More than 500 children presented the things they had learned at Sabbath School during a special program at Hohola Adventist church in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Sabbath, July 28.
With the theme “Discipleship begins at home”, the special children’s Sabbath involved churches in Port Moresby and Central Papua Conference (CPC). Members and visitors witnessed with joy the children’s ability to recite memory verses, summarise key learnings and share their favourite stories during Sabbath School and the worship service.
Gerehu church associate pastor Wari Alickson encouraged parents and church members on the need for diligence in discipleship at home. Based on readings in Deuteronomy 6:6-13 and Proverbs 22:6, parents were urged to be steadfast in training, counselling and praying for the children despite their choices either for or against God.
The Junior Sabbath School class performed a skit on the first home after sin entered the world—the story of Cain and Abel. In a moving scene, the children demonstrated the choices that were made even in a well-disciplined home, one generation after Eden.
Like most churches in CPC and around PNG, more than 60 per cent of those attending every Sabbath are children.
According to CPC children’s ministries director Ruth Batu, “intergenerational focus in worship is still a challenge”, however through such children’s Sabbath programs, more awareness and appreciation is being garnered to intentionally and favourably begin discipleship at home and in the church.
