Train Up a Child
// Tim DeTellis
Reaching children in the third-world country of Haiti began with a simple rule.
In 1983, when my father Pastor George founded New Missions, he would tell parents that their children could come to school for free. Then he shared the only rule: attend church on Sunday. Children would come with their parents who typically were not following Jesus and practiced Voodoo. Training up a child with the hope of knowing God pierces the darkness of these Haitian homes.
Sunday school is a weekly priority at our churches and the Gospel message also returns to their homes.
Our churches have adopted a strong children’s ministry mindset, and Pastor Guillaume in Leogane, Haiti, selected Lina Charles Delva to serve as children’s director. Since 2011, she has fostered more opportunities for kids to rise up in their participation at church. This year marks her 15th anniversary in this role. She is also the third-grade school teacher during the week at our Leogane school.
The children’s choir at our Leogane church shows the power of God’s love to change lives forever.
The graduation ceremony at our Leogane school involved the children sharing a special prayer of blessing and song.
Lina Charles Delva created a children’s choir and has the children lead the congregation in prayer time and Bible readings. Each year they host an all-kids led church service. The spiritual growth and discipleship is life changing. Graduation ceremonies involve the children singing and recognizing their accomplishments. Thankfully, this next generation of young leaders are on the rise in Haiti. Your faithful prayers and support makes this possible. Thank you. ~Tim DeTellis
