After a vibrant and spirit-filled morning of learning and reflection, we returned in the afternoon with hearts still stirred and minds ready for more. The first half of our breakout session reminded us of our mission and the privilege of our calling. Now, it was time to go deeper—not just into the practical aspects of service, but into the spiritual battles that often go unnoticed.
The Unseen Spiritual Battle: Fighting the Good Fight
The afternoon session kicked off with a prayer led by Bro. Riju Agojo, the YFC Coordinator for CFC-WA North Chapter. With spirits lifted and hearts ready, Bro. Larry continued his talk and this time it was about an often-overlooked struggle: the unseen spiritual battle.
He began by highlighting what we can see—the physical aspects of our mission. We plan and execute entry camps, we prepare our service teams, we sort out logistics, and we make sure everything runs smoothly. But beyond all the checklists and coordination, there’s another layer of preparation we must never neglect: spiritual readiness.
Drawing from 2 Corinthians 4:4, Bro. Larry reminded us that the enemy is always working to distract and discourage us. And just like how we equip ourselves physically, we must also gear up spiritually.
Armouring Up for Battle
The key? Putting on the Armour of God. We don’t fight alone—God and His angels go before us. But we must stand our ground and stay firm in faith. To illustrate this, Bro. Larry shared the story of Daniel. Despite his unwavering faith and gift of interpreting dreams, Daniel’s prayers seemed unheard for 21 days—until an angel, most probably Gabriel, appeared, revealing that he had been delayed by spiritual opposition and was only able to break through with the help of Archangel Michael.
The message was clear: Spiritual battles are real. Angels are real. And God listens to our prayers. We are not powerless—we just need to call upon Him.
Bro. Larry then turned to Matthew 10:16, where Jesus says:
“Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.”
Yes, wolves exist. Persecution is real. But we are called to be wise like serpents—discerning and strategic—while also being gentle like doves, acting with purity and grace.
Strength in Unity
As coordinators, we aren’t meant to fight alone. We serve together—as couples, as mission partners, as one body in Christ. Just as parents guide their children, we are called to be spiritual parents to the youth.
Wrapping up the talk, Bro. Larry encouraged us with 1 Corinthians 15:58:
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.”
Yes, serving as YFC coordinators is demanding. It requires patience, endurance, and faith. But God sees our work, and He promises a reward.
A Fun and Eye-Opening Activity
After such a deep and thought-provoking discussion, it was time for a fun and interactive activity led by Sis. Sheila.
She pointed out that as leaders, we often encourage our youth to be open and vulnerable—so now, it was our turn! Each of us picked a random question from a bowl and had to answer on the spot.
Some responses were heartfelt, some were funny, and some were surprisingly profound. Here are just a few that I was able to take note of during the session:
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For Sis. Ice (from WA). The question was: “Spice or herb? what would you be like?” And her answer was: she’s a Sichuan Pepper because its spicy and its aromatic, you can also put it anywhere, it’s versatile.
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For Bro. Jong (from WA): He shared that through Music Ministry, he found a powerful way to give back to God.
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For Sis. Sharie (from WA). Her question was, “If you have an extra 2 hours in a day, what will you do with it?” Her answer was: She’ll use the extra 2 hours to ask for forgiveness and pray because sometimes she feels overwhelmed. She also wants to talk to God.
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For Sis. Joyce (from ACT): When asked what brings her genuine joy, she shared the unforgettable moment she met God as her personal Saviour.
There was another question that one of the participants got: “If I could speak to the 18-year old me, I would say?” and her answer was, “Don’t wait for your true love because you are already old enough!” Her answer brought laughter to everyone!
Rounding off my list was a thoughtful question answered by Sis. Ampy (from WA), who shared…“What did Year 2024 teach you?” Her answer was that she didn’t know that she can give a lot of love not only to her children but to other children as well, which are the youths in her area. She also said she can’t image loving other children and she is also close to some of them now.
While the activity was lighthearted, it carried a deeper purpose: to open up, to understand each other better, and to build stronger connections within our mission.
Structure, Roles, and Our Mission as YFC Coordinators
The session then shifted to understanding our structure and responsibilities as YFC coordinators. Sis. Sheila walked us through the guiding principles that shape our service:
The guiding principles are Unity and Uniformity, Independence and Interdependence, and Autonomy and Accountability.
Unity & Uniformity – CFC is one body, with one mission across the world.
Unity means that all over the world, Couples For Christ is one body, one family, and one army. CFC also has one vision and mission and this is the same in all countries including one Christian culture, etc.
Uniformity means that CFC groups throughout the world are to be distinguishable by any member. Like for example, the same household prayer meeting structure and the same praise and worship elements should be observed around the world. However, CFC does recognise the need for local cultural adaptation in some cases with approval by CFC Council.
Independence & Interdependence – We take initiative but remain connected.
Autonomy & Accountability – We lead while being accountable to the greater mission.
As for the structures of the CFC community, CFC recognises that there are different mission phases in different areas around the world. The 3 different Phases are:
Establishment Phase – Planting seeds of faith, starting small (like Darwin’s one YFC household as of this writing).
Enrichment Phase – Strengthening members through deeper formation.
Empowerment Phase – A self-sustaining, thriving YFC community.
After a quick breakdown of CFC’s organizational structure, we were grouped into three and Sis. Sheila gave each group a topic to discuss which was “Being a YFC Coordinator, what do you do for the Youth (for Group 1), Parents (for Group 2), and CFC (for Group 3)?”
Each of the members in every group contributed to the list and a spokesperson was chosen per group.
A. Group 1:
Sis. Maricet from NSW was the one who was brave enough to present what they talked about. She said that as YFC Coordinators they cook for the youth, arrange their transportation if they need one during events and activities, do one to ones, be role models to the YFC like they should act, dress, and speak correctly.
They also plan, decide topics, run the upper household, think of fundraising, enjoy their fellowship, and try to be one of them, like know what the youth likes in terms of tv shows, songs, video games, sports, etc. They also try to speak their language, etc.
Another said that she only created an Instagram account when she became a YFC Coordinator so that she can follow them and know what they do, what their interests were and also to communicate with them. Also, they do screening for the speakers, worship leaders, emcees, etc., whenever there are upcoming Chapter Prayer Assemblies, Entry Camps, YFC programmes, etc.
They also guide the YFCs with their decisions, lovingly correct them, guide and learn with them. The most important thing for being the Household Head is that we don’t assume we know everything, the YFC coordinator has the final decision but with proper coordination with youth leader, CFC, etc.
B. Group 2:
Bro. James of WA presented the discussions that took place in Group 2. He said that as YFC Coordinators, we ask help from parents to arrange transport of YFC to the events, or organise carpooling with parents. We also inform the parents about forth coming activities, and we talk to them when there are any issues and concerns with their children. Some of these issues were confidential especially when they are in danger.
We also set up a group chat and give a blow-by-blow account of the YFC event by sending pictures. We also announce in the group chat about when the event, assembly or activities are finished so that they can start preparing and pickup their children. We also coordinate all other activities like music ministry practices, etc.
We organise an activity for the parents which is the “Parents Honouring.” We also do the parents orientation before the Entry Camp starts. The group also highlighted that the YFC Coordinators do not take the parents’ children away from them, we are just here to guide their children and to become their second parent.
C. Group 3:
Bro. Roge also from WA volunteered to be the spokesperson for Group 3 and he was very delighted to discuss this infront. He even coined an acronym for their answers which was D.A.T.E.
To start, D was for Disseminate activities to CFC, and involve them in the planning. Also do one-to-ones with the CFC Chapter Head because they are our pastoral head.
Next was A, for Attend the household prayer meetings with the CFC Upper Household as this is where we get pastoral nourishment. Also, we have to attend retreats, MERs, CLPs, conferences.
The next one was T, for Tithes. Giving tithes regularly to CFC is another way of helping the community to grow and support the mission of the community as we are a not-for-profit organisation.
And lastly, E, for Engage. We have to equip ourselves by attending all activities mentioned, and be visible during activities. Also, make an effort to support KFC (Kids for Christ) and SFC (Singles For Christ) as we are in the middle of the transition of kids, from KFC to YFC and transition to adulthood, from YFC to SFC.
This was indeed a very creative activity to discuss what a YFC Coordinator’s responsibilities when it comes to the youth, the parents and CFC. Right after each discussion, Sis. Shiela also showed slides that enumerated the roles of a YFC Coordinator and she told everyone that all of us like 99% nailed it!
This was a powerful reminder that we already know what needs to be done—now, it’s time to step up and live it out.
With hearts full and minds inspired, we closed the session with a lively Q&A, sharing last-minute thoughts and experiences then we went for a quick break before the Holy Mass started.
Oh, by the way, did you miss the first part of the breakout session? You can catch up on the morning session highlights—clicking the link HERE. It’s a great way to see how the afternoon discussions beautifully built on what was shared earlier in the day.
📖 And we’re not done yet! The Family Ministry Summit 2025 had even more in store.
Up next: the Holy Mass and our much-awaited Fellowship Night—a perfect way to reflect, reconnect, and rejoice as one community.
📸 Also, feel free to browse through the gallery of the afternoon breakout session below. You might spot familiar faces, memorable moments, or even yourself in action!
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