Spreading the gospel is a mandate not just for adults—it's a mission embraced by children too. This is what the Adventist Education Department in the South Philippines has prioritized, recognizing the importance of engaging the next generation from a young age.
The evangelistic meeting "Kids for Jesus Season 2" brought together 106 elementary schools from two distinct Adventist entities from April 14 to April 20, 2024. Among them, 64 schools represented the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SwPUC), while the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) contributed 42 schools to the meeting. This effort, coordinated by the Education Department of the former South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC), drew a strong response and resulted in noteworthy baptisms. A total of 1,153 students, parents, and other participants have embraced their newfound faith, testifying to its profound impact on their spiritual lives.
The program included a week-long blend of on-campus evangelism and public outreach efforts, culminating in the baptism of hundreds who were moved by the powerful messages shared. Each night, speakers from nursery to grade 6 took the stage to deliver inspiring sermons, captivating their audience and igniting a passion for faith.
Parents laud the program for transforming their children and families. They express astonishment as children develop preaching, hosting, singing, and other skills. Observing a notable transformation, children become more prayerful and embrace religious songs with newfound zeal.
The influence of the students extended beyond the school gates, drawing their parents closer to spiritual enlightenment. Other guest parents expressed their gratitude for the school's rare opportunity to empower children to speak and share their faith during the testimony hour at Golden Boulevard Adventist Elementary School. Many parents, moved by their children's testimonies, expressed their commitment to Adventist education, recognizing it as a unique environment where spiritual growth flourishes.
Dr. Bienvenido Mergal, Director of the Education Department in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, received encouraging updates on the collaborative efforts of schools, children, and parents towards the endeavor's success. "Adventist education shines in its commitment to nurturing not only intellectual but also spiritual growth in our children," remarked Dr. Mergal. "We deeply value our children's contributions, providing them with a deeper understanding of God's mission from a young age," he emphasized.
A parent and her daughter started their journey towards baptism last year. To make Adventist education more accessible, they decided to relocate closer to the school. The impact of Kids for Jesus Season 2, which not only touched the lives of the students but also the parents and the entire community, influenced this decision.
The pupils' excitement was palpable, as they showed unwavering eagerness to participate in the program night after night. Their dedication to the cause, coupled with the support of their families and educators, exemplifies the spirit of Kids for Jesus and the enduring legacy of Adventist education. The culmination of the program included a special coverage of the simultaneous baptism on April 20, which took place between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. via Hope Channel South Philippines.
Last year, Kids for Jesus launched successfully, welcoming 1,089 new members of the Adventist Church. The initiative anticipates future opportunities to train and equip students to understand the Bible and share its embedded truths.
The echoes of Kids for Jesus Season 2 reverberate throughout the area, acting as a source of encouragement and hope and igniting a flame of faith in everyone it touches.
Roxie Pido, SwPUC Communication Director
The original article was published on the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference news site.