In Colombia, church prepares children for future leadership
Children and adolescents from across local churches in the seven regional fields in North Colombia to demonstrate their knowledge of biblical doctrines, and to preach and sing in front of a large congregation during a special talent showcase program at Colombia Adventist University’s Auditorium, in Medellin, Colombia, Nov. 1, 2014. Images by Shirley Rueda
November 13, 2014 | Medellin, Colombia | Shirley Rueda/IAD Staff
Zoraida Perez, children and adolescent ministries director for the church in North Colombia, speaks to finalists during the talent competition on Nov. 1, 2014.
Preparing children and adolescents for leadership in the church is something that Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders in North Colombia take seriously as dozens of youngsters across the region participated in a talent showcase in Medellin, Colombia, on Nov. 1, 2014.
The annual competition brought children and adolescents from across local churches in the seven regional fields in North Colombia to demonstrate their knowledge of biblical doctrines, and to preach and sing in front of a large congregation at Colombia Adventist University’s Auditorium.
While finalists answered a series of questions on computer terminals, others preached on the Sabbath as the day of rest before a panel of judges. Several soloists and musical groups showed their talents.
“This day highlighted the fact that the church has a beautiful future if it continues cultivating the gifts and talents children posses,” said Zoraida Perez, children and adolescent ministries director for the church in North Colombia and organizer of the event.
A young preacher participates in the talent showcase.
“We believe that training and inspiring the youngest members in our churches to collaborate in the mission of preaching the gospel is vital to shaping the next generation of leaders,” said Perez. Perez said there are hundreds of parents and children and adolescent ministries leaders who work arduously in teaching children about Jesus and how to serve the church as He did.
Melisa Arteaga Garcia, first place winner in the child preacher category, was happy about her win but mostly because she was able to touch the hearts of those who attended the event. “When I preach, I feel God’s power and His Holy Spirit next to me.”
Liliana Landazabal was the winner in the biblical doctrine competition and felt she was more than a winner because she learned to study her Bible and to pray more.
In a time when parents are so disconnected from their children and not invested in educating them with Christian values above all else, the program highlighted the success that parents and children and adolescent ministries leaders can have as they team up to shape the lives of children in the church, said Dinorah Rivera, children and adolescent ministries director for the church in Inter-America.
Dinorah Rivera, IAD children and adolescent ministries director, says investing in events like these help motivate children to sharpen their skills for service in the church.
“We are not only helping our children to prepare to be the church leaders of the future with initiatives and activities like this one, but also sharpening their skills for service in the church today,” said Rivera, who has participated in dozens of children and adolescent training events across the church in Inter-America just this year. “Investing in training our children means preserving the church now and tomorrow.”
Natalia Salcedo took the top music prize and all other participating finalists were given prizes as well as they were motivated to continue using their talents across the churches in their communities.
For more on activities and initiatives in North Colombia, click here