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.
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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)
“I am thankful that you offered us gifts and toys for Christmas.” This was the line that moved me during the ministry’s gift giving program on December 19, 2009. Micca Ella, one of TCM’s children, was overjoyed to have her family and two other siblings on that day. As early as 7:00 am, all the children, together with their parents, hustled to the gate along with their colorful invitations for their first ever Christmas party. They wore colorful rounded-cap-virtues on their heads that made the event a little exciting. The program started with an inspiring message from Engr. Nolan Diaz followed by the children’s choral singing and a couple of surprise presentations. We’ve got Bibles, stuff toys, slippers, rice and canned goods and used clothing as gifts for the kids. There was so much delight among their faces and light-hearted spirits across the mini hall.
It would have not been possible without the help of these people:
* Gideons International
*Jenny Lou Newsome
* Janice Fe Bradshaw
* Trang Nguyen Elkourie
* Atty. Val Loon
* Gina Buala
* Mark Pier
* Salamat Club of TOYO University
* Atty. Louella Matsumoto
* Mr. and Mrs. Ben Yamat
* Maria Salud Barillo
* David Acton
*Engr. Nolan Diaz
* Dr. Arlene Diaz
* Connie Watrous and family
*Home Missions Church
* NORTH TREND Inc.
It was truly a memorable day that defined the season’s real essence. “The smallest good deed is worth a thousand grand intentions.” And with your support and prayers, we’ve definitely offered these children with the best touch of love on Christmas.
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
“I’m gonna wrap up myself for Christmas, in tiny little big red bows. That’s what I’m giving to Jesus, it’s a present He likes, I know.” la la la la… as the song goes.
Giving some love on Christmas is the greatest gift one could offer. We share not just our hearts, but our time in making others happy. This is when we anticipate gatherings and gift giving. Train a Child Ministry will hold its first Christmas celebration together with their parents on December 19, 2009. They’d get the chance to showcase their talents aside from spending a day with their loved ones. Choral singing and role playing among TCM children are few of the highlights on that day. They have been very busy planning out and practicing their special numbers for this event. It is one way that children would be able to spend time with their parents and enjoy the Holidays.
The Ministry has been anticipating this event. We believe that this would promote family bond, harmony and share God’s message of salvation. That is the true essence of Christmas- having Christ in our lives. Other than that, parents would be able to witness their own talented sons and daughters perform.
To make this event possible, we have been sending prayer requests and assistance among people who advocate our mission. Prayers are our greatest armor in the success of this event and we are thankful that God has been sending instruments of love to the children. Our prayers have been answered, donations keep coming in and we continue to pray for more. I believe that through the help of all these people, through all your support and prayers, we’d be able to provide these kids with the best touch of love on Christmas.
Children are our most loved treasures and it is a joy to see them smile. Please support our ministry through your prayers. If you would like to help, email us at trainachild@gmail.com. Be a blessing!