffered. They stripped Him of every dignity; He was treated as the guilt of our worst sins. He seems to say to us: " Why do you despair when you suffer? Is that the way you love me? Meditate about my passions and find in them great riches." Let us ask the gift of patience to accept all humiliations, thinking of how Jesus suffered for us. 4th ‐ The Carrying of the Cross
And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might
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bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning unto them said: "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in which they shall say, blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck". ... And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.. (Luk 23, 26‐32) Even if He had suffered just for you, Jesus would have accepted such pains; great is His love for you. Along the road to Calvary Jesus sees Mary, His Mother. Can we imagine the moment when their eyes met? Oh how Her Heart must have ached. Let us pray to Mary for the grace to always accept our cross, so that she and Jesus may bear it. 5th ‐ The crucifixion and death of Jesus
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother:" Woman, behold thy son!" Then saith he to the disciple: "Behold thy mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (John 19, 25‐27) Jesus wishes to see us close to His Mother; He wishes that, like children, we keep our hand in the hand of Mary. That is what He wants. He asks us to look to the heavenly Mother that is depending on her. He asks that we accept Our Lady as our true Mother, who will ignite in us a fervent love of Her Son. Mary, we trust in You, take us and put us in the refuge of Your Immaculate Heart, heal with Your humility our pride, that so often takes us far from God.
Wednesday and Sunday 1st ‐ The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. And the angel answered and said unto the women: "Fear not ye! For I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here. For he is risen, as he said". (Mat 28, 1‐6)
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The risen Jesus has proved that man, together with Him, can have power over sin and therefore death. Jesus, help raise us, deliver us from sin, from evil, give us Your light, gives us Your joy. Rekindle inside us the love, the faith, the hopefulness, and the gift of prayer. Let us ask Mary for the gift of an unshakeable faith. 2nd ‐ The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven
And as they are speaking these things, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith to them, "Peace to you"; being amazed, and becoming affrighted; they were thinking themselves to see a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are ye troubled? And wherefore do reasoning’s come up in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that I am he; handle me and see, because a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me having." And having said this, he showed to them the hands and the feet. ... "And, lo, I do send the promise of my Father upon you, but ye ‐‐ abide ye in the city of Jerusalem till ye be clothed with power from on high." And he led them forth without ‐‐ unto Bethany, and having lifted up his hands he did bless them, and it came to pass, in his blessing them, he was parted from them, and was borne up to the heaven. (Luk 24,36‐51) Jesus, You have not deserted Your apostles in anguish, but have given them the joy of knowing Jesus "glorified" over 40 days . After Your Ascension, You granted to all those who seek You the gift of recieving You in the Eucharist. Through Mary we trust in you. Mary, give us the gift of hope. 3rd ‐ The Descent of the Holy Ghost
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Act 2, 1‐4) Jesus, infuse us with the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, enlighten us with the light of Your Spirit, with His strength enter in the deepest parts of our hearts and heal us. Deliver us; fill up our hearts with Your love. Make us apostles of Yours, dear Lord. Let us ask Mary the gift of true love, the gift of prayer from the heart. "Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Your well‐beloved Spouse."
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4th ‐ The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven
Blessed art thou of the most high God above all the women upon the earth; and blessed be the Lord God, which hath created the heavens and the earth, which hath directed thee to the cutting off of the head of the chief of our enemies. ... Thou hast done all these things by thine hand: thou hast done much good to Israel, and God is pleased therewith: blessed be thou of the Almighty Lord for evermore. And all the people said, so be it. (Jdt 13,18‐ 20; 15,10) Now that Mary is raised into heaven, she prays for her sons and daughters, those sons and daughters Jesus left her when He was on the cross. Mary, pray for us, You know our fears, take us into Your Heart, the Heart of a Mother. Help us now and in the time of our death to be with You in Heaven. We ask of you a devotion to Your Immaculate Heart, where we may take refuge in times of trouble. 5th ‐ The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth
There appeared a great sign in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Rev 12, 1) Let us trust in Mary, Let us call to Her, let us love her, and let us confide in her, because she gives her all to us. We have a Mother in Heaven who is also a Queen; thus we need to turn to her with full faith and hopefulness. If we ask for something while praying the Holy Rosary, it will be granted to us. Ask her for the gift of prayer, a prayer of the heart, said only for love, a love for her and Jesus. Let us also ask for a consistency of prayer, to always be joined to Her Heart, and therefore to the Heart of Jesus.
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Thursday
1st ‐ The Baptism of Jesus
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. (Mt 3, 13‐17) The Baptism in the Jordan is first of all a mystery of light. Here, as Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became “sin” for our sake (cf. 2Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares him the beloved Son (cf. Mt 3:17 and parallels), while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out. 2nd ‐ The wedding of Cana
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. (Jn 2, 1‐12)
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Another mystery of light is the first of the signs, given at Cana (cf. Jn 2:1‐ 12), when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers. 3rd ‐ The proclamation of the Kingdom of God "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mk 1, 15) The preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (cf. Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to him in humble trust (cf. Mk 2:3‐13; Lk 7:47‐ 48): the inauguration of that ministry of mercy which he continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which he has entrusted to his Church (cf. Jn 20:22‐23). 4th ‐ The Transfiguration
About eight days after Jesus said this; he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters‐‐one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen. (Luk 9, 28‐35) The mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to “listen to him” (cf. Lk 9:35 and parallels) and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit.
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5th ‐ The institution of the Eucharist
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. "I tell you the truth; I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God." (Mk 14, 22‐25) A final mystery of light is the institution of the Eucharist, in which Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies “to the end” his love for humanity (Jn 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice. From: The Holy Rosary ‐ http://www.theholyrosary.org/
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