498 Registers at the Davao Mission-wide Children’s Integrated Convention and Workshop
“South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) in Matan-ao, Davao del Sur, is currently hosting 498 participants for the opening day of the Davao Mission-wide Children’s Integrated Convention and Workshop, which will run from July 3rd to 6th. The event’s theme is “Preparing Children for Heaven” and it will be held across the five missions of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM).”
Dr. Chliejvferwyn C Catolico, SPAC President, welcomed the delegates by mentioning them as “our future SPAC students and alumni” and advised to study harder with prayers and obedience to God and the elderly in order to achieve their ambitions in life.
President Reynaldo Merin of Davao Mission (DM) delivered a keynote message on a beautiful sunny day. He emphasized the beautiful truth in Matthew 19:14, where Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Building on this, he encouraged the young kids to emulate Jesus, to be kind and courteous, and to always trust in His promises. He reminded them that Jesus loves children, seeing them as the gems of heaven.
The theme song, relevant to the message and convention theme, was composed by Pr. Jaffet Legario. It includes the following lines: “I am preparing for Heaven, for what I live each day. I let the Holy Spirit guide me in what I do each day. I live the principles of Heaven while I am on my way. Living like my Jesus as I wait upon that day.”
The numbers reported include chaperones of these children. However, 364 of these registered delegates are children and direct participants. Cluster 4, had the biggest delegation of children with 85; Clusters 1 with 74 and so with Cluster 5 also with 74; Cluster 2 with 65 children. Cluster 3 with 37, Cluster 6 with 16, and 13 from Cluster 7.
The groups were divided into 15 groups and at an arranged schedule, must complete 15 separate workshops and beneficial lectures on Sunlight and Temperature (ST); Activity and Rest (AR); Trust in God and Nutrition (TN); Oxygen and Water (OW); Stewardship for Kids (STW); Bible Journey (BJ); Spirit of Prophecy (SOP); Kids Care Group (KCG); Storytelling (ST); Preaching (PR); Bible Art and Craft-Parenting (BAC); Music and Conducting (MC); Church Decorum (CD); Kids Digital Missionary (KDM), and Kid’s Chef (KC).
With increased practical and spiritual knowledge about living for Jesus, all 15 groups gathered at the SPAC grounds for fun-filled games and team-building activities, filled with childish laughter and giggles. Despite being strangers to most of the delegates from various parts of the mission territory, their camaraderie seemed to simulate the joys and companionship found in heaven. The chorus of the theme song further stated: “Heaven is my home, heaven is my home, there I live with Jesus forever. From this world, I’m leaving for Heaven, for Heaven is my home.”
The fruitful opening day of the convention ended with the evening devotional with a stirring message from Pr. Nelo Seda, Jr., SePUM Youth Director followed by a quiz bowl led by the event organizer, Ma’am Emelyn A. Merin, DM Children’s Ministries Director and Ma’am Cheryl L. Hodge, DM Education and Communication Director.
Also present during the day were Pr. Reynald dela Cruz, SePUM Ministerial Secretary, Sir Rhoen Catolico, SePUM Communication Director and his communication team–Ivan Mae Flores and Dan Florante Callo, the DM administrators, directors, field workers and their spouses, church school teachers and all members of the working committees, who in so many ways believe that “the early training of children is a subject that all should carefully study. We need to make the education of our children a business, for their salvation depends largely upon the education given them in childhood. Parents and guardians must themselves maintain purity of heart and life, if they desire their children to be pure. As fathers and mothers, we should train and discipline ourselves. Then as teachers in the home, we can train our children, preparing them for the immortal inheritance.” Mrs. Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, p. 271. (SePUM Communication)