Ablaze with Action Philippines
By Shannon Griffiths
In March 2024, I went to the Philippines to run a children’s and youth program by Action Philippines called Ablaze. God really looked after those on the team, and the kids enjoyed the program immensely. The kids and youth teams clicked and got on really well, while the older youth kids – who we weren’t sure would join – participated and asked the youth leaders some excellent questions.
The program had six kids under the age of 12, a two-year-old, and eight youth. The team I worked with consisted of a Filipino couple who helped me with the younger kids and three Germans who led the youth. The team was amazing to work with, and we had such fun with the kids. While the conference was four days, we only had the kids for three mornings and two evenings, as they were encouraged to relax with their families the rest of the time. Our plan with the kids changed on the go three times, but God helped us to flow through the changes and decisions made.
As well as encouraging and strengthening their knowledge of God, one of the main focuses of Ablaze was to equip the kids and youth with SOAP journals, a devotional tool that stands for ‘Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer’. We gave each of them a journal and showed them how to use it. While it was a bit challenging for some of the younger kids, the older kids dove into the opportunities with enthusiasm, which was really encouraging to see.
The kids’ Scripture story each day consisted of a Lost Sheep book and Scripture that talked more about the theme of the book. Over the four days, we did four books about Basil the Branch and discussed the themes that came out of the books: we need to be plugged into Jesus; we need to be challenged; we all have different gifts; and, God takes us from where we are and uses us for His kingdom. The kids enjoyed the Basil books immensely, and after asking if I would return next year, asked if I would also be doing Basil again.
The Lost Sheep books have several Bible passages that are related to the story in the book. Based on whatever Basil book the kids did, the youth read two of the related passages. The outline that was made for the youth had a series of questions relating to the Scripture they read, but they were not able to get to the questions because the youth asked their own questions to the leaders.
All in all, having done my first kids’ program, God made it a success. Action have invited me back next year for their international conference, where there will be 30-50 kids and youth coming. Instead of being four days, the conference is planned to go for a whole week. This time, I’ve been asked to bring a team with me.
Please continue to pray for Ablaze, that I will be able to align the program for next year with what the adults are doing, that God will bring forward the right leaders to come with me, and that Ablaze will continue to bring glory to the Heavenly Father who has made this all happen. It is exciting to see where God will take the Ablaze ministry, and it’s a blessing to be a part of it. Thank you so much for your prayers and support!