PASSION FOR LIFE

On May 2-4, 2008, the CFC Kids for Christ conducted the 11th International Kids Village (IKV) in the Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Over 5,500 delegates came from all over the Philippines and countries like Beijing and the Middle East. We were honored to have priests from Beijing, Fr. Zhen Tian Liu or called by his English name as Fr. Justin and Fr. Wen Zheng Han or Fr. Paul. Celebrating the mass with us was Msgr. Jeffrey Malanog, Vicar General of the Diocese of Tagbilaran for the Friday opening mass, and Most Reverend Bishop Leonardo Medroso, DD, the Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran for the Sunday closing Mass.

The kids were lead by the “Kids Ambassadors” represented by various countries, Metro Manila sectors, and provinces. These kids will be KFC’s spokespersons for the year, until they turn it over to the next Kids Ambassadors of their area.

“Kids’ Power” was the theme of this year’s IKV inspired by the verse “Love one another as I have loved you” from John 13:34. Three power stations were put up for the kids to charge up their powers to pray, share and build.

The Power to Pray
All KFC’s wore a “Power Belt” that contained a rosary. The Kids Ambassadors formed a “Living Rosary” and led their fellow KFC’s to pray. It was so inspiring to witness all these kids concentrating in prayer and adoring our Blessed Virgin Mary.

In the “Pray Power Station” the KFC’s learned about the angels, saints, and the different sacraments. They posted different prayers on the walls of the booth and it was so inspiring to read the kids prayers that were so simple and pure.

We also had the “Power Play” where kids from Cebu played different characters that showed importance of prayer and being Christ-like in their actions. The play portrayed that the source of real power is God’s love.

Another highlight of the International Kids Village was the “Kids Praise.” Everyone was just full of energy and enthusiasm as they danced through the action songs. But the best part of it was when the kids raised their hands in worship. It’s the first time that the KFC’s were led to raise their hands as they sang praises to God. It was so moving to see how sincere they were in praying and singing. Indeed they had Prayer Power!

The Power to Share
In the “Share Power Station,” the kids helped raise funds to support the Gawad Kalinga SIBOL pre-school program.

KFC’s also showcased and shared their God given talents in the different creative, sports and special competitions. One particular contest was the “Kids Preach” where kids from different provinces gave a “talk”. It was truly amazing that at their young age, they can already become evangelizers. There was also the “Bible Quiz” where they shared to other kids what they knew about the characters, events, and other important facts about the Bible.

The Beijing delegation also shared their talents through a very inspiring song and dance presentation. The rest of the kids were so excited of the fact that there were kids who came all the way from China to join them in glorifying God in the International Kids Village.

One of the highlight also was the “Bounty Parade.” KFC’s of the different regions shared their own food delicacies to other kids. The kids experienced the joy of a fiesta celebration, specially that May is Fiesta month for the province of Bohol. They also enjoyed the different “Pinoy games” after the bounty parade. Love was overflowing the place as the kids experienced the power to share!

The Power Build
Makisig Morales, a KFC member, and one of the top child actors in the Philippines joined the “Build Power Activity”. Together with the other KFC’s and SAGIP members, they painted houses in the Baclayon Gawad Kalinga site. Through this activity they learned to love God by loving their country and loving the poor. They did not only build houses, but also built friendships. For the kids, it didn’t matter if they were rich or poor as long as they love God and are having fun in building a better future for the country and for the rest of the world. These kids have the power to build!”

God’s love Gives Me Power
The kids also learned a chant that communicated the message of the event. The chant was, “God’s love gives me power…Kids Power!” The kids were so excited in shouting out the chant and doing the actions that go with it. Through the different activities the IKV, the KFC’s realized that they can do a lot of simple things to help change the world and these can all be achieved by remembering that God’s love is the source of all power.

The whole weekend was a manifestation of God’s great love. During the Kids Praise on Sunday, the Lord allowed us to feel His love when He showed us two rainbows high up in the clouds as we were singing songs of love for Him. Many were drawn to tears as if the Lord was saying, “My children I will always love you.”

Our challenge is to emulate the kids in their purity in loving the Lord. Indeed, there is a lot to learn from the children. This year, God has inspired CFC to “Love one another as I have loved you- Jn. 13:34” The kids have shown us that they too can love like Jesus. We are raising a new generation of loving disciples that have the power to pray, share, and build!

Posted by Kirby at 10:52 PM