The South African-Indian Ocean Division (SID) organized a division-wide integrated children’s leaders’ convention under the leadership of Mrs Caroline Chola, Children’s Ministries Director from March 12-16, 2014 at the Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg. By providence, this convention was perfectly timed to coincide with the Summit, In God’s Image—Scripture, Sexuality & Society, that took place in Capetown the following week. As a result, six division children’s ministries directors from around the world could participate and assist with plenary sessions, workshops and presentations. Dr Linda Koh, General Conference (GC) Children’s Ministries Director, was invited to be one of the principal speakers.
Since SID believes in integration of the different ministries, Sabbath School and personal ministries directors, health directors, women’s ministries directors and family ministries directors were also included among the three hundred plus participants. Pastors from the local unions, conferences and missions also supported this indicating the interest of SID in growing its children for future leadership. Children were invited to be a part of the opening ceremony, the programs, giving special music, doing readings and participating in dramas.
Besides the learning that took place, all who were there enjoyed the fellowship, made new friends and exchanged ideas of how to be more effective children’s ministries leaders. The music was out of this world as they sang and danced the African way. Dr Saustine Mfune, Associate GC Children’s Ministries Director, led out actively in several songs written by himself. A DVD featuring these songs will soon be released for the world church.
On Friday evening, the vespers program brought all of us to Heaven. Everyone was dressed in white, given crowns by the angels and ushered into Paradise. A group of young people and children led out in the singing and the drama—it was hard to return to earth after that! But we still have a work to accomplish on earth, and all were inspired to pay special attention to our children and help them develop into strong disciples of Jesus Christ.
By Sally Lam-Phoon