CFC Youth for Christ presented, for the third time, Love Forum on February 3, at Fatima Parish Hall. This year’s theme was 100% Pure. 

CFC Youth for Christ is made up of youths who intend to change their lives according to God’s will. This programme is oriented towards meeting the needs of young people to be motivated; to be useful; to be good examples and also to be Christian witnesses.

It has put a premium on four characteristics. It is fun-filled, builds friendships, enhances the faith and allows the young to be free but responsible at the same time.

CFC Youth for Christ having a great time at Curepe Parish Hall

Members of CFC Youth for Christ gather inside Fatima Parish Hall

This was my first experience at a Love Forum and I must say that it was astounding, remarkable, tremendous… the list can go on and on.

The hall was overflowing with youths who were willing to give their lives to God by praising and worshipping His name.

Youths from different parts of T&T attended including St Joseph, St Augustine, Rio Claro, Diego Martin, Arouca, Paramin, Maraval, San Juan and also Providence Girls’ High School.

It was a Christ-centred, Spirit-filled milieu where outstretched hands and open hearts were easily felt. The youths exhibited gusto in glorifying God’s name. Those who were present displayed no sense of shame in making time to attend such a God-filled day.

One of the youth present, Carl-Ann Joseph shared a talk. She based it on being 100% pure. This included ten stances which were: 100% alcohol free, no to drugs, smoke free, no to gay lifestyle, no to masturbation, virgin and proud, true love waits, pure in mind and speech, no to pornography and lastly pro-life (against abortion; contraceptives etc.)

Being 100% pure means:
To be pure in mind - by rejecting all forms of evil thoughts and desires including lustful ideas and malice of any kind. Also by rejecting any sort of pornographic materials

To be pure in body – by not engaging in any form of sexual activities outside of marriage; together with disallowing oneself to engage in any forms of addiction such as masturbation, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.

To be pure in heart - by refusing all forms of violent tendencies, selfish ambition, resentments, bitterness and abusive language.

There was a 100% pure “Dare to be” covenant card where one had to make a commitment with God to have a lifestyle worthy in His eyes and so we were encouraged to sign the card. I believe that lives of those who were present are now changed.

One of the activities was a fashion show where some of the youth modelled in their white outfits.

All had been encouraged to wear white since it was a 100% pure party. This was followed by a “Dance-Off” led by Erika Castro. The programme concluded with all the youth fellowshipping and having a great time. 

Many teenagers believe that being a part of Youth for Christ is downright boring but as a new member of this ministry it is such a blessing and I am ecstatic to know that I am part of such a motivating, heartening, inspirational family. 

I consider it a blessing. I am grateful for CFC and ask God to continue showering His blessings on this ministry and all who are involved so that we not only grow, but move forward.

How do we feel about the leadership session and what would we like to share with others about our experiences?

Having been invited to a Leadership Training Programme by Couples for Christ Trinidad and Tobago (CFC). We journeyed to the Pilgrim House at Mount St Benedict on Saturday, January 27.

The session was “The Dynamics of Speaking, Communications and Public Speaking”. We covered areas such as planning, introduction, conclusion and tips for presentation of your final draft.

The topics held our interest, giving us the desire for more. We were soon given an opportunity to put into practice what we had just received, by being placed into groups and each group being given an actual Christian Life Programme talk to deliver in a very short space of time.

Many of us felt a great sense of fear and doubt which soon dissipated as through prayer, praise and worship we felt the presence of Almighty God and His Holy Spirit: a great anointing that touched each member in a special way.

It was a splendour to behold, the great transformation, as each speaker was able to deliver his or her talk with confidence. What amazed us most of all was the love and the oneness of the brothers and sisters of CFC Couples for Christ, especially in the area of criticism and advice given to each speaker after his or her presentation.

We would like to thank Almighty God and the leaders of Couples for Christ for choosing us as potential leaders and for giving us an opportunity to discover our hidden talents. We look forward to other opportunities to share our TIME, TALENT and TREASURE.

To God be the glory.