On March 7, 2026, the JMW Wong Building within the Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM) Compound became a hub of inspiration as hundreds of ministerial spouses, childrenโs ministry leaders, and youth participants convened. Representing all 11 sectors of the mission, these attendees gathered for the Childrenโs Ministries Leadership Certification Level 5, featuring the “Alive in Jesus” curriculum and a comprehensive Vacation Bible School (VBS) Training Workshop. The event was specifically designed to bridge the gap between spiritual theory and practical mentorship, ensuring that those leading the youngest members of the church are equipped with the latest pedagogical and evangelical tools.
The training intensive featured a prestigious lineup of presenters who tackled the modern challenges of parenting and ministry. Jill Palomares, SEPUM Childrenโs Ministries Director, provided foundational guidance on “The 10 Commandments of Parenting” and strategies for teaching children to witness. Further deepening the mission’s focus on early evangelism, retired director Fely Alfanta discussed the “4/14 Window” and the importance of intergenerational worship. The curriculum was rounded out by technical sessions on the “Alive in Jesus” program led by Claudette Lofranco and a VBS deep dive by Raquel Villanueva, offering leaders a roadmap for successful summer outreach programs.
Beyond lectures, the workshop addressed sensitive and timely topics, with SMM Director Marie Joy Mamac facilitating discussions on media challenges, effective communication, and teaching sexuality from a Christian perspective. To reinforce these lessons, participants engaged in collaborative group activities by sector, presenting creative outputs that demonstrated their readiness to implement these strategies back in their local churches. The day concluded with a powerful commitment service led by Pastor Raul Emnace, who challenged the leaders to remain steadfast in their mission of discipling children for Christ, marking a significant milestone in SMMโs ongoing dedication to the spiritual growth of the next generation.
Photos by Hope Channel Southern Mindanao
