Christ to the Philippines South Bicol District (CTTP SBD) Youth Council headed by Ptra. Ginalyn Cerdeña kicked off district youth activity with the theme “Switch On” held last November 26, 2022, at CTTP Ligao City Chapter.

“Switch On” was the very first activity held by the council after three years of inactivity due to pandemic protocols that limit face-to-face interactions. The name alludes to starting off with district-wide activities in face-to-face mode. It is anchored on John 8:12, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

Ptr. Tolentino Payacag, the guest speaker, also commented on the name of the activity saying (non-verbatim) that after three years of darkness [inactivity], the team finally switched on [started up] with a district-wide activity. He also goes on to say that once the light has been turned on, it should not be turned off. The light should continue.

He also talked about the ways in which one can be the light of the world. According to him, one should undergo spiritual formation by intentionally doing the following: reading the Bible, attending church service, attending prayer meetings, attending Bible study, and personalizing the Word of God.

Ang pananampalatayang meron tayo ay regalo ng Diyos. Kaya kung ang pananampalatayang ‘yan ay regalo ng Panginoon, ipinapamuhay ang kanyang Salita. Take note [of] these things para tayo lumago: read the Bible intentionally, attend church service intentionally, attend prayer meetings intentionally, attend Bible study intentionally, and personalize the Word intentionally because the Lord chose us intentionally!

He also urged the young people to practice good stewardship of God-given resources and to serve Him with Gladness, Love, Obedience, Right attitude, and a Yes attitude. In short, we should “do all things for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31, NASB).

The program also showcased the talents of the local churches. CTTP Daraga led the offertory song and prayer, CTTP Iriga presented a tambourine dance number, and CTTP Pioduran led the Body Worship in the second part of the program. Other churches sang their hearts to the Lord during the lunch break. 

The second part of the program focused on the creative application of the message listened to in the morning. The youths are divided into five groups, each presenting a unique interpretation of the activity’s theme: song composition, spoken poetry, poster, slogan, and short skit.

Towards the end of the program, Ptr. Edwin Mendez, CTTP SBD Director, challenged the young people quoting from Mangangaral 12:1, “Alalahanin mo ang iyong Manlilikha sa panahon ng iyong kabataan bago dumating ang mga araw at taon na puno ng kaguluhan, panahong hindi mo na madama ang tamis ng mabuhay” and 1 Timoteo 4:12c, “Sa halip sikapin mong maging halimbawa sa mga mananampalataya, sa iyong pagsasalita, pag-uugali, pag-ibig, pananampalataya at malinis na pamumuhay.”

The activity was attended by 153 youths– excluding the Pastors, elders, and former DYC officers– from the different local churches in South Bicol District, namely: CTTP CamSur, CTTP Villa Hermosa, CTTP Kinuartelan, CTTP Ligao, CTTP Baligang, CTTP Anislag, CTTP Pioduran, CTTP Salvacion, CTTP Daraga, and CTTP Agape Bogtong Community Church. The venue was jam-packed, and a generator ran electricity due to a scheduled power interruption that day. Despite the hot temperature and close compacted space, the youths gave their all throughout the activity.

To witness the whole conduct of the activity, you may visit  CTTP South Bicol - District Youth Council Facebook page. The entirety of the program was streamed online. Photos and videos were also uploaded.