For the last two Sundays, our C.E. department was discussing the upcoming Children’s Camp 2009 in our Church. We have agreed to make this “limited” by selecting children that will attend. This is due to some factor: (1) limited manpower – some of our teachers are not available during the camp so we’re short handed; (2) focus – we want to focus on the individual participant, creating better result; (3) funding – actually, we’re planning to create zero (0) expenses for the department (how we’re going to that will be explained later).

The camp’s theme (no final phrasing yet) is about exposing this children in the ministry. Showing them that they are already part of the church and some of the things that they are currently doing (distributing and collecting hymn books, stacking up chairs after service, etc.) are already part of their ministry and that there other ministries that they can be involved. We will also impart to them the importance of discipline and commitment.

It’s a big task actually. We’re preparing future leaders of the church. And it will not end at camp closing. This will be a continous discipleship, something this church haven’t done for a while.

This camp will be a replacement of the traditional “Vacation Bible School” that almost all of the churches in the whole Philippines are conducting every summer. As for me, this VBS is very popular, churches spend money on it, but there were no proper follow up. I am not saying that VBS is useless. I believe that, still, many children and families are presented at God’s feet during this event, but our church want to focus more on the current members of the church. Training them and enabling them for the ministry.

As I’ve said earlier, we plan zero (0) amount to spend on this event. How? We have delegated the expenses to our members. Each family were assigned a specific meal, some families were assigned for the materials that are needed. We lack funds. But this church went from one activity to one activity without that much of funding. Church families are willing to give their time in preparing foods for church activities (we sometimes call this bayanihan).

Camp will start on April 24 in the afternoon up till April 25 noon. Activities include film showing, some community work, group activities and discussion.

Prayers are very much welcome for this event. We still have a lot of things to prepare.

Soli Deo Gloria