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Selected Sabbath School teachers from Cebu provinces and Metro Cebu gathered for the "Alive in Jesus" training, a new Sabbath School curriculum designed to foster spiritual growth in infants and toddlers.

The age groups, classified as "Baby Steps" (0-1 year old) and "Beginners" (2-3 years old), were the focus of the training, with the Sabbath School teachers trained to guide them toward a deep connection with Jesus during their earliest years.

Held on Nov. 1-2, 2024, at the Central Visayan Conference, Mrs. Starly B. Gutierrez, the CVC Children and Women's Ministries director, alongside Mrs. Melodie Mae K. Inapan, the Central Philippine Union Conference Children's Ministries/Family Ministries/Ministerial Spouses Association/Music director, spearheaded this event.

These directors equipped teachers with tools and strategies to nurture the spiritual development of infants and toddlers in the digital age. They emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to the unique needs of Generation Alpha, who are growing up surrounded by technology, wherein screen time is an integral part of their life.

Mrs. Inapan kicked off the training by introducing the overarching goals of the "Alive in Jesus" curriculum. She stressed the significance of creating a nurturing environment where children can grow in faith. By likening educators to gardeners, she illustrated how their role is essential in cultivating a rich spiritual landscape for young learners.

Building on this foundation, Mrs. Gutierrez explored the essential building blocks for nurturing spiritual growth in her session. She highlighted the importance of teaching foundational Biblical principles and instilling values that shape character. She encouraged attendees to plant seeds of faith that will flourish in children's hearts, particularly in a generation that faces new social and technological dynamics.

On the Sabbath morning, Mrs. Gutierrez discussed the critical role of discipleship in a child's spiritual journey. She demonstrated how parents can model Christ-like behavior, guiding children in developing a personal relationship with Jesus. This session underscored the importance of educators imparting knowledge and embodying the values they teach.

Following this, Mrs. Inapan introduced innovative teaching methods designed to engage young learners. Her session encouraged interactive and age-appropriate activities that make learning about God enjoyable and meaningful, reinforcing the idea that education should be both impactful and fun, particularly for a generation accustomed to digital interaction and experiential learning.

The afternoon sessions featured practical demonstrations that allowed attendees to apply what they had learned. The Capitol Church delegates showcased hands-on activities tailored for infants in the Baby Steps program, illustrating effective worship practices.

On the other hand, Adventist Academy Cebu delegates presented demonstrations for beginners, focusing on strategies for teaching toddlers about faith.

Moreover, the training culminated with reflections from a selected delegate, emphasizing the collective commitment to nurturing young hearts.

Pastor Romer Ando, the pastor of the AAC church, led the commitment ceremony. It provided a moment of spiritual dedication, culminating in a dedicatory prayer that reinforced the purpose of the training.

The attendees left the training with a profound understanding of their role as mentors: to help children know and accept Jesus, laying the foundation for a lifelong relationship, and preparing them for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Importantly, the delegates recognized that as teachers, they must reflect the character of Jesus, for they cannot give what they do not possess.

This commitment to personal spiritual growth reinforces the importance of modeling Christ-like behavior. The "Alive in Jesus" training not only equipped participants with essential teaching tools but also inspired them to embody the values they seek to instill in the new generation.

By God's grace, the immediate impact of this training was evident, as participants expressed enthusiasm and readiness to implement the new curriculum —Alive In Jesus.

By Maricel G. Bojos, Central Visayan Conference

The original version of this article was posted on the official Facebook page of the Central Visayan Conference.