God’s Unseen Hands 

by Godfrey Velasco  

(Sunday school Teacher, Intermediate Class via Zoom)

 

Ever since I was a child, my parents had encouraged me to attend Sunday school classes. At first, I thought it was just a time to play and have fun. Unknowingly, God had already been preparing a path for me to follow.

Over time, I got attached to Sunday School to the point that I looked forward to it weekly. Aside from the exciting activities and delicious snacks provided, my classmates and I were blessed with each other’s company and that of our teachers’. Most importantly, we got to know God more and more.

“…my journey of serving God through the Kids Ministry all started with a small gesture of help: arranging and carrying materials needed for class.”

In July 2013, as I transitioned to Intermediate class, my journey of serving God through the Kids Ministry all started with a small gesture of help: arranging and carrying materials needed for class.

My teacher at that time, Teacher Rona Munoz, jokingly suggested that I become her assistant. Funnily, this made me think of actually becoming an assistant teacher after graduating from Sunday school.

“What I had hoped for all vanished, and in a blink of an eye, the ministry halted.”

By God’s grace, my prayers were answered when on August 2019, I became part of Intermediate Class once again; only this time, I was as an assistant teacher. The months that followed further prepared me to share God’s word with others. 

 

Just as I was experiencing the anxious excitement brought about by the prospect of teaching the class for the first time, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. What I had hoped for all vanished, and in a blink of an eye, the ministry halted. At least, that’s what I thought… 

 

As written in Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord has beautiful plans for each and every one of us–plans to prosper and not to harm us; plans to give us hope and a future. Through these dark times, God’s light shines more than ever, reminding us that He is much more than our fears and worries.

 

Looking back, in the same way God guided me through Sunday school as a student, I was assured that God could also guide the Kids Ministry.

Little by little, the ministry continued to adapt to the new normal. Led by Head Teacher Sarah Esteban, all of the teachers collaborated and planned ways of reaching out to those yearning for God’s word in the midst of an isolating pandemic situation. 

 

It was refreshing to work with the same teachers who have inspired me to join the ministry. 

 

As the months went by, I recognized how God has transformed the ministry, equipping the teachers to become more adaptable and persevering despite the challenges of the online set-up. Perhaps, the pandemic was not as bad as I thought. The obstacles I encountered allowed me to become a better person filled with hope.

 

Looking back, I can see why my parents encouraged me to attend Sunday School. Truly, God has always been and will always be working in our lives through seemingly mundane, but truly mysterious ways.


CCBC Kids Mid-Year Report

1) Regular SCE via Zoom with a total number of 111 students and an average attendance of 53 students, along with 19 regular teachers & staff.

(SCE Teachers & staff conducted & participated in a survey. Planned for SCE onsite.)

 

2) Regular AWANA Podcast Average Attendance: 58 kids and 16 regular leaders.

(AWANA Leader conducted a survey & created plans for onsite AWANA Club days.)

 

3) SCE At Home Lessons provided via the CCBC Kids FB page and group, every Wednesday.

 

4) Values Instruction Classes via Google Meet, SY 2021-22

 

Sto. Cristo Elem. School – 11th Year 

with 492 students in Gr. 5 & 6 levels and  5 volunteers.

 

Bungad Elementary School – 10th year 

with 252 students in Gr. 4, 5, & 6 levels and 3 volunteers.

 

Kalantiaw Elem. School – 1st Year 

with 121 students in Gr. 5 & 6 levels and 2 volunteers.

 

Total: 865 students in 3 campuses

 

5) Kids Ministry Leaders Equipping – held monthly, 16 Kids Ministry Leaders completed the Journey to Wholeness Training: a 6-Lesson Training from 1 for 50 Movement

 

6) Kids Ministry Leaders attended the All Shepherds Retreat on Feb. 24, 25 & 26, 2022 and the “Hearing God Retreat”on April 13-16, 202.

 

 

Prayer Items

  1. Planning & preparation for onsite AWANA Club meetings.

  2. Planning & preparation for onsite Sunday School.

  3. Holistic growth of the children in Sunday School, in Campus, and Community.