We spent an overwhelming afternoon with the children in celebration of Train a Child Ministry’s first year anniversary on August 8, 2010. Seventy kids dressed up neatly and wore their best shoes on that day. It was an event that the kids have been looking forward to celebrate with. They were all delighted to receive a balloon and a loot bag filled with candies and sweet treats. For just an hour and a half, we’ve shared their joy and excitement as they all sat in their colorful dresses.
The activity was supposed to start at 4:00 o’clock but as early as 2:30, the kids already arrived and there’s no stopping! An opening prayer kept them still for a few seconds and right after that, everyone did not stop from talking. Containing their happiness was explicitly impossible to realize since everybody’s eager to start the celebration. After a few words of welcome from Ms. Zenith Diaz, we took a few poses as recollection of this remarkable day. They all stood up in front and wore their best smiles as the camera clicked.
As we looked at them, we just couldn’t stop from thinking as to how these kids have grown spiritually and emotionally. It was only a year ago when we started opening and we never expected that Train a Child Ministry would come this far. What we had was faith, and faith still. We started with twelve kids, became forty in five months, seventy in a year and we’re still growing in number. With God, all things are possible. His steadfast love and unreserved grace gave us more than what we could ask for. It’s amazingly wonderful how God works in each of our lives.
They held tightly their balloons as they ate cupcakes and delicious fruity-flavored ice buko. Seeing their small faces covered with chocolate grime makes me think about how time flies so fast. It has been a year since we’ve sang songs of worship, viewed animated Bible films and memorized Bible verses. Fifty weeks has gone since the children spent bible story sharing. Three hundred sixty-five days has passed since we’ve shared fun moments and formed friendships. A year may seem short, but what we have imparted and taught to these kids will last until they get old.
Little acts of kindness have definitely changed the lives of these kids. Their training at TCM has greatly transformed their personalities in some way and the Ministry’s programs have drawn them closer to God. A year has passed and we look forward to 3, 5, 10 and more years with Train a Child Ministry.
“We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.” Psalm75:1
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With the opening of the Ministry’s E-Library, the center has offered free tutorial classes among TCM kids who needed help with their lesson and school assignments. They were able to access free use of books and computer in the center. Through this program, the ministry supplements the learning gap among children enrolled in public schools.
The Ministry received a book shipment form International Book Project last February 22, 2010. Music, Math, Science and English books was sent to us all the way from the United States of America.
The International Book Project is an international nonprofit whose mission is to promote education and literacy while broadening Americans’ understanding of their neighbors by sending quality used books overseas. Each year IBP sends more than 150,000 books to schools, libraries, churches, nonprofits, and Peace Corps volunteers in over 40 developing countries. Since 1966, the International Book Project has sent more than 5.8 million books abroad (International Book Project).
A wide selection of story and picture books, child craft, dictionaries and encyclopedia are of great use. IBP donated quality and informative books that have supplied the center’s needs.
The children always look forward to every afternoon in the center. They loved reading and answering activity books. “Good books are the warehouses of ideas” as said by H.G. Wells and through the ministry’s endeavor; it has helped broaden a child’s learning competency. Through IBP, the ministry’s E-Library has offered more than just filling in empty book shelves but an environment where a child can comprehend, widen one’s imagination and learn through books.
Thank you to International Book Project for supporting our cause and making it happen. The Ministry has been blessed with people who despite not knowing or seeing each other, has continued to believe in our mission. Another answered prayer and we praise the Lord for that. Our God supplies all your needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus Phiilp. 4:19.
The ministry had its first Educational Tour last March 27, 2010. It was a whole day activity attended by thirty three kids and five volunteers to watch over the kids. Twenty waivers were distributed among TCM kids who regularly attend Saturday Bible classes a week before the Field Trip. The PM Class (9-15 years old) was scheduled to visit Crocolandia in the morning while AM Class (3-8 years old) was scheduled in the afternoon. It was their first time to visit the place and we were overwhelmed to see their happy faces as they jumped off the van, all excited for the ride.
Crocolandia Mania:
As early as seven o’clock, the kids were all ready to go. They brought along their bags and hankies. They have been anticipating to see animals and other species particularly, crocodiles. They all lined up as they hop off the van at the entrance gate. Dawn, the tour guide, welcomed us and gave a brief talk about what’s inside Crocolandia. The kids were all amazed to see the railed cages of humongous crocodiles hiding themselves in the swamp. Dawn introduced each of the crocodiles, talked about how they live, what they eat and everything about them. It’s interesting to know that crocodiles do have their own life stories. Aside from crocodiles, ostrich, deers, iguanas, turtles, parrots, tarsier, bobcat, squirrels, eagles, hawk, mynas, fish, wild hogs and snakes of different kinds are other attractions in Crocolandia. The kids were able to know about varied animal species and see what they genuinely look like since most of them have only seen these animals in books. As they come close to each animal, they all look with amazement. They share about what they observe and shout with glee every time they come across a peculiar animal. A short lecture on caring for animals was discussed at the Nature Center where the kids saw different eggs (from the smallest to the biggest) displayed. It was an opportune time for them to ask questions as well.
Right after that, the kids were able to see one of the crocodiles being fed with chicken meat. They were startled to see the crocodile with its sharp, big teeth as it leaped from the water to have its breakfast. It was an amazing yet scary site. After the tour, the kids had some fun at Crocolandia’s playground. They all slid, jumped, swung and had all the fun for a few minutes. When it was time to go, one kid asked if he can stay longer. He wanted to explore and see the animals again. The tour at Crocolandia not only allowed them to see the wonders of God’s creation but also, it gave them understanding and appreciation on the importance of becoming good stewards of the earth.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” Psalm 24:1-2
Afternoon fun at Funland:
It was time for the little kids to have their ride in the van. TCM kids brought their letters, signed by their guardians, bottled water, extra shirts and cute knapsacks tagged at their backs. I believe they all prepared for the two-hour enjoyment at Funland. They couldn’t wait to get to our destination. They kept asking as to how far we have to go. As the van came nearer, they all shouted with glee. They’re all eager to ride the mini train and play all they want under the cloudy sky. They paired themselves up (buddy system) and were behave enough to line up towards the entrance. After checking on all the kids, they ran towards the playground and started swinging, jumping, sliding, shouting and running around. From then on, the fun just didn’t stop. The ride on the mini train was pretty much exciting. They closely held their orange tickets and sat still inside the train. They wave their hands each time they’d get to see other kids playing. It seemed as if, it was their very first ride of their childhood lives. The kids definitely enjoyed their afternoon, interacting and just doing one thing in common- play, play and play.
In just a couple of minutes, their shirts were all drenched but they still continued running, shouting and enjoying the ride. It was during snack time that everyone sat calmly. One can get so starved after moving around too much. They opened their bags and got their extra shirts. Their faces were filled with so much happiness as they nibble hot pineapple bread. After the short break, they went back to swinging and jumping around again. They even wanted to stay until six o’clock. An afternoon at Funland was a time to have a break and just enjoying the moment. It was something that TCM kids looked forward to this summer break.
Making a child happy requires less effort. You don’t really have to do something too extravagant to make a child smile. It is by showing them love by simple means that they are able to see the beauty of life and God’s magnificence in all things that they see.
“Kids go where there is excitement. They stay where there is love.” Zig Ziglar
Thank you to our volunteers: Rosemarie Gonzales, Loliegirl Licanda, Ma. Isabel Ceballos, Vincent Gamboa and Mayumi Usami for sharing their time, watching over the kids. I believe you all had fun too and became children again even for just a few hours.
A huge box arrived at the front door last February 15, 2010. It was a package from Japan. Krisel Kadil donated and shared her blessings with the kids of Train a Child Ministry. A box containing toys, bags, shoes and clothes were packed inside. Right after Rosemarie gave the Saturday’s Bible lesson, the children were behaving as they sat next to each other. They were all surprised to see a box placed at the corner. Bright and jolly faces surrounded the entire room. All you could see were delightfully-puzzling-stares among the kids, asking and wondering what was inside. They earnestly stood up when their names were called. Everyone was happy to receive toys and colorful-trendy clothes. It was an unexpected gift that the kids surely appreciated.
Other than that, Salamat Club of TOYO University donated art materials last March 10, 2010. With Mr. Robert Hughes as their professor, the students have been very supportive to the ministry’s mission until now. Origami and art papers, crayons, rulers, scissors and colorful pens were given by Japanese students and transported here in Cebu. Mayumi Usami also donated art material for TCM kids. We now have supplies needed for the class’ arts and crafts activities.
Train a Child Ministry is so grateful to have been supported by people who continue to give and share their blessings with the children.
“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” Proverbs 22:9
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:12)
It has been said that Valentine’s Day is only for people who are in love… And that means all of us. I believe this is a day intended to commemorate LOVE for family, friends and definitely, celebrate Jesus’ immense love for us.
It was a hot Sunday morning on February 14, 2010 and children; all well-groomed, with an invitation at one hand, tagged along their friends to celebrate Heart Sunday at Train a Child Ministry. The activity started at seven o’clock and kids have been excited to introduce their friends who are new to the ministry. Others were upset since they were not able to bring one. We’ve asked the kids to bring someone, a friend, neighbor or kin who have not known the ministry ever since. It was one way of expanding their circle of friends and introducing the new kids to the ministry’s work. About 47 kids arrived and they were divided according to their age group (3-8; 9-15) since we’ve set up different activities for them. A couple of action songs were sang that uplifted their spirits as well as some love-filled stories from the Bible shared by Ma. Elena Escasiñas and Rosemarie Gonzales. The children were enthusiastic as Elena opened the first page of her gigantic story book. Eyes of merriment and voices with glee fascinated the entire room as Jonah’s story was slowly unraveled.
The parable was a reminder of God’s steadfast love for his people. If we listen to His word, remarkable things happen to us. With its message of redemption, it gave enlightenment and understanding to the children of how Jesus loves us and that God is a forgiving and merciful God. He answers all our prayers and He never fails. They all listened well and raced as to who answers first. A token of appreciation was given to Elena for her utmost support and for sharing her love to the kids.
Delightful refreshment filled their tummies while everyone else was excited to open the small gifts we’ve prepared for them. It was packed with “curly tops” chocolates and some lovely grins from the people of the ministry. They all went home not just with paper hearts pasted on their boxes but with humble and gracious hearts carved inside them.
Heart Sunday was the first Valentine celebration of the children in the Ministry and it truly was astonishingly one sunny-love-filled-morning. Celebrating Jesus’ love doesn’t only happen for a day. I believe everyday ought to be a celebration of Jesus selfless love and sharing it with family, friends, foe and everyone around us is but the best gift we could give.
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:14)