Still not going to Conference? You still have time to register! Just contact your Chapter or Cluster Heads about registration and make sure to get those forms in on time. Registration deadline is on Friday, July 26, 2013. That’s tomorrow!
You can find the general registration form here. (And if you’re in Pacific Region, you’ll need the transportation form found here.)
If you’re still undecided about going, why not read some testimonies from our brothers and sisters across Canada about their experiences at this year’s International Leaders Conference (ILC)? ILC took place in Manila during the first week of April 2013. Both ILC and this year’s True North Conferences are entitled “Jesus Expo”. It’s #ThrowbackThursday!
[divider]International Leader’s Conference was a blessing. Jesus Christ truly took my heart in a wonderful ride throughout ILC. This ride wasn’t a roller coaster but a SkyTrain ride to His love. It made me experience events that only I dreamt of doing: cleaning Pasig River, spending the day in an orphanage, meeting other international delegates, and worshipping God with the world.
The best ride of this pilgrimage was the lighting of candles which began Praisefest. Firstly, I raised my candle and the flame got blown away. It reminded me of the times when vices conquered me: the flame in my heart was blown away. When I truly surrender everything to God, He gives me more that what I hope for. He gave me the flame in my heart and ignited it. When He ignited it, I saw and witness that I am truly blessed to be in the CFC-Youth family. This ignited flame gave a light that unites my relationship with my family and gave direction to the vocation where I am called to.
I lit my candle again and raised it higher with faith and conviction and it wasn’t blown away even though the wind that night was strong; this was the struggle that I faced. God filled my heart with His grace. I wouldn’t have experienced this in the first place if I didnt’t listen to my Household Head when he said, “Just say ‘Yes’ to His grace.”
From the grace He has given me, I am now more excited to witness his love again in this year’s Western True North Conference. May God be praised. (John Paul Escala, Pacific Region)
[divider]Once I stepped off the plane in a place I like to call my homeland, it felt surreal. I didn’t really think I would be in the Philippines for the 20th anniversary of CFC-Youth for Christ. Going to ILC was never something I expected to be going to with school in the way but once I was there I was blessed beyond compare. Being the youngest from the Canadian delegation, God truly blessed me abundantly with the other 40 brothers and sisters. Not only that he blessed me with over 9,000 brothers and sisters from across the world. The CFC community is truly a blessing.
Standing in the hot summer sun, and the humid weather it didn’t stop me from worshipping my God. I woke up from my short little nap I took during the session–bad example, I know–but I woke up at what I think was great timing. Kuya Gelo Saludo said, “God doesn’t call those we are able; he calls those who are unable but willing.” When he said that I came to a realization that God called me to be here at ILC not because I was able but because I was unable and willing. Through this God is truly the living example that although we are weak he is able to find something within us to be the light to others. With this light we are the living examples of Christ, we are young people being and bringing Christ wherever we are. I went into ILC not expecting anything and with that I came out with so much! God truly works in marvelous ways. (Nicole Larioza, Mountain Region)
[divider]Conference has always been something that I looked forward to attending every year. It is where i get the chance to meet new friends across areas and regions, catch up with the old ones, and most importantly, get nourishment from the different workshops and sessions.
Earlier this year, I had the great opportunity to attend the International Leader’s Conference (ILC): Jesus Expo in Manila, Philippines. It seemed impossible at first: I just got a new full-time job, I wasn’t eligible to have any vacation days yet, and it was going to be very expensive. And yet there is nothing impossible with our Great Provider. Through His grace, I was able to get a leave of absence, saved up enough money with the help of my family and through fundraising, and finally fly to Manila.
Liveloud was easily one of the most memorable moments for me during this ILC. Learning the new songs from the community and worshipping with almost 9000 people in the Marikina Sports Complex was such an exhilarating experience. The resounding voices of thousands of youth singing their prayers to our God affirmed me that the Holy Spirit was truly present at that time. I looked back and witnessed a sea of people raising their hands, yearning for God, in awe of His majesty. Music has always been a great avenue of prayer for me, so how awesome is it that our youth has been blessed with talent to create and compose love songs for our God!
The workshops and sessions were also interesting, fun, creative and very relevant. There were so many things I learned about myself, my faith, and my own relationship with God.
I also had the opportunity to attend Mass everyday. It is such a great reminder that Jesus continues to give himself to us through the Eucharist, the sacrament of His Body and Blood. And that whenever we receive the Eucharist, we become one in Christ’s living presence. It was amazing to see that even though I was experiencing conference in the Philippines, it felt like home as we all were united in Christ.
This conference affirmed to me that as much as Jesus exposes himself to us in so many different ways, we also expose Christ through our own stories, our actions, and our speech. Hence our mission and vision as CFC-Youth, “Young People being and bring Christ wherever they are.”
It is so amazing to be able to experience Jesus Expo once again, but this time with my household, my area, and my region. It is definitely more special as these are the people I am journeying with, the people whom God entrusted me with. Don’t let this opportunity pass! Whether this will be your first time attending conference or the nth time, it’s always a blessed experience each and every time! I urge you to go register right now and witness God’s glory through the True North Conference! (John Magtibay, Canadien Region)
[divider]We hope that you’re as inspired as we are by reading these testimonies and pray that you’ll be at Conference this year. We’ll be livin’ it up and really want you to be there!
God bless!
John Ray Catingub
Annie Au
CFC-Youth Canada National Press Heads
