5 February 2009

"Children First" around the world

Wahroonga, New South Wales
Melody Tan

As part of a campaign to promote the needs of children in churches during the International Year of the Child, an Australian musician has been commissioned to write two songs to be distributed to Seventh-day Adventist churches worldwide.

First proclaimed by the United Nations in 1979, the International Year of the Child was intended to draw attention to problems that affected children throughout the world, including malnutrition and lack of access to education.

In 2009, the International Year of the Child is not only commemorating its 30th anniversary but also celebrates children in the church. The Adventist Church has launched the "Children First" campaign to ensure church members around the world make the needs of children a priority.

"If we put effort into ensuring that our youngest receive quality nurture, they will grow to have a strong faith and be able to nurture others," says Julie Weslake, children's ministries director for the Adventist Church in the South Pacific. "Research confirms that childhood is crucial to the development of attitudes, habits and beliefs."

Kimberly Houliston, director of Abide Family Ministries, the team behind the children's TV series Arnie's Shack, was commissioned by the Children's Ministries department of the Adventist world church to write the songs to promote the event.

The two songs written are titled "Children first", a song for adults, and "We need to go", a song for children.

"We want to encourage adults to support and connect with children in their churches and community, then help them build a relationship with Jesus. It's the foundations that determine their values, habits and emotional security for the rest of their lives," says Mrs Weslake.

Adventist Churches in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands will be holding children's expo throughout the year to celebrate "children first".

Find out more about putting children first.