Lynnette Stander and Yolande Nunes had the opportunity to present a mini KidZ At Heart workshop at a children’s ministry conference on Saturday 8 March at Bryanston Methodist Church, Johannesburg. There were close to 200 people and afterwards many of them indicated that they would like to do our 2-day training. Is it amazing to realize how many children are represented by these people and we look forward to training more people to reach and teach children for Christ.

The Joshua students from MES joined us once again – this time for training in LESSON PLANNING and ASKING GREAT QUESTIONS. We would like to share their comments:   I realised again that children need to be a part of the lesson. I also learned how important it is to prepare well for each lesson. Lurenzo Groom Asking the right question during a lesson is very important – it tests the children’s understanding and helps them think about what they have learned. Gift Chiloane It is important to simplify lessons to the level of the specific age group that you work with. Wendy I enjoyed presenting the Bible story, because I love teaching children. Nelio Khumalo I learned that in children’s ministry you need to consider all the children when preparing a lesson and you should always prepare well. Zodwa Mabiyela I enjoyed everything, but especially presenting a lesson to the other groups. Robyn Helling (12 years old) I never realised before how important it is to ask meaningful questions during a lesson! Yika Thandeka I remembered the lessons we presented to each other better because of the way it was presented: I can trust God always because He will [...] [...]

How KidZ L.E.A.R.N. – 8 Wonderful Ways KidZ Learn – Bring the Bible to Life – How to Lead a Child to Christ – Helping KidZ Learn to Pray – these are the lessons that were taught at the KidZ At Heart training held on 23 and 24 January 2013 at the Melville Kruis Church in Johannesburg! With an enthusiastic group present, this is what the attendees had to say afterwards:   I enjoyed the singing and making up new songs and I have learned to build relationships with children. Roce  (Joshua group, MES) The teaching on multiple intelligences was very meaningful to me, I understand myself better. The ideas I got will be very helpful for our outreaches! Marlinée (UJ student) I will be able to use everything I have learned. I learned not to be narrowly-minded, but to be open to new ideas, to be more effective in children’s ministry. Ute (UJ student) The singing and acting and stories were so much fun! The most important thing I have learned is to apply Biblical truths to the lives of the children. I have grown in these 2 days. My views have been changed on how to handle kids. [...] [...]

We recently had the privilege to train 37 students in Mooketsi, Limpopo. These students did the two-day KidZ At Heart L.E.A.R.N. training two months ago. This was followed up with training on Lesson Planning and Asking Great Questions on the 26th and 27th of November 2012. Most of the students testified that they had never before realised the value of preparing a lesson in so much detail. Although it was challenging at first, it became easier as they planned, practised and presented their lesson together. May you be encouraged by their feedback… The way I used to teach children is going to change. I am no longer going to run to church on a Sunday morning to present a lesson unprepared! The more I learned, the more I realised how little I know. I am looking forward to my lessons now!                                                                                                                    Nolufefe   Not only did I realise how important it is to teach children effectively, I also learned that I cannot teach them about God, if I don’t have a personal relationship with Him myself.                                                                                                                     Milicent   I never gave children the opportunity to ask questions in class and I never really asked them any questions. I [...] [...]

The KidZ At Training for a group of pre-school teachers from Lenasia continued on the 18th of October 2012. The teachers were delighted to learn how to lead a child to Christ. Some of them afterwards shared…. What I have learned here today was incredible. I would like all the kids to know our Lord and Savior.                                                                                                        Nomonde Radasi                                            You cannot teach children about God if you don’t know Him yourself.                                                                                                           Georgina Mlilo   The teachings and lessons are on the children’s level. It is wonderful.                                                                                                                     Rochelle   I love the tool we were given – sharing the Gospel with our hands and fingers.                                                                                                            Selina Vilakazi   [...]