This year, by God’s grace I was able to attend CFC-Youth’s National True North Conference (TNC) in Calgary, Alberta. Here’s what I learned, experienced and just my overall reflection after the conference.
Coming out of this year’s True North Conference, it has not only reminded me of the joys and blessings that come with being in this community, but I am also truly affirmed in the missionary spirit that has always been in us just waiting to be rekindled. It has revealed a lot to me. Personally, it has shown me how much this community can really shape you into a stronger, better and more God-centered version of yourself. This was clearly shown through the growth of the people in my chapter and most especially myself. It has shown me what my life was lacking prior to joining my first Youth Camp and that God really did have bigger plans in mind for us. For that, I am forever grateful and blessed to have parents who brought me in the community.
Despite it only being my second conference, I could tell that this year’s True North Conference was a truly special one. It was a reminder of our vision for Youth for Christ (CFC-Youth) in which we are ‘Young people being and bringing Christ wherever we are’. It was a reawakening of our true role as a CFC-Youth: to be missionaries in our own lives; to be Missionaries of Christ. I believe that this reminder was truly needed as it is easy for us to lose sight of what we are called to do. In our day and age, I think it’s easy for us to forget to put God first in our lives. Having experienced the many moments of joy through this year’s conference, wouldn’t you want to share that very joy experienced through Christ with everyone in your life?
This conference made me truly aware of not only how far Couples for Christ (CFC) Canada has come, but also for how much CFC in New Brunswick has grown. We’ve gone so far. Serving as a Chapter Head for New Brunswick has been a very humbling and to be honest, difficult experience at times. Being the ones in the forefront for an area that’s showing a decline of faith in the youth and for the unfortunate situation that our churches are in, with them having to close eventually, it’s easy to give up and even come to the point at which you start doubting your service.
However, I came out of the conference with the realization that the growth of this community stemmed from leaders heading into the unknown. Leaders who have truly experienced the joy that is serving the Lord and whom are willing to share it with everyone. This community grew from them and the leaders after them. Like the many regions already conquered throughout Canada, the growth of CFC-Youth New Brunswick can be traced back to the missionaries/mission volunteers who answered the same call and whom in turn taught my chapter to become leaders.
CFC-Youth New Brunswick’s growth is an affirmation of the work done by these people who answered their call to go on mission. We’ve since then grown to appreciate the many God provided gifts that being in a community like this can offer such as the gift of household, and most especially the gift of service. I’ve learned of the values and rewards that a simple “yes” to God can bring you. Today, I answer those calls to service with utmost confidence and a rekindled desire to share Christ with others.
I found this year’s TNC to be a truly blessed weekend experienced through the sessions, workshops, worships and the many friendships made. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been so awestruck at the many talents showcased during the Creative Competitions (to the point at which I literally got chills), the athleticism brought out by the many players at the Sports Competitions and the friendly competitiveness of the youth during the Fun Competitions. It’s hard for me to put into words just how moved and grateful I was to be able to lead a Praisefest and to bear witness to a new generation of youth being prayed over and sent out. A new generation of leaders. To witness a generation now empowered with the willingness and the desire to serve and answer their call. A new generation of missionaries.
CFC-Youth Canada, I’m incredibly excited for our future knowing the mission at hand. The conquering of Canada from the Pacific to the Atlantic shows how God truly is a promise keeper. This isn’t the end yet, however. There are still many other places for us to bring Christ to. Our vision still stands. Remember that every waking moment is an opportunity for us to share Christ. As for me, I know not yet fully what God has planned for me, though it seems to be getting clearer and clearer after every “yes” I’ve given. As for all of you, I leave you with this one question:
“Are you ready to be sent?”
Jeremiah Sabino – New Brunswick Chapter Head | CFC-Youth Atlantic Region
