Kidfest Ecuador (or Festiniños as we called it) was everything we could have dreamed of and MORE! God shook our little campground and moved in life-changing ways among the teachers and the children.

We hosted a group of 45 people from Living Waters Christian Fellowship in Fountain Valley, California as we collaborated with the Church of God in Ecuador to host the first ever Kidfest event. The team from California offered intensive teacher training in Children’s ministry as well as a weekend camp for the kids.

We began the event with around 100 teachers. These are Ecuadorians who are currently teaching in Sunday school or have a desire to work with kids in their churches. The event was kicked off as National Overseer, Richar Mendoza, shared his passion for children’s ministry to become a priority in Ecuadorian churches. Then, the teachers spent an intense day learning creative methods they can use in their ministry. On the final day, we had a commissioning service where each teacher was confirmed in their calling and sent forth to do the work of the Kingdom.

Then the fun REALLY began as 300 kids arrived for a weekend of camp! For most of these kids, this was their first time to ever attend any type of camp like this. One hundred of these kids were from the local social ministries (ministries that reach out to street kids). This was a life-shaping weekend for sure.

There were lots of time for fun and games, but the most amazing part was what happened during the worship services. In the very first service, I could tell the teachers were getting frustrated because the kids were VERY restless and not listening well. Imagine, a room crammed to capacity with kids who are NOT used to this type of service. But as the altar time began, the Spirit of God moved in a mighty way and there was a sweet hush as the kids really plugged in. Many children came forward to pray with the team, but afterwards they began to huddle in little groups praying for each other! They were weeping as God touched them! The Ecuadorian adults were amazed, as they had never seen God move among children in this way.

Throughout the weekend, God continued to move like this in our services. Children were speaking in tongues and worshipping God in pure joy. One man, who heard about the service from a counselor, showed up 5 hours early for service so that he could be there (at this KIDS service) to receive the Holy Spirit. A little girl who lives in an abusive situation, prayed with the team and later told her counselor that she knows now that God is with her and loves her. Another child felt called to become a preacher. REVIVAL was sparked among the children of Ecuador during Festiniños.

The teachers are HUNGRY for more training, and we are going to help provide that. The pastors are beginning to understand the importance of children’s ministry and are working to establish that in their churches. The churches are DESPERATE for that type of worship. God is going to do some miraculous things!

We want to thank those from Living Waters who sacrificed to make this event happen. Also, thank you to our many friends and family members who gave to help sponsor the children from the social ministries. And as always, thank you to everyone who continually supports our family, allowing us to be a vessel for God’s blessings.

Here is our video recap:

Festiniños

Blessings,
Bobby, Tamitha, Jonathan, Jordan & James Lynch
http://www.lovegodserveothers.com

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1. Children’s Outreach in Ecuador

The 2010 YWEA Project will focus once again on hurting children of the world.  Under the theme “Hope for the Hopeless–Operation Rescue” the YWEA 2010 emphasis will target Nogales, Mexico and Bogota, Colombia.

In Nogales we will raise funds to construct an orphanage for the abandoned and abused children who’s parents gather at the border in search of a better life.  The children of Nogales are abandoned as familes disintegrate leaving the children to fend for themselves.  These childern are forced into prostitution, gangs and child labor just to survive.

In Bogota, Colombia we will enlarge and expand a “safe house” for children.  Currently a “safehouse” for girls is in operation but is limited in scope.  YWEA 2010 will help to relocate this “safehouse” and enlarge it to include young boys also.  Children in Colombia are targeted by the guerillas who force them to serve as soldiers in the guerrilla armies.  They are sexually and physically abused and neglected.  It is estimated that in  Colombia an average of seven (7) children are killed every day–One Every Three Hours.  Your support of YWEA-Operation Resuce will provide a safe secure home for many abandoned and abused children.

Remember 100% of your gift and donation will go directly toward the projects in Nogales and Bogota.  For more information contact us at ywea@churchofgod.org or visit the website at www.yweaoperationrescue.org

More Information

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1. Royal Family Kids Camp
2. KidMission Emphasis Sunday!

Thousands upon thousands of children in Nogales, Mexico and Bogota, Columbia have been orphaned and left to fend for themselves. Many find themselves subject to incomprehensible abuse, prostitution or crime just as a means of survival. They have no loving parents to watch over them, feed, clothe or protect them. THEY ARE ALONE. Each day their very will to live is tested to the limits.

KidMission is partnering with YWEA 2010 to provide nurture and care to the hurting orphans in Nogales and Bogota.

Be a part of this vital mission to bring hope to the hopeless.

KidMission Emphasis Sunday is March 28, 2010!

Find More Information about these projects – click here

Order promotional materials for use in your church – click here

Products include:

	KidMIssion YWEA 2010 Promotional Packet This packet contains promotional materials for the YWEA 2010 YWEA project which is one of the emphasises of the KidMission program. It contain a DVD…
	KidMission YWEA 2010 Mini-poster This 11″ x 5″ mini poster is designed to use to annouance the KidMission emphasis for this year.
	KidMission YWEA 2010 PostCard The KidMission postcard is 3″ x 5″ and has a full color that you can utilize to promote this year’s mission emphasis. The back contains a paragraph…	s
	KidMission Water Bottle Label This water bottle label is designed to wrap around an average plastic water bottle. After removing the existing brand label, wrap the KidMission…
	KidMission Large Water Jug Labael This label is designed to adhere to a 5-gallon plastic water jug like the ones used in water coolers. The label has glue strips on the reverse side…
	KidMission Mini-Water Jug with Label This mini plastic water jug comes with a label can be attached and the jug can be utilized to collect money for the children in Mexico and Colombia

Related posts:

1. YWEA 2010 Project Announced
2. Starting Sunday School in South America

Sponsorship Program – PDF

Sponsorship FAQ

The ministry of Casa Hogar Alfa y Omega has been operating for over 15 years. What began as a ministry to touch kids who were living under a bridge, near the center of the town, has developed into a ministry of compassion, reaching out to the city of Poza Rica, in the state of Vera Cruz, Mexico.

Under the guidance of Elias and Teresa Herrera, who have been given the mandate by God, the orphanage has seen tremendous progress over the last ten years. Beginning in the Sunday school classrooms of the church where Pastor Elias served as pastor, property was purchased with funds raised by single adults in the Church of God under the direction of John Vining. That property has been developed into a beautiful campus on the side of a mountain. First came a dormitory in which all children were housed. Then, a home was built for the director and his family. Following this, a dormitory was built for the girls, leaving the original dorm to serve the boys. As the ministry continued to grow, the need to prepare for the education of the children was exposed. Many of the children have had special problems, suffering mental, physical, and sexual abuse. This has resulted in very limited educational opportunities for them. A two story Christian school to service the children at the orphanage was built, with a prayer tower on the top of the building. Nearly 70 children live at the orphanage now. The Church of God has a lot to be proud of! Thanks to the sacrifice of many folks by giving of funds, time, energy, and labor, there has been significant progress! The ministry is recognized in the community as a valid resource for needy children.

How do they survive financially? They walk by faith, dependent upon the Lord for daily provision. The monthly sponsorship program provides a limited amount of income. Businesses in the area provide tortillas and food. God has honored their faith!

Children’s ministry leaders, under the auspices of the Church of God Department of Youth and Christian Education have accepted the call to help, by giving and going, showing their love. Three times per year, teams of children, youth, and adults travel to the orphanage to work and minister. For information about trips or monthly child sponsorship, contact Tony Lane, tlane@churchofgod.org

History of Casa Hogar

Facebook Supporters of Casa Hogar

Past news updates about Casa Hogar

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Visit their site

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1. YWEA Projects

KIBERA, KENYA has one of the largest slums in the world. Every day kids are losing their parents to aids and being left to survive in these slums. The Kibera Kids Center Orphanage was founded to care for these kids. Find out more…

Visit their site

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1. Operation Compassion
2. Smoky Mountain Children’s Home

>> To find the rest of the story, order this Missionary Heroes boooklet from Church of God World Missions <<

Related posts:

1. Missionary Heros Booklet Series

Here is a summary of the booklets available:

• R. M. EVANS – The first missionary of the Church of God, he took its message beyond the United States when he pioneered the work in the Bahamas.
• DORA P. MYERS – Early missionary educator to India who served others until her death at 90.
• PEARL STARK WILSON – Even the tragic death of her beloved husband could not prevent her from planting the Church of God in Angola, Africa.
• PAUL C. PITT – Fearless of “dungeon, fire, and sword,” he remained faithful at his missionary post in China – until the very end.
• MARIA ATKINSON – With divine assistance in signs and wonders, she established the Church of God in Mexico.
• T. M. VARUGHESE – A giant of the faith, a cornerstone of the church in India, and the right arm of missionaries and church leaders in that nation.
• HERMAN LAUSTER – He survived concentration camps to preach the gospel in war-torn Germany.
• Z. R. THOMAS – Even under adverse circumstances, this effective and unusual man of God performed a great service for God and the Church of God in Jamaica.
• MARCOS MAZZUCCO – In establishing the Church of God in Argentina, he was often found upon his bended knees until they became as hard as a camel’s.
• J. H. INGRAM – Dean of Church of God missionaries and lodestar of world evangelism, he traversed the world and introduced the Church to 111 countries and territories on five continents.
• HENRY & VIOLET STOPPE – Incidents proving that steps in obedience bring about miracles.
• WILLIAM D. (BILL) ALTON – He taught through the example of his life that ministry never ends and there is no such thing as retirement.
• BETWEEN 2 CROSSES: The Life of Missionary Walter Lauster – Despite being an American citizen, he was drafted into the German Army and forced to fight under the evil cross of Nazism.

These books are available from World Missions for only $1.00 plus postage.

Contact World Missions or order online

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2. Mission Possible – Lesson Intro

We were invited to lead a children’s outreach service in a small rural community. When I say rural…. I really mean it. We drove 1 hour south of Quito, and then after we got off the highway, we drove another hour over the mountains and through the woods. But right in the middle of nowhere, a community popped up.

This church has been around for 35 years and they have one of the most successfully discipleship programs of any of the rural churches we’ve seen. There were approximately 120 children in attendance. They were so excited and engaged in every part of the service. This is a really great group of kids – eager to worship and learn more about God.

The kids loved the clowns and games and songs. Jaciel, one of the SEMISUD students who travels with us, taught an interactive lesson on the Fish & Loaves miracle. We were blessed by how intently the children were listening and soaking up the Word of God.

After the service, the community honored us with a special meal. They served us chicken soup, then a plate of potatoes with guinea pig, lamb and rabbit. To us, this meal seems hard to stomach, but they were giving us a royal feast in their terms. This was such a sacrifice for them to bless us so richly. We always feel awkward in these settings, because just outside our building, all the kids were sitting in the dirt eating just a bowl of soup while we were presented with this feast. We would so much rather give the food to them, but at the same time we would never want to offend these precious, generous people … so … we eat.

I mentioned earlier, how this church has one of the best discipleship programs we have seen. This event was a special, extra outreach because we were coming. But, they do have a children’s service EVERY Saturday. A former community member travels from Quito each weekend to teach the children. It shows! This group of children already knew more of the Word than we expected. We are so encouraged and hopeful for this generation of children who are growing up with solid guidance and teaching. Please pray for this church and consider helping them provide food on Saturdays or expand their building with classrooms.

>> More about the Lynch’s ministry to Ecuador <<

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1. FACES … Fighting Child Labor in Ecuador