In North Colombia, hundreds of children are taught to live healthy
Children from across Andventist churches in southwest Medellin, Colombia, participate in an annual talent showcase held at the Colombia Adventist University’s auditorium, Sep. 19. More than 400 children participated in the event focused on teaching children to make healthy choices and preparing them to be healthy church leaders in the future. Images by Shirley Rueda/IAD
October 1, 2015 | Medellin, Colombia | Shirley Rueda/IAD Staff
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North Colombia recently gathered more than 400 children during a special event to showcase their skills, talents, and to demonstrate what they learned about healthy habits.
Asenet Gomez, children’s ministries director and organizer of the event, said the event was meant to prepare the next generation of healthy leaders.
The annual event, which was held Sept. 19 at the Colombia Adventist University Auditorium in Medellin, brought hundreds of children from all over the city to preach, sing, and exhibit their art projects to parents, teachers and church members from across the region.
Asenet Gómez, who heads the children’s ministries department for the church in the southwest region of Medellin, said it was important to teach children about making healthy choices every day, much like the church in North Colombia has been promotingduring the past year.
“We want our children to grow healthy now that they are very young and not wait until they’re adults to live healthier lifestyles,” said Gómez. “The church is now providing many health expos geared toward adults but children need to grow strong and healthy.”
Children learning about the importance of exercise from local firefighters.
Children and their parents took the afternoon to tour eight stations that dealt with the eight natural remedies highlighted in the church’s “I Want to Live Healthy” initiative to live a healthier life: water, rest, exercise, sunshine, air, nutrition, temperance, and hope in God.
In each of the eight stations, youngsters engaged in hands-on activities where they could learn more about each natural remedy.
The event was about making sure that children are prepared to be the next generation of leaders–healthy leaders engaged in sharing the good news of the gospel, explained Gómez.
“I have learned about water and how I need to take eight glasses of water every day to be healthier,” said eight-year-old Sharith Areiza of her favorite remedy.
Art displayed by the children during the event.
Juan Valoy, 12, enjoyed learning about how to eat a balanced diet. “I loved the section about nutrition because it is a remedy that can help us eat better and grow healthier,” said Juan.
Michelle Guarin, 9, liked learning about the effects of the sun and water. “I’ve done so many creative activities, and I’ve learned about Jesus, that He is the hope, our God and He is the only one who can help us,” said Michelle.
Parents also participated in the day’s activities.
Orfidia Gómez, a mother who brought her children to the health expo, was very happy to see the positive messages about living a healthier lifestyle. “I am thankful for this activity because even though we teach our children about how water is healthy, and going to bed early is good for them, when they are with other children it confirms to them that it is important to live a healthy lifestyle,” said Orfidia Gómez.
Children were given a water bottle, sun visor, and a healthy fruit snack to remind them of the natural remedies God has provided. Children were encouraged to practice and tell their friends about their new healthy lifestyle, organizers said.
Children and parents from churches and communities across the southwest region of Medellin, during the talent showcase.
Asenet Gómez was excited to have so many children participate this year, including dozens of non-church-going children and families from the surrounding communities.
Church leaders are already planning to include a larger health expo for next year’s event.
To view photos of the event, click HERE