Each year, the nation of Vanuatu celebrates National Children’s Day on 24 July. The annual event allows families to spend extra time together to promote the welfare and well-being of children and to support the fight against child abuse.

This year, the Church of the Nazarene in Port Vila, the capitol of Vanuatu, hosted a children’s day program as part of the Sunday school activity at the church. Around 40 children attended the church event.

The district Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) president coordinated the program based on Proverbs 22:6, “Teach a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.”

The key speaker for the day was Pastor Taku Taso, who encouraged parents to teach their children while they are young, including to trust God for provisions and protections in their lives against abuse and other forms of evil that are prevalent in today’s society. Taso shared that constant reminders from God’s Word and discipleship lessons will make the children of today mighty leaders in the future as well as responsible adults.

The Vanuatu Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) shared the national theme for Children’s Day with all schools, churches, and communities. The theme was, “Our actions and talk can shape the children of Vanuatu in a changing world.”

The church decided to host a program based on that theme for their children, the parents, and the church as a congregation. District Superintendent Gideon Iwaki, the Bible College Principal Peter Issac, and other elders were part of the program.

The theme message, presented along with corresponding scriptures, was one of the highlights of that event, reminding all parents to continue building Christ-centered relationships with their children, shaping them into respectful individuals in their communities and the nation.

The children in the church were delighted, and their joy was obvious.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific