Children’s Congress 2023
KIDS ON THE GO!!
This year 2023, in the Zimbabwe Central Union Conference, a children’s camp was held from the 9th to the 16th of April at Plot 55, Allenby Farm, Kwekwe . The aim of the camp was to help children make a commitment to Jesus, and for them to understand the plan of salvation and the fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In alignment with the theme: “Holding bible values”, activities like crafts making, and puppets, to mention a few were done to help children grasp the bible values as was the aim of the camp . Not only did the children spend their time on learning values but they also participated in activities like jumping castle as a way of keeping them entertained.
Speakers like Aunty Herinirina from the Southern Africa Indian – Ocean Division , Ps Dingane and Dumisani Mfune from Malawi as well as uncle D Mapeta played a major role in teaching as well as instilling Godly values in the young missionaries of Christ. Children were also taught many fundamental beliefs of the Seventh Day Adventist church through various stations that included team building/ jumping castle, sign language, sanctuary, crafts, puppets, stewardship, making friends for Jesus, science, bible games and VBS.
The Team building station helped the children learn and know how each life event helps in building a Christ like character. The Sign language station focused on creating an open line of communication for all groups of people particularly to destroy any kind of discrimination against the deaf and those who can not speak. The Sanctuary station served the purpose of enlightening the children on the different aspects of the Heavenly sanctuary and how the earthly sanctuary was made in a way that represented the heavenly one. At the Science station various scientific topics were taught, including the human body. Children were taught how we all are part of the body which is Christ and of course our relevant importance in spreading the gospel just like how each body part serves a role in the functioning of the entire body.
The aim for the Making friends for Jesus station, was to highlight to children how they should treat others and also befriend many, not forgetting to also draw them to the Messiah. Puppets were also a tool to educate children more on Christianity values and to entertain children . The Vacation Bible School (VBS) station was used to get kids involved in the church and to meet people within the church. It consisted of activities that entertained them as well as giving them the chance to know more about Christ their savior.
As the Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go : and when he is old , he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22 vs 6), parents, guardians and church at large are all encouraged to lead and show the right path to the little ones because anything that is taught rightfully will never be forgotten.
When He calls us , we will obey ; quickly answer not delay . W e want all the world to know we are # KIDS ON THE GO !!