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Negros Occidental Conference Children's Ministries held its orientation and training for children's Sabbath School leaders and teachers on Dec. 6-7, 2024. The event, themed "Alive in Jesus," took place at Negros Occidental Conference Evangelism Center in Taculing, Bacolod City.

The Alive in Jesus website defines the Sabbath School curriculum as a Bible-based program created by the General Conference Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department. Its purpose is to support the spiritual growth of children and youth from infancy to 18 years old.

The curriculum also empowers parents, caregivers, Sabbath School teachers, and leaders to demonstrate and cultivate a thriving relationship with Jesus, positively impacting the young people in their care.

Mrs. Melodie Mae K. Inapan, the CPUC Family and Adventist Children's Ministries director and the Ministerial Spouses Association coordinator, gave an orientation of the program on the opening night.

She said, "Sabbath School teachers are spiritual gardeners entrusted with God's special plants." She further said that Sabbath School teachers are highly called to train and equip children in the ministry.

As a guest speaker during the divine service, she quoted one of Benjamin Franklin's most famous quotes, "Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn." In this quote, she emphasized that teaching should focus on learning, not just teaching.

More than 500 delegates, including Children's Sabbath School teachers, parents, ministerial spouses, and church school teachers, attended this event.

"We are glad that we are here, especially school teachers who have joined Alive in Jesus. We have learned many things from our speakers. I'm sure the attendees can use this curriculum to nourish our church as we prepare for our future leaders in different areas of responsibility," said Irene Edral, school head of Goshen SDA Multigrade School in Sipalay, Negros Occidental.

The "Alive in Jesus" curriculum will be launched in 2025, replacing the Grace Link. In an interview, Mrs Inapan stated that this curriculum will answer and fulfill the church's needs, and its foundation is the Bible.

"We believed if we want to make a strong church, we must care for our children," she added.

While GraceLink has served the Adventist church well for many years, transitioning to Alive in Jesus stems from a desire to provide children with an even more effective and engaging experience.

One key reason for the change is that "Alive in Jesus" offers a fresh approach to teaching spiritual truths, incorporating current research on child development and effective learning strategies.

Mrs. Megan Galanza, director of NOC Children's Ministries, overflowed with gratitude for the resounding success of the "Alive in Jesus" program.

"Praise be to God!" she exclaimed, recognizing His divine hand guiding the initiative every step of the way.

Her heart swelled with appreciation for the dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and enthusiastic children who embraced the program with open arms and open hearts.

By Stephanie Loriezo, Head Writer/Negros Occidental Conference

The original version of this article is posted on the official Facebook page of the Negros Occidental Conference.