On March 15, there was the Education for Teachers of Children in the First Half of 2006 at Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. The education was for the kindergarten teachers and Sabbath School teachers of the Churches of God throughout the country. In the balmy spring weather, about 1,100 teachers attended the Education, wearing bright smiles on their faces.

ⓒ 2006 WATV

During the worship service, Mother commended the teachers for their efforts in promoting the spiritual growth of children, saying, Whenever I see the children in Zion, Im so pleased with their good manners and attitude of giving thanks to God.

Mother taught them that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who follow the teachings of God with a humble mind like a child, quoting Matthew chapter 18. She encouraged them to fully obey the words of God like little children.

Mother also said, Children take everything they see and hear just as it is, like a sponge absorbs water. So, help them grow healthily both in body and mind, by teaching them piety towards God and their duty towards men as well, through the words of the Bible inspired by God.

Head Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim emphasized the importance of education for the children, saying, Children are our precious treasures. He added, When the children are educated through the words of God, they will have good character, and consequently it will bring harmony to their families. God has entrusted you teachers with an important duty to teach the children with great love. Id like to ask you to faithfully perform your role in the gospel by educating the children well, following the will of God.

After the worship service, recreation time began with some lilting music. The teachers learned some good exercises that can help children develop and maintain good posture, and they also learned various games, which are good for physical and mental development of children: pulling out radishes to learn cooperation, tying each others legs to learn friendliness, conveying a ping-pong ball to learn unity and concentration, a three-person coalition exercise and so on. All the teachers were full of energy, cheering, laughing and clapping. They carefully watched every motion to memorize it.

ⓒ 2006 WATV

Finally, they learned a folk dance composed of simple gestures, which children can easily follow. They danced in a circle, and laughed joyfully when they got some of the steps mixed up. Each of them looked like a innocent child.

After the education, the teachers said, We will set good examples for our children, keeping in mind that we should follow the teachings of God fully like children. Weve realized that we are charged with a great mission and our duty as childrens teachers is to display the glory of God. Well make every effort to practice Mothers wordsThe best education for children is to teach them in love and in Gods word.

God wants children in Zion to be educated in Gods words, just as Timothy had studied the Scriptures from childhood. Seeing the teachers who have fully learned Gods love, we expect our children in Zion, who are like buds, to grow up healthy in the warmth of Gods love.