kidzine 2015

We have all experienced being assignedprojects in school. But it is not only us who have been given a task to fulfill. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was also commissioned with a project: to love us and bring us closer to God.

In the first session of the IKV, the participants were treated to an interactive talk show entitled“Knowledge for Children”. Hosts Ate Sarah,Kuya Josh, and Kuya Dane, introducedstories in the form of cartoons to let theparticipants know more about Jesus Christand the goodness that He is sharing with us, especially in the most important areasof our life – our family, our friends, and ourKids for Christ community.

In all of these things, one thing is made clear to everyone and that is how Jesus came into the world to be with us. He wants to be near us. As His beloved, He wants to know us because true friends know and love each other. We considerHim as our example for how to be good atloving other people.

Right before the end of the session, TeamSerra, the “guest” family on the show, gave 3simple steps for the kids to follow so they could fulfill their project to love. First is to simply kiss and hug their parents every day. Next is to pray with them every day. And lastly, to always tell their parents “I love you”.

To reciprocate this love, parents were also given 3 pointers: To go out often on family adventures which need not be expensive. They can even do it daily, as long as they give emphasis on quality time. Second is to treat their home as their first household, their kids being their first household members and they as their kids’ first household leaders. They must also not forget about thetradition of having a daily prayer time as onefamily.

As a challenge, an important lesson wasimparted by the hosts and that is for us to also accomplish our project to love. Because Jesus loves us, we must take on His project too, and we can begin by discovering more ways to love.

A SIGN OFGOOD THINGS

TO COMEThe first day of the 18th International Kids Village was filled with smiles and glees of excitementfrom everyone. Despite the heat of the sun,thousands of Kids for Christ from different areas and provinces enjoyed the activities being conducted at the main venue in the University of San Agustin, Iloilo.

The morning naturally started with worship, led by Kuya RJ Lovandino, a ROCK facilitator from Metro Manila. After the crowd sang and danced to praise God, they were led into reciting the Oath ofSportsmanship by Kuya Mark Jay Nery fromLaguna. Full of energy and encouragement, the kids then proceeded to the different CreativeChallenges held in different venues around the campus.

The Creative Challenges such as, Rhyme and Pitch, Rock ‘n Beat, and Family Acoustic Band gave the crowd inside the USA gym something to cheer loudly for; it was sheer entertainment. The kids, together with their parents, showcased their gifts in dancing, playing different instruments, and singing.

Simultaneously, the Family Duet, Family DanceShowdown, Little Kids Can Duet, GleeShowdown, and Step by Step Dance competitionwere also held in the University Auditorium. The hall was filled with voices and beats ranging from angelic to strong and powerfulfm. The LittleSaints Competition, a portrayal of different saints,the On-the-Spot Poster Making, and the FamilyArt Project, together with the Essay writing, Captured (Photography), as well as Bible Spellingand Catholic Kiddie Quiz Bees and fun games, were also attended by many. Surely, if the first few hours of the international KidsVillage was this jam-packed and energetic, then there’s no doubt that the weekend to come would be one giant and exciting Love Project.

TO BE LOVEDAND TO LOVE

TO BE LOVEDAND TO LOVE

Part of the homily also drew upon the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, which was celebrated on the same day. “The church emphasizes the dignity of labor. Our parents work hard to give us a brighterfuture.” Fr. Jessie encouraged the kids in theaudience to say thank you to their parents and guardians who were with them today. He alsoemphasized the need to give thanks to one’s teachers, guardians, and even to the household help. “To those who remember and serve us, we must give thanks for them.”

In emphasizing the value of work, we are reminded that even God worked when He created all of us at the beginning of the world. Each person is worth loving because in them is the image and likeness of God. God lives in our hearts! This is why Jesus commands us to love one another, especially the poor and the least among us. “Whatever the work of a person”, Fr. Jessie exhorted, “you should love and respect each and every one of them”. He gave the example of St. Joseph, who was a carpenter and, therefore, poor and simple in the eyes of the world. “Yet St. Joseph did not mind. He was only mindful of serving the holy family. Truly, our work can bring us closer to God because through it, we serve and love the Lord and His people. Therefore let us follow the example of St. Joseph.”

Before ending his homily, Fr. Jessie made aspecial request from the KFCs in attendance:“Listen, actively participate, and be aware of the people around you. They will help you discover how to love more.”

“Namiss niyo ba si Mama at Papa? O kasama mo siya ngayon?” (Did you miss your mother or father? Or are they with you now?)

This was the first question Fr. Jessie Tabobo, OSA, the main celebrant of the Holy Mass, asked the participants on Friday, May 1st. Three thousand parents, couple coordinators, and, of course, Kids for Christ gathered at the University of San Agustin covered gym in Iloilo City, a sea of candy-colored participants to the 18th International Kids Village.

In his homily, Fr. Jessie emphasized to the childrenthat being accompanied to the IKV by theirparents, guardians, couple coordinators, and ates or kuyas is already a strong testament to how loved they are. But before one can discover more ways to love, which is the goal of the three-dayconference entitled Love Project, it is important for us to remember the most basic and fundamental truth to our faith: “God loves you so much! God loves you beyond your imagination! God loves us all!” And it is because of this love that God has for us that we are able to love in return.

After His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter: “Do you love me more than these?” And Peter responded, “Yes, Lord, I love you”, which prompted Jesus to command him to feed His lambs. God loved us first, and now He is asking us to show our love to our beloved families, to our parents first of all, and to our siblings; to all our relatives, our teachers,and without forgetting our yaya (nanny) oranybody else who helps us.

Love begets love. Jesus first loved us and is now commanding us to love. Do we know how to love?

Fr. Jessie then turned his attention to the parents,guardians, and teachers in the crowd: “It isimportant to show our kids how to love others in return.” To do that, we must remember that love begins in our respective homes. If the children do not see that we love one another, that we forgive and are compassionate with one another, then they will not learn it. Values are taught through our personal example.