Christmas Institute: CI continues developing ethnic leadership within the PNW
By Faith Sairez and Yvonne Agduyeng
CI in the PNW
Christmas Institute (CI) in the Pacific Northwest is part of a long tradition originating from the Philippines as early as 1921. Nearly 91 years later, there are numerous CI camps that happen all over the world, every year from December 26-30. The ministry of CI was first launched in the Pacific Northwest in 1999 and has continued to inspire young people in their walk with God. CI prides itself in designing a camp that nurtures young people to be great leaders within the church and community.
In the last 13 years, CI in the PNW has outgrown numerous campsites and now serves more than 50 campers from the Seattle area, as well as Canada. While many who attend are of immigrant Filipino or Filipino-American families, everyone is welcome! CI is open to all young people from 7th grade to 2nd year post-high school who are seeking spiritual guidance, acceptance, and fellowship.
Developing Leadership
Hours and hours of planning have to happen long before the first day of camp. Every year, the Leadership Team of Christmas Institute prepares campers for a week-long experience to engage in conversation with one another, to think about their own faiths, strengthen their beliefs, and grow in their journeys with God.
Over the years, CI has not only produced its own leaders, but also future pastors, praise and worship leaders, and many other active members of the church. In order qualify as a leader, a candidate must be at least 18 years of age, be a camper for at least one year, and serve two years of being a Leader-in-Training (LIT).
Leadership team development takes place throughout the summer and fall through meetings, overnight retreats, prayer/Bible study sessions and countless e-mail conversations. Regular meetings in months leading to CI are vital in developing leadership bonds and reawakening the excitement of CI.
Denise, a second-year LIT explains, “Being an LIT has given me the opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes at CI and help plan. It has also helped me become more confident in speaking about God…” BJ, also a second year LIT adds, “CI leadership has given me the confidence and support I needed to lead events throughout CI.”
Leadership Bond at SI
Due to the importance of leadership development, the training process has branched out to include Summer Institute (SI), as a “mini” CI for leadership during the summer. Last August, CI leaders gathered in Ellensburg, Wash. to worship, converse about scripture, partake in games, and bond with one another. What resulted was a celebration of new and old leaders gathering to do what we all loved – thinking of new and fun ways to interact with others who are passionate about bringing our ideas to life at camp!
Noemi, a first-year LIT had this to say about SI, “It was a good way to bond with the rest of the leaders and an exciting time to think of ideas and scriptures for CI.”
Jordan is currently a leader who has attended CI for 11 years. “All the [CI] and SI trainings are always so fun-packed and meaningful as we work towards our goal of CI. Coming together as a team and bonding means a lot as we continue to grow,” he shares.
Taking It to the Streets
As CI 2012 approaches, the Leadership Team will be planning to “Take it to the Streets” this year and we hope to see new faces there! Our prayer as co-directors is to have a meaningful camp that will continue to grow and advance in the years to come. We thank the Commission on Ethnic Ministries of the Pacific Northwest Conference who continue to support and pray over Christmas Institute as well as the churches, families, and friends who entrust their youth and young adults in our hands.
December 26-30, 2012
@ The Firs
4605 Cable Street,
Bellingham, WA 98229
Youth and Young Adults (7th Grade to 2nd Year Post-HS) and Adult leaders (18+ years)
Faith Sairez and Yvonne Agduyeng are currently serving as
co-directors of Christmas Institute in the Pacific Northwest.
Learn more about CI at www.ci-pnw.org. On Facebook, visit http://bit.ly/ci-pnw.
This article was originally featured in Channels 57, October 2012. Download this issue here.
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