MILAGROS, Masbate — Children’s department teachers, Sabbath School leaders, and Vacation Bible School (VBS) coordinators from across Masbate province gathered for the re-echoing of the “Alive in Jesus” curriculum and VBS training and workshop.
The event’s primary objective was to equip these educators with the tools necessary to implement the “Alive in Jesus” new Sabbath School and Personal Ministries curriculum and to introduce the VBS series for creative, interactive learning, such as “Cactusville.”
The event, held from April 17-18 at Winter’s Farm Resort in Milagros, Masbate, registered 118 attendees.
The “Alive in Jesus” curriculum is a worldwide initiative launched by the Sabbath School and the Personal Ministries Department of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its purpose is to empower caregivers and educators to support the spiritual development of children and youth from birth to age 18.
Hands-On Training and Engagement
The program’s structure didn’t focus solely on theoretical lectures; it also adopted a “learn-by-doing” approach, involving local children whom the core team used to demonstrate the curriculum’s practical application.
They portrayed the features of “Cactusville,” one of the VBS series set in an imaginary desert mining town defined as “where the sun is always shining, the skies are bright blue, and the surrounding mountains look like brown spurs.”
“The high level of interaction between the core team and the local children provided a real-time proof of concept for the new teaching methods,” one facilitator said.
The leaders believed that this approach, when conducted at local VBS events, could be more attractive to children, more engaging, and conducive to learning.
The Cactusville Series
As part of Cactusville’s features, teachers and children assumed the roles of imaginary characters and animals, set up imaginary campfires to listen to lectures and Bible stories, initiated prayer and reflection time, and engaged in activities that promote creativity through crafting colorful learning materials.
“The team also introduced the ‘Chuckwagon,’ which serves as the heart of the camp. More than a simple food stall, it acts as a hospitality hub where healthy snacks are patterned after the life stories of Bible characters. This creative approach provides physical nourishment while helping teachers build meaningful relationships with students in a fun, immersive setting.”
Alive in Jesus Curriculum Elaborated
Between practical application sessions, keynote speakers elaborated on the curriculum, including its objectives, strategic approaches, and expected outcomes.
These speakers included Melodie Mae K. Inapan, women and children’s ministries director and Ministerial Spouses’ Association (MSA) coordinator for the East Central Philippine Union Conference, and Michelle S. Nogra, women and children’s ministries director and MSA coordinator for the Central Visayan Conference.
Inapan emphasized that the formative years are the most critical window for spiritual grounding. It is a direct response to the biblical mandate to “train up a child in the way he should go.” She explained that when educators apply intentional teaching methods during these early stages, they are following the divine promise that such a spiritual foundation will remain with the child into adulthood.
She also discussed specific teaching strategies, such as utilizing sensory-based learning and internalizing Bible stories to promote a personal connection with students. She elaborated that by focusing on grace-based teaching during these early years, educators can help children build a resilient faith.
“Training up a child during their most reachable years is not just about instruction; it is about creating a transformative experience that sticks with them for a lifetime,” Inapan stated.
Nogra gave the VBS overview, emphasizing that the initiative aims to share the gospel with the children, teach Bible truths, and connect them to God in a fun, creative setting.
“With these intentional programs of the church, our little children will be deeply grounded in the Bible and more ready for the soon coming of Jesus.”
Testimonies from Participants
Geraldine Patalinghug, family ministries head, Sabbath school superintendent, and children Sabbath school teacher of Masbate City Central Church, shared her impression of the event. “It highlighted the importance of guiding children to know and love Jesus at an early age, shaping their character and faith for the future.”
She added that, through the seminar, the meaning of Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” sank in more deeply.
“Overall, the seminar showed that teaching children about God early in life is a powerful investment in their future and in God’s work,” Patalinghug concluded.
The Challenges Behind Positive Outcome
As participants reported success and significant spiritual and motivational impacts, Nogra acknowledged challenges in preparing for the event. She shared that they didn’t have enough time to prepare for the materials and resources, but with committed teachers and the core team, they made it.
“It’s so overwhelming how God brought us together from different walks of life to one mission: preparing kids for heaven,” she said.
Nogra also recounted that she and her core team first learned the curriculum’s implementation strategy at a division-wide event in Iloilo.
“But our God is so amazing that He equips us to share what we learned from Iloilo city, to re-echo in Cebu, Bohol, and now Masbate province. God made it plain for us despite the challenges,” she added.
Thess Ceniza, one of the leaders, expressed her excitement about participating in the training. “I experienced both fun and learning. The creative, hands-on activities, such as making flower crafts and learning new action songs for children, made me realize that teaching can be enjoyable and interactive, not just instructional.”
She realized the importance of having a clear theme for each topic presentation. “It helps me create more organized and meaningful lessons, making it easier for the children to understand and remember,” Ceniza shared.
Due to the positive outcome of the event, the leaders of the Sabbath School and children’s department, along with the VBS coordinators, will host Bible schools this summer. Parents are also excited about the event, which will offer a transformative experience for the kids as they immerse themselves in Cactusville.
By Lyn Lucero ⎸ ECPUC Communication Department