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Negros Occidental Conference's Children's Ministries Department conducted its seventh-level training program on March 1, 2025, at the Negros Occidental Conference Evangelism Center. The event emphasized the theme, "Building Tomorrow's Church Begins with the Children of Today."

Mrs. Meagan Galanza, NOC children's ministries director, shared that the Children's Leadership Certification program is designed by the General Conference Children's Ministries Department. Its objective is to equip Children's Sabbath School teachers and leaders with the essential leadership principles and skills required to organize and lead a children's ministry in the local church.

During her lecture, she discussed transforming vision into action to improve the spiritual learning of children in their Sabbath School classes.

In her topic, "Ministries for Parents and Kids," she illustrated Walt Disney's strategies for capturing children's attention, stating, "Remember that you're not building a kingdom inside the church; your plans must align with the goal of making every Sabbath a delightful and attractive experience for worshiping the Lord."

She further explained that not all church members possess a passion for teaching kids. Leaders and teachers must know how to organize programs and provide instruction effectively. They also need to understand and nurture children to help them grow in their faith.

To raise awareness, Mrs. Renelyn Roylo, a clinical instructor at Central Philippine Adventist College, shared her insights on "Disabilities and Faith" to help reach out to parents with children who have disabilities and manage these situations. She emphasized that we should find strength and comfort in the Lord, as "beauty can come from broken things."

Mrs. Meriam Saturion, a retired guidance counselor, exemplified the topic of "Embracing Special Needs of Children in Church Ministry," pointing out that every child is valuable in God's eyes. She stressed that the church should ensure that children with special needs are welcomed and loved.

During the divine service, Mrs. Christine Ragudo, a physician from Adventist Medical Center Bacolod, focused on "The Importance of Connection for Filipino Youth." She explained that connectedness is essential for revealing Christ to children and youth, encouraging everyone to prioritize connections to Christ above all else. "Stay connected to Him, no matter what the cause," she added.

Additionally, Mrs. Wilmia Entia lectured on "Children's Mental Health," and Mr. Even Villar spoke about "How to Reach Digital Natives with the Gospel." These lectures aimed to enlighten Sabbath School teachers, leaders, and parents.

During the culmination, Mrs. Galanza expressed her satisfaction with the outcome of the program, saying, "We were blessed with articulate guest speakers and cooperative participants."

She hoped that the teachers and leaders would carry the spirit of the event back to their local churches, igniting a renewed passion for children's ministry. She also prayed, along with the rest of the organizers, that the momentum wouldn't fade, that the insights shared would continue to resonate and inspire long after the event was over.

Stephanie Loriezo

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