Teacher Training A Success in China

Mentoring Leaders Who Will Establish Children’s Ministry

God’s touch upon our first in-depth children’s ministry training in China continues to excite us. During the dreaming and planning stages of this project, we weren’t sure how much work would be required, but every time we encountered a need, God provided the answer before we even asked!

We were especially concerned about security in a country where children’s ministry is an extremely sensitive subject. Fortunately, the work was done discreetly and none of our concerns were realized even at the 3-day kid’s camp.

The training program attracted 23 church leaders and Sunday school teachers from seven provinces for a three-week residential course. Their training included Christian educational theory and Bible study methods. Students were challenged to put their newly learned theory into practice by facilitating a 3-day onsite camp for more than 50 children from local churches.

The camp was based on Gospel Light’s Vacation Bible School material and the kids really enjoyed the time together. They sang, memorized verses, heard stories, made crafts, ate snacks and performed skits.

We’re thrilled to report that an 8-year-old girl from a non-Christian family who came along with a friend, was moved to enter into relationship with Christ during the training program. Throughout the camp, we also saw many of the trainees developing confidence in their teaching gift and cultivating sincere love for kids.

At the end of the three-week training course, the Sunday school teachers went home very encouraged. Everyone left with the understanding that children’s ministry is close to the heart of God. One of the Sunday school teachers even went home and immediately held a Bible camp in her town and helped five children commit to Christ. We are so grateful for the fruits our training program yielded and look forward to our next opportunity to encourage teachers.

Recently, the Chinese State Administration for Religious Affairs suggested there are 130 million Christians in China, far more than previously estimated. Children almost undoubtedly make up the majority of Christian conversions in China and around the world.

Ongoing Training Plan

Intensive Teaching
Sunday school teachers who have been carefully selected by their local pastors for their maturity and leadership skills, will be invited to train in a central location twice a year for several weeks each.

Hands-on training
Each training session will culminate in the leaders running a 3-day Bible camp to practice what was learned.

Mentorship
Managing Director will visit trainers on-site (10-12 locations) once each year.

Multiplication
The teachers who have been trained will conduct training courses in each province nationwide and will be key distribution points for curriculum. 200 teacher trainers are estimated to impact 40,000 children.

Funding Required
$145 per teacher trainer

Please pray about funding a teacher trainer in China for $145 and impact 2,000 children this year. When teacher training in China is fully funded, gifts will be used in another ministry activity in China as closely in keeping with your interest as possible.

Should you be interested in seeing our  2009 China Briefing, please contact us at (805) 535-2424.