154 cfc youth for christ

f ormatio n track man u a l year 2

romantic relationships are examples of this kind of gift. Thus,

we believe in the essence of waiting, as we prepare ourselves to
receive this in His perfect time.

While waiting for the right time and at our age, we, as YFC,
should focus our time, love, and devotion on our relationships
with parents, friends, and siblings first. YFC believes that this is the
time to build lasting relationships with these people and not lead
ourselves to be isolated in early and premature relationships.

year 2 stake for the nation

FORMATION TRACK MANUAL

2011 Revised Edition
 stake for the nation
157
[ c hapt er 1: guidelines and dy namic s

chapter 1
STAKE FOR THE NATION, GUIDELINES,
AND DYNAMICS

a. rationale

CFC Youth for Christ (CFC-YFC) is a dynamic ministry of the young.

It caters to the youth group ages 13-21, which are basically High School
and College students. One of the identities of a YFC member is being able
to excel wherever he is and whatever endeavor he engages into, part of
which is being excellent in their studies. This means being able to pursue
learning and striving to be the best student that he can be.

YFC acknowledges that one of the greatest blessings that the Lord
has given the young is the gift of education. This is why at this time, the
highest calling of every YFC member is to be an excellent student.

b. overview
It is part of YFC’s goal to nourish and to sustain the pastoral formation
of every YFC member, hence, the 3-year Pastoral Formation (PFO) Track
was created. This 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 themselves up. Hence, a student’s stake for the nation, at this
time of their lives, is being the best student they can be, eventually leading
and inspiring them to contribute more to the development of their country.

The Stake for the Nation is an activity that strengthens every YFC’s
commitment to their education and putting premium on the importance
of being a good student.
 stake for the nation
158 cfc youth for christ 159
f ormatio n track man u a l year 2 [ c hapt er 1: guidelines and dy namic s

The Stake for the Nation, like all the other pastoral formation 00:30 – 01:00 Gathering/Teaching of Songs
tracks (except for the Youth Camp), is implemented on a cluster level 01:00 – 01:15 Worship
for Community Based and school level for the Campus and High School 01:15 – 01:30 Orientation
Based Programs. This is spearheaded and initiated by the Cluster Couple 01:30 – 02:30 Activity No. 1: My Puzzle Portrait
Coordinator (Community Based) or the Sector Program Coordinators (for 02:30 – 03:30 Activity No. 2: The Strongest Bridge
Campus and High School Based). Group Discussion
Commitment
The Stake for the Nation is activity-heavy. Even so, pastoral processing 03:30 – 03:45 Closing worship/prayer
of the activities is an integral part of this track. This is composed of 2 group 03:45 – 04:00 Announcements
activities which will be processed using a pastoral outline. 04:00 Home Sweet Home

The activities are as follows: e. guidelines and reminders in conducting the

activity
1. 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.
2. The Strongest Bridge
This activity is composed of building a miniature bridge out of
soft and light 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 the participants to realize that their highest calling is to study
well and actively pursue learning
2. To instill in them the importance of studying and learning
3. To widen their perspective and for them to see that studying is
their stake for the nation
1. 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 - prepares the venue and 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.
2. Materials, program needs, etc.

d. schedule of activities a. Venue

b. PA or Sound System
The Stake for the Nation is a half day, four-hour activity. It can be
given either in the morning or afternoon. c. Registration sheets

00:00 – 00:30 Arrival and Registration d. Tables and chairs

 stake for the nation
160 cfc youth for christ 161
f ormatio n track man u a l year 2 [ c hapt er 1: guidelines and dy namic s

e. Band Set-up/guitar 2. He must be spiritually and pastorally mature and can talk with
integrity.
f. Facilitators guide
3. He must be able to balance and do well in both studies and service.
g. Copy of the YFC Covenant on being a student (see concluding
activity) 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
h. Copy of the Students’ Prayer by St. Thomas Aquinas (see they wanted to. However, we want to imbibe in the youth the value and importance of
appendix) studying and learning.

i. Materials for the Activities:

g. sharer’s profile (For the Strongest Bridge Activity)
• My Puzzle Portrait Activity (One set per participant)
1. A YFC leader/member who is struggling to strive and to give his
- One (1) sheet bond paper best to achieve excellence in their studies.
- One (1) folder 2. A YFC leader/member who is an honor student.
- coloring pens 3. A YFC leader/member who failed before and who tried hard but is
now doing excellently in his studies.
- scissors
- pencils and pens
- glue/paste

• The Strongest Bridge Activity

- Weight load of 2-kg; can be a rock, a book, or athletic
weight
- 2 chairs or tables (base) which the bridge will connect.
- 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

Note: The amount of materials should neither be generous to

make the activity easy nor sparse to make it impossible.

f. speaker’s profile (Activity Master)

1. A YFC leader (Cluster head or Sector Head), can be a brother or

sister who can lead an interactive activity.
 stake for the nation
163
[ ac t iv it y 1: my puz z le por t r ait

my puzzle portrait
chapter 2 ACTIVITY 1 STAKE FOR THE NATION
STAKE FOR THE NATION activity dynamics
ACTIVITIES “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

objectives
1. To encourage YFCs that they have to dream big for their future.
2. To instill in every members that education, learning and studying
is their highest calling at this stage of their life.
3. To instill in them that they can realize their dream by protecting
and 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 own colored drawing/portrait representing his personal dream.)

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
 stake for the nation
164 cfc youth for christ 165
f ormatio n track man u a l year 2 [ ac t iv it y 1: my puz z le por t r ait

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:
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 3 minutes 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 3 minutes 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 it
e.g. Place, utilization of materials, attitude,
time management, etc.
4. Next is to cut the ¼ paper across forming a triangular shape,

Diagram:

Table 2

Uncontrollable Factors
5. Finally, cut the triangular paper into half. Response/Attitude towards it
e.g. external factors (wind, weather, etc.), time
limit, game dynamics, materials given, etc.
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.

166 cfc youth for christ
f ormatio n track man u a l year 2
my puzzle portrait
ACTIVITY 1 STAKE FOR THE NATION
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. It is a plan designed for our own uniqueness
and capacity. It is 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 a basic tool for us to have the future that we are
dreaming of.
C. Studying can bring us long term opportunities
As the saying goes, “Education is a legacy of our parents that
stake for the nation
167
[ ac t iv it y 1: my puz z le por t r ait
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 us define a future that God ultimately
wants for us.
II. God’s Dream vs. Mine
When we dream big, God is dreaming with us. He wants only the
best for us. This is His promise. However, 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 these and we know how to
deal with them. The following are the factors that 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 out of it.
Note: Factors mentioned in open and close parenthesis are elements related to the first
activity.
1. Resources (utilization of the materials given)
Just like in the activity, we are given resources, but we have to
manage them well so that it can help us finish 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 or
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

168 cfc youth for christ
f ormatio n track man u a l year 2
best result, our attitude should always be positive. There will be
surely roadblocks, but having the proper attitude can helps us
avoid or face it.
Let us avoid delaying things so we won’t have to cram. Let us
balance our everyday activities, both work and relaxation.
3. Time Management (utilization of the time given)
It is within our hands to manage our time well. In the activity,
we are given 3 minutes per side to finish the puzzle; it is enough
for us to finish the activity if we just use it properly.
In YFC, some of us are guilty of either of the two extremes:
• Skipping school or cutting classes for us to serve in YFC
• Skipping service in YFC because of studies
As a result, we are not giving justice and proper focus to our
studies and other responsibilities given to us, e.g. service and
family.
4. Choice of School, Course, or Friends (place)
The specific place whre we will do the puzzle activity is up to
us. Whether we choose a firm ground, a windy place, or shaded
place, it is our choice. 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)
God made everything perfect in His eyes, created in His image
and likeness. There is no person who is “bobo” (Filipino word which
means dumb) or born dumb. God has given us the capacity to
learn. It is just a matter of persevering in our studies. This means
having the mindset of not going to school just to pass but to strive
to be excellent in everything that we do.
stake for the nation
169
[ ac t iv it y 1: my puz z le por t r ait
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 pressure drags us down and fails to inspire
us. Our friends can be bad influences and certain situations in our
families can put so much pressure on us. (e.g death of a family
member, conflicts in the family, sickness and disability, etc.)
2. Economic and Financial Factors
Sometimes the situations in our country fail to make basic
education easily available to us (e.g. lack of schools, loss of
livelihood due to economic crisis, due to political situations).
3. School/Grading System (game dynamics)
School operations and its grading system can also be a
difficulty that we have to deal with as we study.
What will matter in these instances is our attitude and
responses. We can choose to be consumed by the difficulties
and suffer, or we can face our challenges with determination and
confidence in the Lord to pull us through.
III. Conclusion
Just like in the activity, the cutting and trimming of papers represent
how God rules over our plans. God will do everything that He can to teach
us how treat our education as a gift from Him. Challenges and difficulties
will always be there but let us continue to trust in the Lord that will pull
us through anything. Let us continue to get our acts together and learn
to align ourselves back to God, making the most out of the gift of studies
that He has given us.
 stake for the nation
170 cfc youth for christ 171
f ormatio n track man u a l year 2 [ ac t iv it y 2: t he s t r onges t br idge

goals of the activity

1. To construct a mini bridge that can bear a 2kg load.

the strongest bridge 2. To make YFCs realize that the mini bridge is a representation of
their education. The stronger it is, the stronger the assurance that
ACTIVITY 2 STAKE FOR THE NATION it will connect us to our future.
activity dynamics
3. To exhort the YFCs in giving their best effort in constructing the
“Work as hard to find wisdom as a farmer works to plow and plant his fields; then you can bridge more so make us understand how important it is to give an
expect a good harvest. You will have to work for a while, but you will be soon be enjoying effort to our studies.
what you have earned.”
Sirach 6: 19
dynamics

1. The speaker will introduce the activity by explaining the goal

objectives of constructing a mini bridge that can hold 2 kilograms of load
without breaking.
1. To instill to the participants the value of excellence in their studies
2. The assembly will be divided into small groups (5 – 8 members)
2. To realize that doing the best in their studies leads to building a to accomplish the task given. The group will send a representative
strong bridge towards a good future to collect the materials in making the bridge, each of them will be
3. To learn how to be good and excellent in their studies given 10 minutes to design and construct the strongest bridge.
3. When the time is up each bridge will be tested by positioning the
materials needed bridge between two stable bases covering 1 inch and then the
load will be applied to it. The provided bridge material should not
1. Facilitators guide be cut and folded. (see illustration below)
2. One set of the following materials per group: 10

a. Materials to make the bridge with, e.g. pasta, drinking straws, 1” 2 1”

broomsticks BRIDGE

b. 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. When everyone is finished, the speaker will start processing the
4. 2 chairs or tables (base) which the bridge will connect. Strongest Bridge Activity.
5. Speaker explains the significance of materials used in the activity:
 stake for the nation
172 cfc youth for christ 173
f ormatio n track man u a l year 2 [ ac t iv it y 2: t he s t r onges t br idge

Relate each material to the learning from the activity:

E.g. :
a. Tape- that holds the pasta together
the strongest bridge
b. Pasta- when combined together creates a strong link/ bridge
ACTIVITY 2 STAKE FOR THE NATION
c. Stable bases (chairs, tables) - serves as a foundation to hold the processing outline
bridge
d. Weight (book, rock)- are the struggles and challenges we face
and encounter
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
• 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 gives us confidence to do our part and make
our bridges stronger.
 stake for the nation
174 cfc youth for christ 175
f ormatio n track man u a l year 2 [ ac t iv it y 2: t he s t r onges t br idge

A. We recognize God’s blessings in our studies. Use it. • Not only our service in YFC pleases God, but also when we
excel in our studies.
• We need to grab every opportunity God is giving us for us to
excel. E.g. : • Studying is one way of serving the Lord.

1. Do our projects/assignments before the deadline to avoid B. Our future

cramming. Cramming eats up our time to be excellent.
• We become God’s professionals.
2. Have good study habits. Set a regular time for studying.
• Our education is a stake for ourselves.

B. We Strive. We Persevere. C. Family

• Aim high not just passing marks (C’s or 3.0) instead (A’s and • Giving back our family what they had done for us
1.0). Be excellent.
• We become assets/gift/blessing to our family
C. We pray. • We can help our siblings study

• Pray before and after studying, exams, doing projects, • We make our parents and family members proud of us
reporting, etc. D. Society
• Offer your studies to God. Ask for His providence, strength,
wisdom and guidance. • We will be contributing to the society when we start working
and building up our dreams.
(Enter Sharers)
IV. Stake for the Nation
1. A YFC leader/member who struggles to strive and to give his best
and excellence in studies. It has been said that “character-building is nation-building”. A nation
2. A YFC leader/member who is an honor student. may be a broad concept but zooming in, we can see that a nation is a
group of people with individual dreams and aspirations. At this particular
3. A YFC leader/member who failed before but is now doing excellently time of our life, studying well is our biggest stake and contribution to the
in his studies. nation. What we cultivate today is the fruit that we can share and give to
our country 5 to 10 years from now.
(Enter Speaker)
As we strive for excellent in our studies now, we are breeding a
III. Fruits of our Education workforce who will be:
Just like the bridge in our activity, the fruit of our education will bring A. High-quality young professionals/ entrepreneurs
us from where we are right now to the dream that we want to fulfill. A
“strong bridge” links us to: • Who are dedicated in doing their work and get things done
with dedication and commitment.
A. God
• Who can be a pride to their country wherever he works
• We please God because we answer the highest calling that He because he brings heart and excellence to service.
has given us.

176 cfc youth for christ
f ormatio n track man u a l year 2
• Who are inspirations to his boss and co-workers because of
his principles and values.
B. Better leaders
• Who cannot be bought or corrupted.
• Who uphold Christian ideals and values.
• Who genuinely serve by loving the people he/she serves.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as though you were working for the Lord and
C. Reliable Homemakers
• Who raise a good family because of his/her Christ-centered
principles.
• Who believe in forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation.
• Who uphold commitment and values the essence of families.
• Who will raise up new generations of good citizens of the
country.
(The speaker will go directly to the concluding activity.)
stake for the nation
177
[ c hapt er 2 : c onc luding ac t iv it y
concluding activity
ACTIVITY 3 STAKE FOR THE NATION
activity dynamics
not for men” Colossians 3:23
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. This will affect
not only ourselves but also others and eventually, the nation.
This is the beauty of God’s Plan. Every effort that we exert to realize
our own dreams and the plan of God for us is also a puzzle that 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 to bless
us and bless others through us.
3. The game master will then lead everyone into a recommitment
ceremony.
Review of our YFC Covenant:
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.
178 cfc youth for christ
f ormatio n track man u a l year 2

• I will take responsibility for my studies.

• I will respect school authorities.
• I will serve my classmates and build a good relationship chapter 3
in school
APPENDIX
The Speaker will lead the assembly to a prayer.

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.
180 cfc youth for christ
f ormatio n track man u a l year 2

students’ prayer
CHAPTER 3 APPENDIX STAKE FOR THE NATION
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.