The Queen’s College auditorium is obviously accustomed to youthful presence; but if it were possible, the school hall would testify that this was the first time that so much youthful energy and enthusiasm permeated its walls on a Saturday morning. It was October 17, 2009 and the occasion was the first children’s convention to be recorded in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Guyana. Over 2000 children from Sabbath Schools across the country gathered for the all-day programme that was carried out almost entirely by their peers.

Sponsored by the Children’s Ministries Department of the Guyana Conference, the convention celebrated the theme, Run for Jesus. And did they run! Individual children as well as groups from across Guyana merged to present an array of inspiring music, dramatization, and poetry to a scale that had never before been seen. The children’s skills in the fine arts were also depicted in an onsite art exhibition. Another major highlight was a ‘medley’ of sermonettes presented by six child preachers. The energy that exuded from the presentations of the young ones was contagious and their spirit of willingness and whole-hearted service gained the admiration of adults. The programme was a refreshment and inspiration to those who attended.

The convention attracted the attendance of hundreds of adults including Conference President, Dr. Hilton Garnett; CEO of the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Genevieve White Nedd; parents, and teachers. Dr. Garnett and Mrs. White Nedd made brief remarks to the gathering. The forum was also used to present an award to Jovena Sampson who had represented Guyana earlier in the year in the Hampton Games in Trinidad. She had won a gold medal in the 400 Metres Under 13 category. Dr. Hilton Garnett presented the award on behalf of the church.

The programme was planned to coincide with the international Year of the Child focus and more particularly the Caribbean Union designated Children’s Day. Children’s Ministries Director and organizer of the programme, Debra Henry, said that her reason for planning the convention was to “make the children feel valued and a part of the church,” since, as she noted, the children are often “pushed back.” Mrs. Henry hoped that the fellowship of the convention would help the youngsters to feel a sense of belonging - to understand that they are a part of a group of “thousands of children who do the same thing at the same time,” in their individual churches.

A section of the audience

The Director identified the success of the programme at two levels: firstly, in the efforts of the children’s leaders who so adequately prepared their charges despite numerous challenges, and next in the glowing faces of the children who attended and enjoyed the convention. She is certain they left the venue with their minds indelibly marked by the events of the day.

Struck by the potential of the children as demonstrated during the convention, Mrs. Henry reiterated the importance of providing effective and adequate spiritual nurture for the young ones. ”If we don’t harness this… we could lose them.” She cited the need for parents, the church leadership and membership to support the structure and system of the church and create opportunities that will help in the conservation of our youngsters.