News

West Visayan Conference Children's Ministries department conducted an "Alive in Jesus" Orientation and Training Program for children's Sabbath School leaders, teachers, and ministerial spouses on Dec. 13-14, 2024.

The event, held at the West Visayan Conference headquarters in Iloilo City, aimed to introduce and orient the children's Sabbath School leaders, teachers, and ministerial spouses to the "Alive in Jesus" Sabbath School curriculum, a new curriculum developed by the General Conference Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department.

As defined on the "Alive in Jesus" official website, Alive in Jesus seeks to nurture the spiritual life of our children and youth from birth until age 18. It also empowers parents, caregivers, Sabbath School teachers, leaders, and others to model and promote a thriving relationship with Jesus and the children in their spheres of influence.

Ministerial spouses were actively included in the program, emphasizing their vital role in partnering with teachers to lead in their respective districts.

During the event, Jean Estrebilla, director of Women's Ministries and Children's Ministries in WVC, delivered an inspiring keynote address. She reminded attendees of their role as "gardeners" tasked with "planting well." In this message, she emphasized the crucial role of Sabbath School teachers in planting seeds of faith in children's hearts by drawing parallels between gardening and teaching, highlighting the need for careful cultivation and nurturing.

Rose Mae Arizala, WVC education, and music director, reinforced the above presentation during the Sabbath School Program with another message about "Growing Well." She emphasized the vital role of spiritual nourishment in a child's faith development, comparing it to the essential nutrients plants need to thrive. Just as water, sunlight, and minerals are crucial for plant growth, prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship are vital for children's spiritual growth.

The training culminated with a commitment message, challenging participants to embrace their roles as spiritual mentors.

As the conference prepares for 2025, this curriculum is set to transform the Sabbath School experience across WVC, ensuring a Christ-centered and mission-driven approach to nurturing young minds.

WVC remains committed to empowering leaders and partnering with families to make the Sabbath School a place where children encounter Jesus and are inspired to live for Him.

By Catherine Princetia Bernal

The original version of this article is posted on the official page of the West Visayan Conference.