PETRA INSTITUTE ADVOCACY WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
An impact story in the heart of Patensie (Eastern Cape)
Helping community leaders to discover the Biblical commands, responsibilities, challenges and opportunities concerning children
''To weep about and with children is a deep theological ethical value. It is part of our Christian vocation to remember them and their suffering, their plight and vulnerabilities and to take it to heart.''- Jan Grobbelaar and Chris Jones (Eds) 2020. Childhood Vulnerabilities in South Africa: Some ethical perspectives. Stellenbosch Media: African Sun Media\
''We have to be a groaning church.', lamenting with the Psalms, reflecting our distress over the current conditions as expressed in the many vulnerable children of South Africa and all their vulnerabilities.'' -McCarthy (2005:24)
Patensie heeds the call
The Lord started stirring the hearts of some members within the community of the small rural town of Patensie in the Eastern Cape. A security official working in the townships and on farms, saw the many destitute, neglected and vulnerable children. Having been a neglected child himself, and familiar with the work of Petra Institute, he contacted the local Dutch Reformed Church to find out about their involvement with children.
''We spoke about that last night, saying we have to do something'' - was the answer he received
An Advocacy Workshop with Petra Institute that was arranged for 19 March 2022 was attended by around 30 people. Some of the discussion points discussed included:
- The Biblical commands about children
- The community's involvement in preventing children from falling through the different systems in society that take care of children
- Creating a community where children are welcome in the places where children are found, such as school, church, farms and throughout the community
Building communities where children are welcome through partnerships, training, influencing, transforming and reaching out to families on many levels of society across the world, with a wide range of courses that address the needs within communities. This image depicts what 'society' looks like in our context.
Feedback from participants on the Advocacy Workshop
''The presentation was excellent with so many good principles to take with. It is good to see everyone excited to reach out to the children of our communities. This was a WOW experience, giving so much insight.' - Jonine Moller
''The vision of reaching the children in our communities was again ignited in our hearts, and the reason why we should do it. Hearing what the Word says about children was very good. Petra Institute does amazing work!'' - Doreen Pieters
What's next?
Petra Institute will assist with drafting a plan of action for developing and understanding the faith formation, skills, processes and resources to respond appropriately to God's desire for children in the Patensie area.
