After thorough planning and much anticipation, the 23rd International Conference (ICON) of CFC – Youth For Christ started this April 8, 2016 which will conclude on April 10, 2016 at the CPG Sports Complex in Tagbilaran, Bohol.

We, YFC delegates from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao together with the international delegates from different parts of the world, gathered to experience Christ’s unlimited love.

The main venue was filled with excitement and joy as the delegates populated the venue with wide smiles and loud laughs. Kuya Lawrence Quintero, our current YFC International Coordinator, gave the opening remarks. He hoped that we will use this weekend to spend time with the Lord and find true joy in Him.

We all know that YFCs are blessed with a variety of talents and ICON is one of their venues where they get to show it off. They showcased their God-given talents through the different competitions held after the morning activities.

Most of the performances have a touch of where they came from using their native language in a song, and adding symbol to their clothes and props.

The couple coordinators were also empowered with the necessary knowledge to help them serve better through the Church Integration Congress. Our coordinators were reminded that we as YFCs, are not just members, but also a part of their family. And that we all belong to a bigger family, that is the CFC Community.

In the afternoon, YFCs from every area had flocked the streets of Tagbilaran to declare their personal advocacies in the form of a praise parade. Participants from all walks of life had unceasingly shouted all of their convictions despite of the hot afternoon weather.

In the celebration of the Holy Mass, Bishop Leonardo Medroso of the Diocese of Tagbilaran pointed that Jesus came to this world not to be served but also to serve. We should be inspired by the gospel to be like Jesus, for He’s always ready to do more and to be of service to others as well. Also, during the mass, Kuya Lawrence read us Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter to the Youth For Christ.

Furthermore, the first session was delivered through a talk show entitled “Praise God It’s Friday!”, where we felt that our hearts and minds were blessed, as we learned the true meaning of joy.

We were reminded that despite all the pain and suffering that we’ve been to, it is still our choice to be happy; it is our choice to rejoice in tragedy, brokenness, and forgiveness. Choosing to be with Christ is choosing to be happy because there’s everlasting joy and love in Christ.

And as the day has come to an end, Kuya Francis Buñag reminded us that Christ should be the only reason why we are rejoicing because His love for us is unlimited.

Highlights (IN PHOTOS):

[tribulant_slideshow gallery_id=”1″]