As COVID restrictions are eased and churches begin to open in Africa, children’s ministry is still moving slowly. In many areas, restrictions prevent children from attending church, so in-person children’s ministry is impossible. Without school or church to restore their sense of routine, many children are experiencing growing feelings of anxiety and isolation. In addition, many families are struggling with the overwhelming health and economic impacts of the pandemic, putting additional stress on family relationships and further increasing children’s fear.
As children’s ministry leaders recognized these issues, they wanted to provide spiritual guidance and practical help. But without the structure of a traditional Sunday program, many of these leaders were having trouble finding meaningful ways to show God’s love to the children in their communities.
As an experienced children’s pastor with a heart for ministry, DCCF’s Africa coordinator, Serah Wangari, understood their struggle. So she began seeking out new opportunities to equip ministry leaders all over Africa to meet the changing needs of the children they serve in these changing times. Here are a few of her latest outreach efforts:
- With support from the US team, she created a video training series that will allow ministry leaders to learn more about children’s discipleship even when they can’t attend live training events. This training resource can also be shared with parents so they will be better equipped to disciple their own children at home. (You can watch one of Serah’s training videos below.)
- She began recording short weekly family podcasts, offering spiritual guidance for families along with practical tips to to help them connect and have authentic conversations about Jesus. These podcasts are being shared with DCCF’s African partners so they can share them with families in their churches and communities.
- She planned a live webinar for DCCF’s ministry partners all over Africa—”God’s Heart for Children During the Pandemic”—to encourage and equip leaders as they continue to minister to the spiritual and emotional needs of the children in their churches and communities. This webinar will be the first of its kind for DCCF—providing an opportunity for ministry leaders all over the continent of Africa to fellowship and learn together.
Please pray that God will continue to bring fresh insights to Serah and the rest of the DCCF international staff as they seek to encourage and equip ministry leaders in this challenging time. And please pray that God will use these efforts to bring even more children in Africa into His family.
