Yr 2 Yfc Stake for the Nation (2009 Edition)

CFC YOUTH FOR CHRIST 3‐Year Pastoral Formation Track Year 2

STAKE FOR THE NATION A Pastoral Formation Track on Being a YFC Student

2009 Edition

CFC Youth for Christ

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Year 2: STAKE FOR THE NATION (2009 EDITION)

YFC Stake for the Nation TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: THE STAKE FOR THE NATION, GUIDELINES, AND DYNAMICS A. Rationale B. Overview C. Objectives D. Suggested Schedule E. Guidelines and Reminders in Conducting the Activity ‐ Description/Roles of Service Team ‐ Materials and Program Needs F. Speakers’ Profile G. Sharers’ Profile Chapter 2: STAKE FOR THE NATION ACTIVITIES A. Activity 1 – My Puzzle Portrait B. Activity 2 – The Strongest Bridge C. Concluding Activity APPENDIX: Students Prayer by St. Thomas Aquinas

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CHAPTER 1

THE STAKE FOR THE NATION, GUIDELINES, AND DYNAMICS A. RATIONALE

CFC Youth for Christ (CFC‐YFC) is a dynamic ministry of the young, not just young in spirit but literally young in years. It caters to the youth group ages 12‐21, which are basically High School and College students. One of the identities of a YFC member is being able to excel wherever he or she is and in whatever endeavor he or she engages him/herself into. And part of that is being able to excel in his or her studies. This means being able to pursue learning and striving to be the best student that he or she can be. YFC acknowledges that one of the greatest blessings that the Lord has given the young is the gift of education and that the highest calling of every YFC is to study and to study well. This is their calling at this particular time of their lives.

B. OVERVIEW It is part of YFC’s goal to nourish and to sustain the pastoral formation of every YFC members. Hence, the 3‐year Pastoral Formation (PFO) Track; which includes twelve (12) activities that will address four (4) different areas of growth, namely: self, family, community and society. These activities are also divided into 3 phases (one phase per year), namely: knowing the faith, deepening the faith, and living out the faith. Among the Pastoral Formation track is the STAKE FOR THE NATION. YFC believes that a young person’s part in the development of a nation is building him/herself up. Hence, a student’s stake for the nation (now) is being the best student he/she can be, so that eventually, he/she can have more to give to his/her country. The Stake for the Nation is an activity that strengthens every YFCs commitment for studies and puts premium and importance on being a good student. The Stake for the Nation, like all the other pastoral formation tracks (except for the Youth Camp) is implemented on a cluster level for Community Based and sector level for the Campus and High School Based Programs. This is spearheaded and initiated by the Cluster Couple Coordinator (Community Based) or the Sector Program Coordinators (for Campus and High School Based).

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The Stake for the Nation is activity‐heavy. Even so, pastoral processing of the activities is an integral part of this pastoral formation track. This is composed of 2 group activities which will be processed using a pastoral outline. The activities are as follows: I. My Puzzle Portrait This activity is accomplished by forming a puzzle which symbolizes the participant’s dreams. It highlights and brings them to focus not only on their personal dreams and ambitions but most importantly God’s dream and ambition for them. II. The Strongest Bridge This activity is composed of building a miniature bridge out of soft materials and the challenge is constructing the strongest bridge possible. This is a symbolism of every student’s pursuit of a good future, which can be achieved by building up the best (strongest) education.

C. OBJECTIVES 1. For YFC to realize that their highest calling is to study well and actively pursue learning. 2. Instill in them the importance of studying/learning. 3. Widen their perspective and see that studying is their stake for the nation now.

D. SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES The Stake for the Nation is a half day, four‐hour activity. It can be given either in the morning or afternoon. 00:00 – 00:30 Arrival and Registration 00:30 – 01:00 Gathering/Teaching of Songs 01:00 – 01:15 Worship 01:15 – 01:30 Orientation 01:30 – 02:30 Activity No. 1: My Puzzle Portrait 02:30 – 03:30 Activity No. 2: The Strongest Bridge Group Discussion Commitment 03:30 – 03:45 Closing worship/prayer 03:45 – 04:00 Announcements 04:00 Home Sweet Home

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E. GUIDELINES AND REMINDERS IN CONDUCTING THE ACTIVITY A. Description/Roles of the Service Team a. Coordinator‐in‐charge • Oversees the event; coordinates with the team head about the other needs of the activity • Logistics—venue, physical preparation b. Team Head (brother) – spearheads and initiates the meetings c. Assistant Team Head (sister) – budget, administrative matters d. Music Ministry ‐can be just a guitarist e. Registration Team – takes care of the registration and the materials that will be used by the participants during the activities f. Worship leader(s)‐ leads the worship in the beginning of the afternoon activity g. Small group activity facilitators‐ facilitates group discussions B. Materials, program needs, etc. 1. Venue 2. PA or Sounds System 3. Registration sheets 4. Tables and chairs 5. Band Set‐up/guitar 6. Facilitators guide 7. Copy of the YFC Covenant on being a student (see concluding activity) 8. Copy of the Students’ Prayer by St. Thomas Aquinas (see appendix) 9. Materials for the Activities: a. My Puzzle Portrait Activity (One set per participant) i. One (1) sheet bond paper ii. One (1) folder iii. coloring pens iv. scissors v. pencils and pens vi. glue/paste b. The Strongest Bridge Activity i. Weight load of 2‐kg; can be a rock, a book, or athletic weight ii. 2 chairs or tables (base) which the bridge will connect. iii. One set per group: 1. Materials to make the bridge with, e.g. pasta, drinking straws, broomsticks 2. Materials to hold the pieces of the bridge together, e.g. tape or glue stick with glue gun

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Note: The amount of materials should neither be generous enough to make the activity easy nor sparse enough to make it impossible.

F. SPEAKER’S (ACTIVITY MASTER’S) PROFILE: 1. A YFC leader (Cluster head or Sector Head), can be a brother or sister who can lead an interactive activity. 2. He or she must be spiritually and pastorally mature and can talk with integrity. 3. He or she must be able to balance and do good in both studies and service. Important Note to the Speaker: An important consideration in giving this talk is that there are some youth who do not have the means and the opportunity to study even if they wanted to. However, we want to imbibe in the youth the value and importance of studying and learning.

G. SHARERS’ PROFILE (FOR STRONGEST BRIDGE ACTIVITY) 1. A YFC leader/member (Brother/Sister) who is struggling to strive and to give his/her best and to achieve excellence in their studies. 2. A YFC leader/member (Brother/Sister) who is an honor student. 3. A YFC leader/member (Brother/Sister) who failed before and who tried hard but now excellent.

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MY PUZZLE PORTRAIT ACTIVITY ONE OF THE YFC STAKE FOR THE NATION “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for…” Jer. 29:11 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: 1. Encourage YFC’s that they have to dream big for their future. 2. Instill in YFC’s that education/learning/studying is their highest calling at this stage of their life. 3. Instill in them that they can realize their dream by protecting/embracing the tool (education) to get there. INTRODUCTION TO THE ACTIVITY: We are all special to God and He only wants the best for us. As youth, we have to dream big for ourselves. For every time we dream big, God is dreaming with us. (The speaker will show his colored drawing/portrait representing his dream for himself. ) MATERIALS NEEDED: 1. Facilitators guide 2. One set per participant: a. One (1) sheet bond paper per participant b. One (1) folder per participant c. coloring pens d. scissors e. pencils and pens f. glue/paste ACTIVITY DYNAMICS: Note: This activity is highly recommended in an outdoor setting, to give emphasis on uncontrollable factors. The group facilitator for this activity should rehearse and be able to fully explain the dynamics and instructions of the activity. 1. Using coloring materials, the speaker will let them draw their future plan, what do they want to be 10 years from now or how and where do they see themselves 10 or 20 years from now. (e.g. if you see yourself as a doctor, draw a hospital and you as a doctor wearing stethoscope.) 2. Give them 10 minutes to think and draw before proceeding to the activity. 3. Make sure that everyone has done their drawing, then, using the same sheet, instruct the participants to cut the paper into ¼ size. Diagram:

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4. Next is to cut the ¼ paper across forming a triangular shape, Diagram: 5. Finally, cut the triangular paper into half. Diagram: 6. The product will be pieces of the puzzles. 7. The facilitator will ask the participants to lay the pieces of their puzzles facing down; jumble the pieces, then, ask them to form the puzzle face down for 3 minutes. 8. The puzzle should be formed in one side of a folder. After they are finished, the folder is closed to sandwich the puzzle, then turned over to see if they have gotten the puzzle right. 9. The speaker and the facilitators are advised to take down reactions of participants for controllable and uncontrollable factors (e.g. wind, personal choice/attitude towards the whole experience). 10. Another 3mins will be given again to form the puzzle, but this time facing up. While doing so, the participants will be asked to paste the pieces of the puzzle into the folder. 11. After 3mins time, proceed to group sharing. 12. Group Sharing with facilitators. Facilitators should have undergone the activity to have a background of the event. 13. Using the template below as a guide, ask the participants how they felt on the process of doing the activity. Table 1 Controllable Factors Response/Attitudes towards e.g. Place, utilization of materials, attitude, time management, etc.

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Table 2 Uncontrollable Factors e.g. external factors (wind, weather, etc.), time limit, game dynamics, materials given, etc.

Response/Attitude towards

PROCESSING OUTLINE: I. FUTURE FULL OF HOPE The Lord has a plan and wants the best for us. He has His copy of portrait for each one of us. A plan designed for our own uniqueness and capacity. A masterpiece made by His own hand for our own good and for the people around us. Out of His generosity, He provided us with the tools to achieve this plan. One of these tools is God’s gift of our studies which bring us to the future that He planned for us. a. Studying is a gift and is an opportunity. Studying is not just a task for us to do or to finish. It is an opportunity for us to grab and to put our best efforts into. It is something that we can utilize NOW. Just like in the portrait, we would not just draw a plain and simple ME, we would of course want to be pictured as successful professionals, with good homes and big lawns at our backs, with our families smiling and living comfortably, living with all the goodness in life. b. Studies can bring us to our future We could not land good jobs or become professionals if we do not prioritize our studies. Companies want good professionals. If we graduate knowing that we have given our best then we it would be easier for us to get a good job or engage in a business. Our studies is our basic tool for us to have the future that we are dreaming of.

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c. Studying can bring us long term opportunities As the cliché goes, “Education is a legacy of our parents that cannot be taken from us.” All parents dream for their children to finish their studies because it can bring them long term opportunities and victories. It can bring us good jobs, it can help us support our siblings and parents, and it can give us resources to raise our own families in the future. Our education can help define our future. And God definitely wants the best for us. II. GOD’S DREAM VS. MINE When we dream big, God is dreaming with us. He wants only the best for us. That is His promise. But oftentimes, we are faced with challenges and hardships that make our dream difficult to achieve. We tend to create our own plans that are not aligned with the Lord’s. There are factors that can hinder us from seeing and realizing God’s promise. It is important that we are aware of them and we know how to deal with them. The following are the factors can be classified into controllable and uncontrollable: a. Controllable factors There are factors in our studies that we are given a free hand into. It is up to us to make the most of the things that are given to us. Note: Factors mentioned in open and close parenthesis are elements related to the first activity. 1. Resources (UTILIZATION OF MATERIALS GIVEN) Just like in the activity, we are given resources, but these resources are for us to manage well so that it can help us in finishing the puzzle. In the same way, we have a lot of opportunities and resources that can help us in our studies. Financial difficulties should not hinder us from studying. A lot of institutions, government and private, are offering scholarship grants to qualifying students. More so, working to save for studies can also be an option. 2. Attitude (ATTITUDE AND FOCUS) Just like in the activity, our attitude and response to the other factors are important if we want to finish on time and with the best result. Our attitude towards studies should always be positive. There will

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be surely roadblocks, but with the proper attitude it can be faced, or avoided. Let us avoid delaying things so we won’t have to cram. Let us keep a balance with our everyday activities, both work and relaxation. 3. Time Management (UTILIZATION OF THE TIME GIVEN) It is within our hand to manage our time well. In the activity, we are given 3 minutes per side to finish the puzzle; it is enough time for us to finish the activity if we just use our time properly. In YFC, some of us are guilty of either of the two extremes: • Skipping school/cutting classes for us to serve in YFC • A YFC member who skips service in YFC because of studies As a result, we are not giving justice and proper focus to our studies and the other priorities and responsibilities that are given to us, e.g. service and family. 4. Choice of School, Course and Friends (PLACE) The specific place where we will do the puzzle activity is up to us, whether we choose a firm ground, a windy place, or shaded place. The same with our studies, we are given choices on school, the courses to take and the friends that we relate with. It is up to us to maximize these choices and decide to be involved in areas and things that are beneficial for us. 5. Efforts (DEDICATION TO THE GIVEN TASK) All is made by God well. There are no “bobo” (Filipino word which means dumb) or born dumb, we all have the capacity to learn, it is just a matter of how to become persevering in our studies. We do not go to school just to pass; we should strive to be excellent in everything that we do. b. Uncontrollable factors Below are some of the uncontrollable factors in our studies that we just have to deal and make the best out of: 1. External Factors like Peer Pressure and Family Support (WIND, WEATHER) Sometimes outside pressures drags us down and fails to inspire us. Our friends can be bad influences and our families can put so much pressure on us. (e.g death of a family member, conflicts in the family, sickness and disability, etc.)

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2. Economic and Financial Factors Sometimes the situation of our country we are in hinders/ fails to provide basic education. (e.g. lack of schools, loss of livelihood due to economic crisis, due to political situations) 3. School/grading system (GAME DYNAMICS) How the school is run and the system of giving grades can also be a difficulty and most of the time, it is a difficulty that we just have to deal. What will matter in these instances are our attitude and responses. We can of course choose to wallow and be consumed by the difficulties that we face and let our studies suffer because of it, or we can also face the challenges with determinations and be confident that the Lord will not give us pressure that we can’t take. III. CONCLUSION Just like in the activity, the cutting and trimming of papers represent how God rules over our plans. If we are doing the unnecessary; subjecting ourselves to peer pressure, doing and having the easy way out (cheating, cutting classes, making others do our projects and just paying for it, etc.), delaying things, having the wrong motivation and attitude towards our studies, God will not permit us to do it our way. We will suffer the consequences (failed subjects, delayed studies, humiliation), until we get our acts together and learn to align ourselves back to God and make the most out of the gift of studies that He has given us.

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THE STRONGEST BRIDGE ACTIVITY TWO OF THE YFC STAKE FOR THE NATION “Work as hard to find wisdom as a farmer works to plow and plant his fields; then you can expect a good harvest. You will have to work for a while, but you will be soon be enjoying what you have earned” Sirach 6: 19 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: 1. Instill the value of excellence in studies and make the YFC realize that doing the best in their studies is a strong bridge to a good future 2. Give the YFCs tips in being good and excellent students. MATERIALS NEEDED: 1. Facilitators guide 2. One set of the following materials per group: i. Materials to make the bridge with, e.g. pasta, drinking straws, broomsticks ii. Materials to hold the pieces of the bridge together, e.g. tape or glue stick with glue gun Note: The amount of materials should neither be generous enough to make the activity easy nor sparse enough to make it impossible. 3. Weight load of 2‐kg; can be a rock, a book, or athletic weight 4. 2 chairs or tables (base) which the bridge will connect. GOALS OF THE ACTIVITY: 1. To construct a mini bridge that can bear a 2kg load. 2. To make YFCs realize that the mini bridge is a representation of their education. The stronger it is, the stronger the assurance that it will connect us to our future. 3. To exhort the YFCs in giving their best effort in constructing the bridge more so make us understand how important it is to give an effort to our studies. ACTIVITY DYNAMICS: 1. The speaker will introduce the activity by explaining the goal which is to construct a mini bridge that can hold 2 kilograms of load without breaking. 2. The assembly will be divided into small groups (5 – 8 members) to accomplish the task given. The group will send a representative to collect the materials in making the bridge, each of them will be given 10 minutes to design and construct the strongest bridge.

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3. When the time is up each bridge will be tested by positioning the bridge between two stable bases covering 1 inch and then the load will be applied to it. The provided bridge material should not be cut and folded. (see illustration below) 10 2 1” 1” BRIDGE 4. When everyone is finished, the speaker will start processing the Strongest Bridge Activity. 5. Speaker explains the significance of materials used in the activity: Relate each material to the learnings from the activity: Examples: 1. Tape‐ that holds the pasta together 2. Pasta‐ when combined together creates a strong link/ bridge 3. Stable bases (chairs, tables) ‐ serves as a foundation to hold the bridge 4. Weight (book, rock)‐ are the struggles and challenges we face and encounter

PROCESSING OUTLINE: I. GOD’S ASSURANCE (MATERIALS) Note to the Speaker: Please relate the kind of materials used in the activity in each of the items that will be mentioned below. a. God gives us opportunities/ resources to excel in our studies Whatever situation we are in, God provides all what we need. ‐ He provides the time for us to study ‐ He gives us strength to study ‐ He gives us finances to continue our studies ‐ He gives us our family members to support us b. God gives us infinite chances ‐ When we fail, God provides us chances to study harder ‐ Our mistakes are opportunities to become better

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Failing does not mean that it is the end of the world. If we fail to prepare, we are preparing to fail. c. God will take care of everything when we do our part ‐ Let us do our best, God will do the rest. ‐ God will bless our efforts. II. OUR PART (HOW CAN WE MAKE OUR BRIDGE STRONGER) The assurance that God has gives us confidence to do our part and make our bridges stronger. a. We recognize God’s blessings in our studies. Use it. ‐ We need to grab every opportunity God is giving us for us to excel. Examples: 1. Do our projects/assignments before the deadline to avoid cramming. Cramming eats up our time to be excellent. 2. Have good study habits. Set a regular time for studying. b. We Strive. We Persevere. ‐ Aim high not just passing marks (C’s or 3.0) instead (A’s and 1.0). Be excellent. c. We pray. ‐ Pray before and after studying, exams, do projects, reporting, etc. ‐ Offer your studies to God. Ask for His providence, strength, wisdom and guidance) ENTER SHARERS 1. A YFC leader/member (Brother/Sister) who is struggling to strive and to give his/her best and excellence in studies 2. A YFC leader/member (Brother/Sister) who is an honor student. 3. A YFC leader/member (Brother/Sister) who failed before and now excellent. Speaker Enters again… III. FRUITS OF OUR EDUCATION Just like the bridge in our activity, the fruit of our education will bring us from where we are right now to the dream that we want to be fulfilled. A “strong bridge” links us to: a) God • We please God because we answer the highest calling that He has given us. • Not only our service in YFC pleases God, but also when we excel in our studies. • Studying is one way of serving the Lord.

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b) Our future • We become God’s professionals • Our education is a stake for ourselves c) Family • Giving back our family what they had done for us • We become assets/gift/blessing to our family. We can help our siblings study • We make our parents and family members proud of us. d) Society • We will be contributing to the society when we start working and building up our dreams. IV. STAKE FOR THE NATION It has been said that “character‐building is nation‐building”. A nation may be a broad concept but zooming in, we can see that a nation is a group of people with individual dreams and aspirations. And at this particular time of our life, when we are still young and ideal, studying well is our stake, our contribution to the nation. What we cultivate today is the fruit that we can share and give to our country 5 to 10 years from now. As we strive for excellent in our studies now, we are breeding a workforce who will be: a. High‐quality young professionals/ entrepreneurs Who are dedicated in doing their work and get things done with dedication and commitment Who can be a pride to their country wherever he/she works because he/she brings heart and excellence to service Who are inspirations to his/her boss and co‐workers because of his principles and values b. Better leaders Who cannot be bought or corrupted Who upholds Christian ideals and values Who genuinely serve by loving the people he/she serves c. Reliable Homemakers Who raise a good family because of his/her Christ‐centered principles Who believes in forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation Who upholds commitment and values the essence of families Who will raise up new generations of good citizens of the country

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CONCLUDING ACTIVITY YFC STAKE FOR THE NATION “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as though you were working for the Lord and not for men” Colossians 3:23 Dynamics: 1. The game master will ask all the participants to lay down all the puzzles formed in the 1st activity. They will be laid on the floor size by side each other. This will symbolize that our individual dreams contribute to a bigger picture. 2. Then, he will instruct to place the bridges on the laid puzzles, placing it at strategic intervals. This will represent that our bridges connect our individual dreams. Seeing the output of our activities, we realize that we are all connected to each other. Every little dream that we have and every little effort that we exert contribute to the entire picture and this will affect not only ourselves but also others and eventually, the nation. This is the beauty of God’s Plan. Every little effort that we exert to realize our own dreams and the plan of God for us is also a puzzle to bridge the dreams and the plans of God for others. So in pursuing excellence in our studies, we are glorifying God, so that He will continue bless us and bless others through us. 3. The game master will then lead everyone into a recommitment ceremony. Review of our YFC Covenant: The Speaker will lead the assembly to a prayer. CFC YOUTH FOR CHRIST COVENANT STATEMENT I believe that it is my privilege to be studying in my school. ‐ I will show my love and loyalty to the Lord and to my school by being a good student ‐ I will take responsibility for my studies. ‐ I will respect school authorities ‐ I will serve my classmates and build a good relationship in school 4. After the recommitment, the game master can pray over the participants using the Prayer for Students by St. Thomas Aquinas 5. The worship/praisefest leader will enter after the prayer for the closing worship.

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APPENDIX

STUDENT’S PRAYER by St. Thomas Aquinas Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom, origin of all being, graciously let a ray of your light penetrate the darkness of my understanding. Take from me the double darkness in which I have been born, an obscurity of sin and ignorance. Give me a keen understanding, a retentive memory, and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally. Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm. Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Yr 2 Yfc Stake for the Nation (2009 Edition)

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