On July 8, 2024, the Mailbox Club, in partnership with the Philippine Bible Society, organized an event to introduce the “Mga Manunuklas” (Explorers Club) curriculum to Sunday school teachers and children’s ministry workers. The program aimed to equip them with effective strategies to teach children about Jesus in a way that is easy to understand and fun. 

The event started with a devotion led by Ptr. Marvin White, Asia Regional Director of the Mailbox Club. He shared about John 4:34-38, emphasizing that spiritual food lasts forever. He mentioned that 85% of Christians today found their faith as children and if they are not introduced to God’s Word before they turn 12, they might have a hard time building a strong relationship with God. He also referred to Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations, and that includes children. He warned that if children will not be reached, the world might end up with a generation that does not know God.

“Nakaka-excite, napakalaking tulong nito lalo na sa isang Sunday school teacher. Pinaka na-catch ko [ay] yung pagiging creative and systematic. Na kahit rin pala sa mga bata [ay] dapat may strategy, for they are not just children but also children na malapit sa Diyos,” he shared.

(“It’s exciting! It’s very helpful, especially for a Sunday school teacher. What I really understood was the importance of being creative and systematic. That even with children, there should be a strategy, for they are not just children but also children close to God.”) 

The event featured a live demonstration by the Kids@Church Ministry from the Global Surge Worship Center, showcasing how the curriculum works through an interactive session. Participants were turned into students and involved in activities such as dancing, learning about God’s characteristics, and engaging in a class environment.

Raniel Ruiz, another participant, shared his desire to thoroughly understand the curriculum so he could lead children effectively. “Magagamit ko ang mga materyal sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral dito nang maayos upang maituro ko rin ito nang maayos sa mga bata na aking tuturuan,” he said.

(“I can use the materials by studying them properly so that I can also teach it properly to the children I will be teaching.”)  

Kent Sanchez, on the other hand, expressed his eagerness for another training session, hoping that more events like this would enable them to reach more children and help them know Jesus better. “Sana nga po ay mas marami pang mga ganitong klaseng training para ma-reach pa ang mga bata na mas makilala pa nila ang ating Panginoong Hesus.”

(“I hope that there will be more training like this so children will be able to know the Lord Jesus even more.”) 

The training gathered 130 participants from various churches, with hopes that the training and the curriculum will guide the Sunday school teachers and children’s ministry workers to teach young hearts and minds toward a lifelong relationship with Jesus and build a generation that knows and loves God and His Word.