Manila, Philippines: On Saturday, April 23rd, 2016, the Holistic Child Development department of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) sponsored an all-day KidUnique seminar.
The training was facilitated by missionary, and APNTS Holistic Child Development (HCD) student, Aisling “Ashling” Zweigle. Participants included an interdenominational representation of leaders from Filipino churches and child outreach ministries. HCD students and local employees of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were also present.
Throughout the day, participants were inspired to identify ways they can intentionally build discovery-rich relationships with the children God has placed in their churches, their homes, and their communities. Aisling presented the key principles of pastor/author Dan Webster’s book, KidUnique- Helping Kids Discover Who They Are. Webster’s book highlights the barriers present in our lives with kids while mentors dare to show up and not just sit on the sidelines of a child’s life.
Aisling included additional child development research as evidence of the ways the church can draw young people to Christ. The group took what they learned about observation, exploration, affirmation and revelation with kids and used fun activities to deepen their learning. Together they explored how to courageously share love with the children in their own context.
KidUnique has inspired pastors, teachers, parents, coaches, grandparents, and mentors.
“Thanks you so much, Aisling, for your great perseverance in sharing your knowledge on how to develop kids and let them know who they really are…It was such a fruitful seminar indeed. I learned a lot!” One of the participants.
– Submitted by: Aisling Zweigle
