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The official newsletter of the South Philippine Union Conference the Seventh-day Adventist church

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Kids for Jesus Season 3 Facilitates 312 Baptisms Across 58 Elementary Schools in Southwestern Philippines

The third season of the Kids for Jesus initiative concluded its week-long evangelistic campaign on February 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the development of youthful faith. This program, which involved 58 elementary schools in the Southwestern Philippines and was themed "Bound for Heaven," encouraged students to showcase their talents in public speaking, music, recreation, and leadership. The event was also live-streamed on HOPE Channel South Philippines, featuring different speakers from various elementary schools within SwPUC each night throughout the week. The initiative had a profound impact, resulting in the baptism of 312 students and still counting, highlighting the importance of early spiritual education.

The finale of the event took place at the Golden Boulevard Adventist Elementary School (GBAES), where Dr. Alevir Pido, Education Director of SwPUC, delivered an impactful message at the SwPUC Garden Church. Dr. Pido underscored the essential role of parents in guiding their children's spiritual development, stating, “Parents, we do not own our children. They are God’s gift, entrusted to us.” She urged families to instill strong moral values amidst a society where moral clarity is frequently obscured. 

A key feature of the event was the Divine Worship service, during which three students from GBAES—Revdan Mics Capapas, Kyle Franco Saraus, and Genesis Dawn Pido—articulated compelling sermons. Their messages focused on the hope of heaven, the cessation of suffering, and the eternal peace that Jesus promised to His faithful adherents. They made an impassioned appeal to the congregation, encouraging them to be among those eagerly anticipating Christ’s return.

As baptisms were conducted that afternoon, the three young speakers continued to motivate both new believers and those still considering their commitments during the live stream of the culmination at Hope Channel South Philippines.

That afternoon, as baptisms were taking place, three young speakers worked to inspire both the newly baptized individuals and those still considering their commitments during the live stream event at Hope Channel South Philippines. Capas urged the newly baptized to share their faith with their non-Adventist friends, while Saraus offered reassurance to those who were undecided, highlighting God's love and the importance of spreading His message. Additionally, Pido encouraged the new believers to strengthen their relationship with God through Bible study and prayer.

Parent Testimonies Reflect Transformation

One of the most poignant moments of the event occurred during a testimony night, where non-adventist parents expressed their astonishment at witnessing their children deliver sermons at such a young age. 

Many parents conveyed that they had never encountered a similar experience in other educational settings. One parent recounted how, after participating in the program, their child requested a Bible, demonstrating a keen interest in learning more about God’s Word. Another child, whose parents work abroad, made a personal decision to undergo baptism. 

The influence of the program transcended denominational lines, as both Adventist and non-Adventist children—some as young as 8 and 9 years—voluntarily chose to dedicate their lives to Christ through baptism. 

This remarkable movement extended across various regions, with simultaneous baptisms occurring in the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission (ZPM), Western Mindanao Conference (WMC), North Central Mindanao Conference (NCMC), Central Mindanao Mission (CMM), and Northeastern Mindanao Mission (NEMM). 

As the Kids for Jesus Season 3 concludes, it leaves behind a powerful legacy characterized by transformation, faith, and the courageous proclamation of the message of salvation by young voices.