CEBU CITY, Philippines — Children’s Ministries directors from the East Central Philippine Union Conference and West Central Philippine Union Mission gather at the ECPUC headquarters Thursday to coordinate spiritual programming for the children for the entire year.
Mrs. Danita Caderma, children’s ministries director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, leads the consultative meeting held at 112 Gorordo Ave., Camputhaw, Cebu City, alongside Mrs. Melodie Mae K. Inapan, ECPUC children, women, and family ministries director.
This gathering aims to draft a 2026 roadmap to strengthen the children’s departments across both unions.
Caderma opens the session with a morning devotional message titled “Hidden Today, King Someday,” using the biblical account of Joash—a child hidden for his protection before being crowned king—as a framework for modern children’s ministries.
She emphasizes that the children’s ministries directors play significant roles in helping children develop an identity in Christ, metaphorically noting that those currently in the church’s care are the “hidden” leaders of the future.
To support this vision, Caderma outlines a three-part strategy for directors to implement throughout 2026, beginning with protecting the next generation. She stresses that spiritual leaders should encourage parents to safeguard children’s futures, suggesting that they do so by using church schools to provide a safe, immersive environment for Christian growth.
The strategy also focuses on mentorship, calling for the church to invest significant time and resources in spiritual formation through structured materials such as Sabbath School lessons for children. She recounted how, as a child, her mother encouraged her to help with Vacation Bible School, planting the seeds of leadership early on.
“I later realized that my mother’s encouragement marked the beginning of my training,” she reflected, urging attendees to involve their children in outreach programs so they, too, can be shaped through service.
Lastly, Caderma encouraged leaders to release children into their divine purpose by trusting them with tangible responsibilities and encouraging active service within the church or any outreach programs.
The advisory meeting continues after the morning devotional through the afternoon as directors finalize a calendar of activities designed to enhance the spiritual development of children across the Central Philippines.