Scripture says children are a gift from God. No pandemic can douse our fire to mold their character, so the efforts of the COTK Children’s Ministry continue. Teachers Vera Malaga and Leah Esquillo shared with us the ministry activities since the start of COVID-19, their plans for the coming months, the adjustments, and things learned through it all.
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TEACHER VERA: Since March 29 of last year, weekly Sunday reflections and activities prepared by our Sunday School teachers are being posted in our Children’s Ministry and Cathedral of the King-CEC Facebook pages. Online Sunday school is held twice a month through the Facebook messenger room, and since last November, Josephine Thurman has ministered through Bible storytelling videos. In the future, we will release Children’s praise and worship videos for them to sing along with, in addition to collaborations with the HSKD-Dance Ministry. Plans are to start online Bible studies for local children in Parañaque and Las Piñas (the adopted locality of the COTK Area 4 Community). Lastly, we will provide training for aspiring future leaders of the Children’s Ministry. Adjusting to the new normal has been a challenge; a struggle for both us and the parents. Engaging the children is also difficult due to the many distractions in their environment, technical issues, and lack of available devices. Nevertheless, we must embrace technology as a tool to effectively reach far and beyond. We never grow weary in planting the seed, believing that it is still God who causes the growth and the increase.
TEACHER LEAH: Nothing should hinder us from fulfilling our God-given ministry. When He calls us, He makes ways for us to deliver, although it may seem impossible. First, we must use discernment which we receive through fervent prayers, His Word, and the Eucharist. Second, we must be open to change by attending webinars and familiarizing ourselves with the new applications that make us more effective educators in the online setup. Then we communicate with parents about activities their children can do at home. As we focus our eyes on God, our faith increases and our fear diminishes. And, as we serve the children, God’s favor and protection continually covers us in everything.
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May the unwavering commitment of the Children’s Ministry inspire us in our daily lives. They also seek others who have the same heart for children and who are willing to be mentored in the ministry of nurturing young minds one day at a time.
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