Asia-Pacific Nazarenes Celebrate God's Protection Of Children

Asia-Pacific  Nazarene Theological Seminary along with WM Communications (AP) joined several other organizations on November 25th  at the St. Francis Square Mall in Pasig, Philippines to kick off the Philippine Children’s Ministry Network’s (PCMN) 10th year celebration of God’s faithfulness in protecting children.   Their involvement in these community partnerships reflects the Asia-Pacific Church of the Nazarene’s strategic initiative of developing children and youth.   

Other guests at the PCMA event were, Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry who participated in the opening ribbon cutting ceremony, together with VIVA Network’s executive Mr. Alan Smith, and Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) director, Bishop Efraim Tendero.

At the Childrens’ Festival, the reigning Miss Earth talked about the need for partnerships that would touch on environmental awareness issues with both non-government organizations and government organizations.  She also gave a lecture on environmental protection to children from Kanlungan sa Erma and SPECS, both leading child-care centers and advocates in the country, who were present to perform, to play, and to join several learning activities.

With the theme: “Helping Children for Jesus”, different activities were scheduled from November 25 to 27, 2008.  Part of which was the “Children and Peace Forum”, a seminar on “The Ministry of Fund Raising”, and a forum on “The Strategic Role of the Church in Child Protection and Child-Friendly Church”.

APNTS agreed to have an exhibit booth set-up in the area to give information about children’s program, graduate school curriculum, and partnership activities that the seminary has with PCMN.  One of which was the trainers training for Step-Up, an information technology enabling program for youth and youth at risk.  It is an inter-departmental program between the Donald Owens School of World Mission (DOSWM), Fairbanks International School of Communication (FISC), and the Christian Education Department of APNTS.

On the part of WMC-AP, it provided coverage of the highlights of the event for PCMN.  Through brochures, providing information, and exhibit pictures, WMC-AP also promoted its  thrust to train the youth in the area of media and communication, hand-in-hand with FISC.

PCMN enjoined various organizations to promote the survival rights, development rights, protection rights, and participation rights of children.  On top of these, partner organizations featured items made by children to support the cause for children at risk.  PCMN also tapped Compassion International and World Vision as major sponsors of the celebration.

by: Jay Mijares

this post was filed under Press Releases on Dec 4, 2008