First Training
We had the first Children Evangelism Training at Laiser Hill Seventh-Day
Adventist Church in Nairobi. It was just a whole-day training that was
attended by parents, teachers, and children leaders from different churches,
from near and far alike. A gratitude filled our hearts because we only anticipated
for around 20 participants but it reached to around 50.
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| The trainors and most of the trainees |
Teaching the principles on child evangelism is a two-fold
blessing: learning them ourselves and a blessing to those who heard. We were truly
inspired with the attendees as we saw them taking notes, heads nodding, asking
questions, giving some insights; and determination to use the materials for
their own Sabbath school classes, for home schooling their children, in organizing
evangelistic meetings, and for other community and church programs.
The eagerness to minister to the children is the passion that we
all shared. They were all excited to go back to their homes and churches and
teach the songs and stories to their children and to their churches’ children.
We have been blessed by the gratefulness in their hearts as they have expressed
it in words spoken, “thank you for teaching us these principles.” Their
testimonies were overwhelming too, but we were humbled and Praising God for
what He had done in and through us.
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| with the Maiywa family |
We thank Mrs. Sarah Maiywa, a teacher and children's leader, for ardently
organizing and making the training possible, and accommodating us in their
humble dwelling. It’s another blessing of a family in faith! And I personally
thank God for my newly-found younger siblings in her children.
Second Training
From the first training, we are heading to the Western part of the
country, particularly in Kisumu. It is about 7 hours of travel from Nairobi,
the country’s capital. We got the invitation from the Women, Children, and Family
Ministries Director of the West Kenya Union Conference (WKUC), Mrs. Roselyne
Ayayo. She accommodated us for 2 nights in their humble abode and took us to
WKUC headquarters for a visit.
This time, we are going to Kimilili Central in Western Kenya Conference
which is a Malaria zone – seriously! Will you be afraid if you see this sign? I
personally wasn’t because of His promise in Psalm 34:7. What do we get for
precautions? Mosquito repellant, the vegetarian malaria capsules (thanks to
Ma’am Sandra), our strong immune system and above all, the rest of God’s promises. Were
these enough? Yes, more than enough – God’s part and our responsibilities! Amazingly,
at the end of the 4-day training, we haven’t gotten even a single bite of a
mosquito. In fact, we enjoyed the coolness of the place and the nature
surrounding us. Bwana Asifiwe (Praise God)!
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| Pastor Ayayo welcoming the participants |
We, with the trainees, were accommodated in a mansion (I could say
so because it’s really big and spacious) for free and we enjoyed its amenities
for free too. Grateful to the Lord for this provision of shelter! There were 24
attendees: mostly district leaders in their respective churches, with only one
man among the group. Only one man interested in child evangelism? Why? Where
are the others? This is also my question but Praise God we had one – one
Mordecai! Among the other trainees, the farthest came from a four-hour journey.
The program truly was one-of-a-kind! We had the proper training lectures,
additional topics for children with special needs, health lectures as specially
requested, practice preaching, and the actual children’s program where the
trainees presented themselves.
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| Kenneth doing a devotional |
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| Ate Maya giving an overview of the training |
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| Lecturing on captivating the children with the Word |
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| Group discussion on children with special needs |
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| The only man summarizing on their group discussion topic |
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| Doing a health lecture on nutrients needed by our body |
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A mother doing nature nugget during
practice preaching |
The practice preaching and actual presentation was fun! Most of the trainees had their
first-time experience in using the clicker. As they tried their best in
presenting: gestures, style, and enthusiasm vary. Some shaking while telling
the story, some forgot to release the pointer and kept it pointing to the
children, some feared somehow, some can’t control the tone of voice, some were
stuck up in a slide, and lots of experiences. So, their overall performance? They
all did a very good and excellent job! And there was joy amongst us all!
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| Another mother doing the illustration on the Sabbath topic during the actual presentation |
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| Cooking Filipino-African food with the mothers |
For me, this training was not just for the children but to teach
healthy cooking too. Hence, where do you think I’m heading here? Maybe you
guessed it right! Yes, in the kitchen! I had the privilege to work with the
mothers and taught them how to cook simply, wholesome, and palatable food
without using oil. They were all amazed especially with the African food that I
modified into a Filipino-African food. We shared lots of laughter in the
kitchen! However, there was a scary moment while we were cooking that I really
can’t forget. You know what? A mother was taking the pot from the fire with her
bare hands! “Oh, nooo! Don’t do that again infront of me, Mama.” These were the
words that I can’t help but exclaim when I saw it with my eyes. It is something
what they were used to because their hands are thick. Ohhh, I really startled
at what I behold that day! So, you might be wondering how they found the ‘oil-less’
food? All they told me is that it is ‘sweet.’ At first, I was defending that
it’s not sweet ‘cause I even didn’t put sugar in it but the ingredients are
where the natural sweetness come from; thinking that it’s what they mean. But
only to realize later that, ‘sweet’ means delicious! Praises to God for the
food seasoned with prayer and the aid of holy angels!
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WKC leaders from right to left: Pastor Elijah Nyaribo
(Kimilili Central District Pastor), Pastor Misoi, & Mrs. Kosgei |
Came Sabbath, the culmination of it all.
The trainees inspired us
with their all-given energy in presenting topics on Three Steps to a New Life
and Health. What inspired us more is the visit of the President of Western
Kenya Conference, Pastor Christopher Misoi, as he heard about how our team had
done a wonderful work during the training. He said that he has all his support
for the group and its ministry. We bring back all the glory to God for every
praise that the lips of men uttered, even this president.
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| Kenneth preaching on Sabbath |
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| With the new child evangelists! |
Saturday night was sharing of testimonies. We were so inspired
when Ma’am Sarah Kosgei, the Children's Ministries Director of Western Kenya Conference, shared hers. I personally still had in mind what she said:
that she was planning for child evangelism training but had no idea on who will
conduct such. It was fixed in her calendar! It was only when she arrived at the
site that she got to know that there are visitors coming from the Philippines,
and she met us and was so grateful. Great and amazing God!
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| Their last supper! |
Before temporarily parting ways, the mothers expressed the
abundance of their hearts which overawed our souls and wrought gratefulness in
our hearts. I heartily Praise Him for my
new mothers, though we just have a short time together. Glory to God for
another group to be included in my prayer list!
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| Look at how an African mother carries her luggage... |
Third training
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| Teaching scripture songs with actions |
It’s in Migosi SDA School in Kisumu and just a walking-distance
from where we stay. Here, God had given us the privilege of teaching Bible
truths to 500 students from kindergarten to primary classes at one time. It was
a privilege and a blessing since around 80% of the students are non-Adventists.
They were, regardless of religious affiliation, friendly, attentive and Bible-learned!
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| Ate Maya doing the Sabbath illustration |
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| Doing illustration on the Law topic |
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| Doing devotional on Nurturing and Disciplining the children |
Likewise, we had an opportunity to share some child evangelism
principles to all the teachers during their morning devotionals; and it was an
encouragement for them to play their roles as second parents to the students,
in the fear of God.
Moreover, we were able to conduct a one-whole-day child evangelism
training with 8 participants. Quite a few but their eagerness and commitment to
learn matters most, so we proceeded! They were blessed and we are even more. They
acquired knowledge in the fields that God has called them – in ministering to
the children; and we have learned from their inputs as well. Their questions
especially on ‘dramas’ and disciplining a child were answered and made clear
with reference to the inspired writings. With them knowing such, we believe
that they would be more effective shepherds over the little flocks that God has
entrusted them.
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| Helen, the child preacher! |
The finale of this week’s mission was on a Sabbath. It was an
remarkable Holy Day! Why? Because it was a Children’s Sabbath. Being such, we
had mostly child-student participants in the Sabbath school classes, hour of
worship, and afternoon program. For the hour of worship, we had a girl child preacher.
She was amazing and good! We just gave her the topic, she familiarized it, and
haven’t even had an hour of practicing the sermon. This girl had been chosen
among other students as she had already experienced preaching in their church. The
message on ‘Pilate’ was powerfully delivered and the appeal was truly
convicting. It was my first time to hear a child-preacher as her. Truly
amazing! As I am listening and seeing her preach in the pulpit, the words of
Christ in Matthew 21:16 is flashing back to my mind: “Yea; have ye never read, out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou
hast perfected praise?” Surely, God will use the children in exalting Him and
in proclaiming the last message of warning in this sin-marred world. Every listener
was heart-stirred and was reminded of the mistakes that they have done as Peter
and Pilate. The appeal goes, who will you be like? Peter, who repented and was
forgiven; or Pilate, who didn’t listen to the Holy Spirit’s pleadings and
consequently crucified the Saviour? In response to the altar call, the children
were the first ones to come in front – what receptive and unpretentious hearts
they have! And it was a wonderful sight to behold that Sabbath day when
everyone was on their feet standing for the Savior, Jesus Christ.
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| the school's head teacher |
We Praise the Lord for the blessings and what He
had allowed us to experience the whole week. Grateful for the warm welcome of the
school and its teachers; especially the head teacher, Mr. Evans; the
opportunity to work hand-in hand with the two women pastors. Ptr
Margaret Juma – Children/Women/SS Director of Central Nyanza Field (CNF) and
Pastor Ayayo, in helping train teachers, parents, and church
leaders alike in child evangelism; and foremost, grateful to God for the
empowerment of His Spirit and for being human agencies in the hands of heavenly
instrumentalities.
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| with Mr. Stephen Ayayo, Pastor Margaret Juma, & Pastor Roselyne Ayayo |
Fourth Training
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| Group discussion headed by the only Pastor trainee |
We conducted it at Better Living SDA Church. It lasted for two
whole days, with special topics on the Basic Needs of Children, Job Description
of Children Leaders, Characteristics and Needs of Children in Different Ages, and
How to Care for Children with Disabilities.
Speaking of child evangelism, do you think that it’s just for women? No, no! This time, we had 4 men participants; and even had a Pastor for the first time. Praise God for men who have this passion for ministering the children. Hoping still that this number would increase in future trainings. We thank God for Ptr. Roselyne Ayayo and Ptr. Margaret Juma for the addition of these topics that our knowledge about child evangelism had been advanced.
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| A man wrapping-up their group discussion topic |
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| Kenneth doing one of the devotionals |
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| Pastor Ayayo lecturing on one of the additional topics |
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| Pastor Juma also lecturing on one of the additional topics |
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| Inspiring and motivating the trainees on the vision of Jesus & Mordecai |
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| Ate Maya presenting on Unlocking the Word to the Children |
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A man-trainee asking the children about the Law of Love
during the actual presentation |
The trainees also experienced doing actual
presentations to the children. They enjoyed it since, for most of them, it was
their first time to get acquainted in using high technology in teaching. The
trainees themselves testified that they really benefited and learned a lot. We
Praise God for their fervour to use the materials as they will minister to the
lambs, whom the kingdom of God belongs.
To conclude the program, we had a Children’s Sabbath again as we
did during the third training. We involved 2 kids in giving the children’s
story; and had 2 child preachers, a 10-year old boy and a 13-year old girl. It
was on Three Steps to a New Life message that they inspired the congregation
with. I’ve never witnessed children preaching in my country before, but it will
be realized at the soonest time. Yes, preaching is not just for youth, elders,
or pastors. It’s actually for the children, too! I’ve never thought of this
before but I’m so amazed when I saw what God can do with these young minds. “Tell
a Child to Tell the World” – this is our advocacy! Children can be taught to
proclaim precious and even testing truths for such a time as this. Now, I’m
really so inspired and can’t wait to train and see a child preaching in my
beloved country. It’s time to train them how to prepare people in the soon
coming of Christ, isn’t it? We believe in their young capacity, we enhance
their gifts, and we let them lift the name of Jesus as they preach; and we have
been greatly impressed. I personally was, when I witnessed how God can mightily
use children in proclaiming truth. I
always believe in what I teach in one of my topics during the training
sessions: “children can do something which adults cannot do.” At times, there
are adult preachers which message seems not to impress our hearts, but a child’s
can. And I found that this so true. Why? I think it’s because of their
innocence, hearts untainted with sin, and fresh-teachable minds;
that the infilling of God’s Spirit can make them able to preach a powerful and
even a convicting message.
The Sabbath ended with a commitment service for the trainees, whom
the church pastor has given the charge. We Praise God for the new child
evangelists! Is my story ending here? Oh, not yet. We had an unexpected gift
from the host church. Right then I asked myself (with excitement), “What could
it be?” What’s in the box? 2 cups printed with the church’s name. I said, WOW
and WHY? Wow for the unanticipated blessing; and why for the number. Why two? They
said, so we will always remember them as we take our breakfast – one for
porridge and the other one for tea. Interesting! I was just thinking why two
even for us singles, haha!
We render thanks to our heavenly Father for these abundant
blessings!
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ. -Ephesians 5:20
