1, 047 children attend Convention

May 7, 2018 • in News & Events

More than a thousand registered delegates, consisting of children from the different provinces of Davao gathered and participated in the first and one-of-a-kind Children, Health, and Stewardship Convention held at South Philippine Adventist College, Matan-ao Davao del Sur, May 1 to 5.

Outgoing Children’s Ministries director Mrs. Marife Patalinghug, who initiated the event, welcomed the delegates from their long and enjoyable travel coming to the venue. “I am so much pleased with the respond of parents, local church leaders and the children who came to attend this convention. I would like to thank you for your support,” she continued.

The theme, “Preparing Children for Heaven” was not just a catchphrase, but it was also a responsibility. For the adults, they must let the children be prepared for the greater work, said one of the lecturers. The convention purposely held to teach the children how to be good steward and to practice healthy lifestyle and values so that they can be useful in the community where they belong.

The Sabbath worship message was shared by Dr. Ma. Rizalline Alfanoso, Health Ministries director of the Southern-Asia Pacific Division (SSD), the Adventist Church headquarters in the southern Asia-Pacific region. In her message, she discussed the danger that children face today especially that they are living in a digital age. She challenged the parents to take part in preparing, teaching, discipling children for heaven. “If parents fail to manage and guide their children, they will experience great loss because our children are our treasure!” she exclaimed.

Children who attended the convention have no sign of regrets for coming over. Every time they went to their different stations bright smiles had been shown on their faces. One of the delegates Claire Peleńos shared her testimony, she said that the best experiences she had were Bible Connect Station and Church Decorum. “Those stations taught me the importance of reading the Bible daily and also the how to behave accordingly when you are in the church,” she added

Highlights of the events included Bible connect activity, cultural presentations, Heaven at Last program, and baptism. The event ended on Saturday, May 5. The parents, local church leaders, especially children enjoyed a special social program. The participants left the place spiritually energized and informed.