Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries, Nazarene Youth International, and Nazarene Missions International united July 6-8 at the Nazarene Seminary in the Dominican Republic for a child-focused conference entitled “The Heart of the Connected Teacher.” They especially emphasized the importance of Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries. More than 85 people attended.

The presenters skillfully shared conferences and workshops with themes such as focusing a teachers heart on Jesus, childhood, the Word, teaching, atmosphere and missions, among others.

Regional Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Coordinator Dhariana Balbuena taught about the characteristics of a connected teacher and preparing the teaching environment. Mildred Barranco shared about the characteristics of a Sunday School teachers and the resources that they can use. Marta Gonzales, the SDMI Superintendent in the Mesoamerica Central Area, spoke about the heart of a servant leader connected to children. Karla Lovett and Regional NMI Coordinator Ana Crocker shared about missions. Finally, Maria Rodriguez and Dr. Yovany Cisneros, both of whom are volunteers with Child Evangelism Fellowship, shared strategies to guide children to Christ. Wendy Carolina and Laritza Mora, local missionaries, shared child-appropriate musical games.

At the close of the event they shared gifts with the presenters and thanked them for their participation.

Source: Marcia Garcia