Institute of Children's Ministry
Santiago, Chile
October 8-12, 2009This was the first Institute of Children’s Ministry for our Chilean brothers and sisters. There were 72 participants including 24 pastors. More than one half of the churches in Chile were represented as well as a pastor and two leaders from the country of Paraguay.
Each day began with a time of spiritual formation. International Director Kathy Creasy challenged participants to understand why the Father had chosen them to do the work of ministry using Mark 3:14, 15, “He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him…” Participants learned the necessity of “being with the Father” before doing the work of ministry, the obstacles that hinder us from being with Him and the blessings that come from being with Him. Every day at the close of studying the Word the Holy Spirit ministered—healing, encouraging, affirming ministry, and more.
Kathy along with Nilda Mireles, an anointed translator from Los Angeles, California, taught interactive workshops related to children’s ministry leadership, classroom management, discipleship of children, outreach, and creative teaching techniques. Participants were involved in assessing their ministries as well as their communities in order to develop more effective ministry. They enjoyed working together in groups to complete assigned projects or to discuss questions presented in the workshops.
On Sunday evening churches from the Santiago area were invited to meet together at the national tabernacle. The ICM participants planned and presented a ministry program to the children using the skills they had studied during the Institute. When the salvation invitation was given several children expressed a desire to receive Christ as Savior. At the close of the evening, Kathy presented a challenge to the families present that revival must begin in their homes, that it was in their homes that the children would come to know God and be equipped to fulfill His purposes. Families came forward together to pray and receive ministry. During this time a very young girl received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in a miraculous way. Other children wept as their mothers and fathers prayed with them.
The final hours of the Institute on Monday were spent evaluating ministry, praying in agreement for the children of Chile and Paraquay, and expressing appreciation to those who served. My personal appreciation goes to our national overseer, Hernan Toledo. Bishop Toledo and his wife, Cecelia, did an excellent job of promoting the Institute to pastors and leaders as well as making all the necessary arrangements for housing, transportation, and meals for the participants. Their daughter Loi also assisted with computer related needs. Our national director, Patricia Lopez, was responsible for registration, scheduling, and preparing the certificates for participants. She faithfully attended every session so that she could teach the Institute materials in each region of Chile during the coming year. Many thanks to Patricia and her family for pursuing the vision of “Four Weeks of Love”, a program to train children’s ministers and serve kids in every region of Chile.
With thanksgiving!
Kathy Creasy
Children’s Ministries
