“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them; for the kingdom of
God belongs to such as these.”
- Mark 10:14
Held last July 15, 2017 at center 1, Al Safa Building Rm 101. Present are the different members of the CFC community from Couples for Christ, Singles for Christ and Youth for Christ. Many participants who were present carried an eager heart to serve the next generation servants and followers of Jesus Christ, which is the Kids for Christ.
The ROCK weekend training was spearheaded by the sector KFC coordinator Kuya Dru Parcia and KFC mission volunteer of Abu Dhabi, Ate Rhutie Jabagat. The training and workshop started with an opening worship led by Tito Fred Mesias. After the opening worship, was the introduction of the new song for KFC titled “I Stand for Jesus” along with its dance steps that was taught to us by Ate Kath and Kuya Reiniel Ilag. The SFC/YFC ate’s and kuya’s actively participated in singing and dancing because the dance steps indeed were very lively which will surely make the kids excited; after learning the new song together with the dance steps, we settled down. The team heads then proceeded to the next activity which is the “Getting To Know” activity, because the participants were SFC and YFC members and in order to break the awkwardness and to form or establish relationship which is important in the service to the CFC KFC activities, both the SFC and YFC kuya’s and ate’s were partnered and was instructed to ask questions about themselves to get to know each other. After the activity, we were to return to our original places to prepare for the opening remarks.
The opening remarks was delivered by Tito Rudy Igtos. Tito Rudy put emphasis on the anchor verse of the CFC Kids for Christ which is taken from the book of Mark 10:14 “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Tito Rudy emphasized that we the kuya’s and ate’s of SFC and YFC play an important role in shaping the spiritual enrichment of the CFC Kids for Christ which is our answer to God’s calling and will. We take an important part in the fulfillment of the vision that He has given to our community. Tito Rudy ended his remarks by inviting us to be committed ROCK Facilitator and become a role model to the CFC Kids for Christ.
SESSION 1
The team heads introduced the first speaker for session 1, she is Ate Rhutie Jabagat a KFC mission volunteer of Abu Dhabi. The title of session 1 is “Bringing Kids to the Lord”. The overview of session 1 is to fully understand the CFC Kids for Christ Ministry and its anchor verse as well as to embrace the joy and importance of serving the kids; to enable them to understand the nature of kids of different ages and learn how to effectively serve them. In this session, Ate Rhutie explained the importance of being a ROCK facilitator in serving the Kids for Christ. A video presentation was played presenting different kids from all over the world, despite their race, the children in the video were wearing smiles in spite of their status in life. After the video presentation, Ate Rhutie then explained that children all over the world is significant in God’s eyes and therefore it is every ROCK facilitators’ mission to nurture and experience God’s love through the ministry of CFC Kids for Christ. She explained the importance of the anchor verse of the Kids for Christ.
Kids for Christ are grouped according to their age bracket, for ages 4 to 8 they are the Junior Kids, for ages 9 to 12 they are the Senior Kids. Now, why is it important to group them according to their age bracket? The answer is that if they will be group as one then it can cause disturbance and the efficiency of delivering the lesson to other kids will be greatly affected, because different age bracket caters different needs. For ages 4 to 8 their general characteristics is that they have a short attention span, they are extremely active resulting to being restless, they are attracted to colorful things, motion and other interesting visuals. They need specific instructions and most of the kids learn through repetition of the instruction. In this stage, the kids are also beginning to be aware to the needs of others and also, they respond to love. For ages 9 to 12, their general characteristics is that their body is rapidly developing and most of the kids in this bracket are into formal education, they look to their elder siblings as their role models and they need their friends, they enjoy the activity with their friends. Ate Rhutie then delivered the conclusion by telling us that serving God’s children is a special call with great privilege and responsibility. We are given the task of leading the kids to the Lord and we are working hands-on for the future of our world and of our faith.
Now, with these specifications present in each age bracket of kids, we the ROCK facilitators must also be specific in dealing with the needs of the kids according to their age bracket. In the junior kids, rock facilitators must have a lot of patience in getting the attention of the kids, repeating the instructions so that they can all do the activity, carefully guide them to do the activity. In senior kids, the challenge for us ROCK facilitators are to keep them interested in the topic that we are discussing and make them become attentive to the discussion. Let them feel that every kid in the room is a friend and that they can journey together in the community
After the talk of Ate Rhutie, we then proceed with the workshop delivered by Ate Nica Solis who is also active in serving the Kids for Christ ministry. In the activity, we were given a colored paper and we were task to create a paper plane those who have the same colored paper belongs to the same group. In each group, were a mixture of SFC and YFC. The workshop is about creating KFC activities that is beneficial for the junior kids and senior kids. In our group, we were assigned to create an activity for kids with a topic to obey their parents and the kids age group is 4 to 8. In creating an activity for this age group, we must consider the general characteristics of the kids. They have short attention span and they can be easily distracted that is why we came up with an activity to do a puppet show. A representative in our group was chosen to explain about our activity. Each group presented different activities that suits for the age bracket. After the workshop, ate Nica then explained how to create a KFC activity and why we should create KFC activities. She cited that there are 4 elements in KFC activity and that is Fun, Freedom, Friendship and Faith. Ate Nica also gave some tips on creating a KFC activity. Some of the tips she shared were: We must internalize like a kid, we must think outside the box, break it up into smaller parts, the instructions must be understandable, be resourceful, organizing thoughts and ideas, stick to the topic assigned to you, always do grammar check and change the activity when the children are not receptive to it.
Then we proceed to the next workshop delivered by Kuya Lloyd Pangan. The workshop is about how to conduct a KFC assembly. He discussed the basic components of a KFC assembly, Kids praise, teaching of new song and dance, Games/ Ice breaker, activity proper and processing. After thoroughly explaining the basic components of the KFC assembly kuya Lloyd also included the basic KFC assembly checklist. Basically, the checklist is about the materials needed for the assembly to be used by the kids and ROCK facilitators. As kuya Lloyd continued with his discussion, he explained the attitudes of a ROCK facilitator when conducting activities. As a ROCK facilitator, we should be excited so that when kids see us, they’ll be excited too and they’ll look forward to the activity. We should be vigilant to the needs of the kids especially if they are not feeling well. We should be patient because handling kids will always put our patience to the test. We should be smiling and approachable so that the kids will feel welcomed and we can be approachable if they need something and most importantly, we should be prayerful. We should always remember to pray personally before and during the activity to ask God to guide us and to bless us in our task and allow Him to be in control of the activities. Furthermore, kuya Lloyd also tackled the “’Do’s and Don’ts’’ when handling a KFC assembly. For the “Do’s’’, repeat your instructions, animate your deliveries of stories or talk. Appreciate the effort of kids in doing the activity, focus on the activity and enjoy. For the “Don’ts”, do not come unprepared, do not promise something to the kids if you do not mean it, do not exaggerate words as to create confusion to the kids, do not tolerate not wholesome songs or dances that is against the teachings and most importantly, do not threaten the kids.
After the teaching of Kuya Lloyd we then conducted a ROLE PLAY activity. We were divided into 2 groups. The first group are the ROCK facilitators and second group played as the kids. We conducted a scenario on what would most likely to happen on a KFC assembly. Our group were task to be the kid participant and most of us behave the way kids behave during the KFC assembly. There were kids who doesn’t follow ROCK facilitators instructions, there were kids who suddenly get into fight with another participant, there were kids who complained that they are hungry and many more scenario that we witnessed firsthand. The ROCK facilitators during the activity were lauded for their patience and they handled the situation very well. They showcased their unwavering composure despite the behavior of the “kids’’. In the end, we were all satisfied with our activity because most of the SFC and KFC participants have encountered that kind of experience wherein we get to handle the situation on our own and how we should compose ourselves during every KFC Assemblies.
“To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you,
you shall speak; Have no fear before them, because I am with you to
deliver you says the Lord.”
-Jeremiah 1: 5-8
The third workshop talks about how to speak to the kids, which was delivered by Ate Alex Niza. The basic points of her presentation are that ROCK facilitators should not be afraid in speaking to the kids. She discussed that in speaking to the kids, ROCK facilitators should prepare for the talk. Here, ROCK facilitators must begin with an end in mind. Internalize the discussion and understand it, rock facilitators must speak from the heart and be aware of the age bracket of the kids they ae talking to (whether junior kids or senior kids). Prepare an outline, read stories that you can associate with the topic and if it could help, share some experiences that you learn from yourself or you learn from others. Most importantly you need to PRAY, pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help the ROCK facilitators in delivering the talk. In presenting the talk, rock facilitators should establish good rapport with the kids, approach them with a cheerful heart. ROCK facilitators must be clear in delivering the talk, by asking the kids questions if they understand the topic. ROCK facilitators must avoid big words, that kids won’t understand, the simpler the better. ROCK facilitators should consider the age of the kids they are speaking to, stories as analogies will help them understand more about the topic. The duration of speaking to the kids must be 10 – 20 minutes for kids have short attention span, so ROCK facilitators must be precise and quick. ROCK facilitators must dress decently for kids are looking up to us, if there is a presentation to help the kids understand more about the topic then wearing of costumes could be of great help. When ROCK facilitators are about to end their talk, they need to end it on a memorable note and challenge them like for example the importance of praying together with their families. With that they will be given a task as they go home that they need to pray with their family. There are few reminders for the speaker to the kids, don’t scare them, don’t underestimate or overestimate the kids, love them and most importantly, understand where they’re coming from.
SESSION 2
“And so I tell you, Peter; you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will be able to overcome it.”
- Matthew 16:18
In session 2, it talks about the Rock Solid Foundation and it was delivered by Ate Alex Niza. The participants were divided into 2 and we play the game of rock, paper and scissors. We were task to choose our leader to follow his/her hand gestures. After the game, there was a short realization that rock beats scissors, scissors beat paper and paper beats rock. But it also taught us that, rock beats paper and they gave an example that when a rock is covered by paper and gets wet, then the paper can tear apart. This explanation made me realize that it is possible and therefore we settled down and return to our seats to proceed with the talk. Ate Alex then explained that there are 3 ways to have a rock-solid foundation. The first one is we need to have a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. As we all know that Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith. Therefore, our hearts must be rooted first in Christ before reaching out to kids. We must experience God’s transforming power first when we accepted Christ in our lives before we will be able to be an instrument of God for the children. In this service, we must admit that there are times we might experience deep concerns and big problems that will hinder us from continuing to serve. So, it is vital that Jesus Christ is the main foundation in our lives. If Jesus is our foundation, then we can be sure that no problem can hinder us from doubting our service to God’s children. The second way to have rock solid foundation is the KFC Mission-Vision, “Bringing Kids to the Lord and Building a bright new world.” Ate Alex then introduced to us the expanded mission-vision of the KFC, “A global ministry empowered by the Holy spirit in molding young Christ-Like leaders as instruments of hope and healing to families, society, and the world.” She further explained the meaning of the expanded mission-vision of the KFC. The third way to have solid rock foundation is to possess the 7 KFC core values, these are prayerful, loving, obedient, respectful, diligent, generous, and honest. We, as ROCK facilitators need to internalize if we possess the core values before teaching to the kids because we represent being a Christ-like to the kids and be a role model to them. Ate Alex emphasized that we the rock facilitators must have a strong foundation and that foundation comes from Jesus Christ, to put the KFC mission and vision in our hearts and minds and embody the 7 core values in order for us to be true rock facilitators with rock- solid foundation.
When the talk of Ate Alex concluded, we then proceed to the next workshop which is the case study analysis. This activity was headed by Ate Au Ventilacion. We were group and each group were given a strip of paper, in that paper are the cases that we need to re-enact and find a possible solution in that situation. Our group picked the case analysis 3, the situation is that there is an organized KFC cluster sportsfest and a KFC member injured his leg while playing basketball. When rushed to the hospital the doctor recommended that an operation be done immediately, the boy comes from a poor family and the parents were already discouraging the KFC member to join KFC activities.
The situation is that who will shoulder the expenses and what can be possibly done to alleviate the burden of the family. Our possible solution to help the poor family of the medical expenses is that we will ask the help of the community and there were fund raising activities like “Zumba” and other means to generate money to help the poor family. The other groups presented their situations and gave possible solutions. The case study analysis presentation ended and Ate Au gave out the possible solutions to each case study. Ate Au concluded that if we act accordingly to possible scenarios and provide solutions then we could possibly invite more family into the community for they’ll feel that this community helps and let them feel welcome.
SESSION 3
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest”
-Luke 10:2.
The session 3 entitled, Reach-out Christ to Kids was headed by Ate Joy Albano. She talks about CFC KFC community and its development all over the world. She then explained about the heart for the kids and relating it to Jesus Christ, the kind of heart Jesus have that we should all have as well while we seek to bring more of God’s little ones to Him. She further elaborated that Jesus has the heart of a child, this means that we are called to imitate Jesus like a child that is always dependent on the Father, putting our trust and obeying Him. Jesus has the heart of a shepherd, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me.” Psalm 10:14. We, as ROCK facilitators need to know the details of the people we serve and we are called to be good role models and guiding them and inspire them like a shepherd tending his flock. Jesus has a heart on-fire, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human.”- Colossians 3:23. We, as ROCK facilitators must always be ready to be of service to our Father and put love in everything we do, acts without delay, without complain and without selfishness, the ROCK facilitators must act on that goal and that goal is to reach out Christ to the kids. As Ate Joy concluded her talk, she wrapped it up by challenging us ROCK facilitators to have a heart like Jesus for Jesus have a heart for the kids and they are very close to His heart. If we want to become the best servants to kids then we must imitate the heart of Christ.
The last workshop was conducted by Kuya Dru Parcia, the title of the workshop is Kids Praise Workshop. In this workshop, it talks about how important the kids praise in any Kids for Christ gathering just like in any other family ministries, like for example the SFC, we as Singles for Christ we also have our praise and worship, we express our prayer through singing and worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ. There are elements of Kids Praise, first is it must have the kids praise leader, just like a worship leader in the SFC. The same with the kids, the leader must be a brother. The leader must be familiar with the songs and actions of the songs to be able to guide the Kids, ROCK facilitators and KFC coordinators in the duration of the worship. Most importantly, the leader must have the presence of the Holy Spirit to enlightened and be guided throughout the activity. The next element that must be present during kid’s praise are the Kids Praise Dancers or the animators, they are vital during the kids praise for they are the one’s steering the audience into singing and dancing for the Lord. Kuya Dru also discussed that being kid’s praise dancers or animators, there are certain reminders that we need to remember as we sing and dance for the Lord and for His little children; and that is to be humble by our God- given talent and always sing and dance for the Lord. The next element that should be present during Kids Praise is the Music Ministry. Just like in any other gathering of ministries, music ministry is also important during kid’s praise for they bring life to the music played throughout the worship. The Music Ministry must know by heart all the songs that are part of the kid’s praise for they set the mood of the worship. Kuya Dru then proceed to the next topic which is the flow of Kids Praise. It will start with a short exhortation or beginning with a short story to excite the kids to pray through singing and dancing for the Lord then make the Sign of the Cross then the worship songs. On a normal kid’s praise, there 2 fast and 1 slow songs just like in the SFC. However, for a Praise fest the songs range from 3 to 4 fast song and 1 slow then spontaneous praising and worshipping our God. During the worship, it is important to include the Prayers of A.C.T.S. which means Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication. After completing the Prayer of ACTS, the worship leader may close his prayer by praying the perfect prayer the Our Father, Hail Mary and the Glory Be. After the prayer, don’t forget to make the Sign of the Cross. Kuya Dru concluded his workshop by saying that Kid’s Praise is the Lord’s way of telling us to have fun, share our talents and give Him praise forever through our songs and dance steps. Before the ROCK training seminar and workshop concluded, we the participants were ask by Ate Rhutie to perform the last activity which is affirming our commitment to serve as ROCK facilitators through putting a thumb mark on a Family Tree. In that family tree, we were instructed to choose the color from the paint they provided and were asked to put out thumb marks, which represented the leaves of our family tree to each of the ROCK participants. These thumbmarks served as our commitment that we are ready to become certified ROCK facilitators and to serve the Kids for Christ community wholeheartedly.
The whole activity was closed by a closing prayer led by Tito Vhan Calderon.
My experience during the ROCK training and seminar was informative and at the same time a humbling experience for being a ROCK facilitator bears a great responsibility in guiding the kids in developing their relationship towards Jesus Christ. As I reflected upon the teachings during the seminar, somehow it made me realize that it is truly the work of the Holy Spirit that led me into the service for the Kids for Christ. Back when I was still fresh from our CLP graduation last year, we were asked on what ministry should we serve and KFC was the least on my list, because for me, I am not really good at dealing with kids and I believe that I am not really qualified to serve the Kids for Christ. Patience is not my strongest suit especially with the kids. But then I heard from a brother a quote “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called”. That quote struck me and that moment, I challenged myself. I will do one service to the kids for Christ and then I’ll see what will happen from there. In my mind, the best way to deal the least of my liking is just to deal with it. In my first service to the KFC, for some reason I begin to love the service in the KFC, just seeing the smiles from the kids, alleviates all the worries and exhaustion. That one activity in the Kids for Christ is my turning point to be fully committed in serving the KFC ministry. It is a fulfilling service for it teaches patience and at the same time we the ROCK facilitators were given a chance to see the world and Jesus Christ from their eyes. In serving the KFC ministry, it also molds us to become a better version of ourselves for we need to become a good role model to the kids. It is also a preparation in our future because soon we the SFC ate’s and kuya’s in God’s perfect time will become responsible parents and we’ll have a glimpse on what it is to have kids in a community.
As long as we, the ROCK facilitators serve with eager hearts and always remember to put God first in everything we do, then we can fulfill our commitment in serving the KFC ministry. I am looking forward to this journey in the KFC ministry as this is one service where I will discover more about myself, my relationship with Jesus Christ and to the community. I’ll conclude by saying “just do your best, serve with an eager heart and God will do the rest,” this is Isaac Jacobe , SFC and a certified ROCK facilitator.
For that may God be praised.
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