CSM’s first training milestone for the year was the Hope Bearer master training workshop for 15 young volunteers of the Gintong Aral Community Development in Taytay, Rizal last March 6, 2021. Conducted at the River of Life Community Fellowship in Taytay, Rizal, the workshop was CSM’s first face-to-face training event since the country went on general community quarantine in March last year.

In partnership with the Philippine Children’s Ministries Network (PCMN) where Gintong Aral is a member, the workshop trained the selected volunteers to teach CSM’s timely curriculum, Hope Bearer, to children at risk in far-flung places in the Bicol region that have no internet access. Everyone in the workshop observed the health protocols mandated by the government, such as the wearing of face masks and face shield, frequent sanitizing with alcohol, and physical distancing.

(L to R) Niña Alelene de Mesa (CSM trainer), Millie Espino (CSM trainer), Ptr. Jackson Natividad (Executive Director of Gintong Aral Community Development) and Ptr. Reuel Alfonso (CSM Training Officer)

CSM trainer Millie Espino gave an overview of the Hope Bearer curriculum, how to use the teacher’s manual, and how to involve parents in teaching the lessons to their children.

CSM trainer Nina de Mesa taught age-group characteristics and demonstrated teaching the material to Beginners (4-6 yrs old) and older children (7-12 years).

Participants make a paper boat, a craft from a lesson for Beginners (4-6 yrs old).

Participants prepare a dance for the song, “If My People Will Pray” from a children’s lesson.

Wacky class picture after the seminar workshop.

Hope Bearer: Lessons of Hope and Courage in Times of Crisis and Change is CSM’s latest curriculum for Sunday school. Developed as a response to the changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, Hope Bearer has 30 Bible lessons for ages 4 to 12 that will teach kids how to live confidently even in the midst of uncertainty. Parents and teachers can use Hope Bearer to continue their God-given mission to teach and disciple kids whether online, home-based, or in regular Sunday school. Hope Bearer is available in all CSM online stores in Lazada and Shopee.

CSM’s next training event is a free inspirational webinar, Treasures Within Reach on March 19, 2021 (Friday), 7:30-9:30PM. The speaker is Ptr. Willy Chua, author of the book with the same title. To register for free, kindly click on the link: http://bit.ly/TreasuresWithinReach.