More than 50 children pedaled along the 1.5 kilometers of LB Scott Road, St. Maarten, on October 30, 2016, escorted by police, parents, guardians and other supporters, during the second annual “Healthy Me” event. The biking activity has been a part of the North Caribbean Conference (NCC) Children’s Ministries initiative to promote a healthy lifestyle in the children of the church and community.
The Associate Children’s Ministries Director of the General Conference, Saustin Sampson Mfune, was enthusiastic about the activity and shared that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is always looking for opportunities to serve children: “Lots of children live in large cities and villages and this is often the forgotten group. There are many who may be homeless, lonely, from divorced homes, or abused. They all need the good news of the Gospel that Jesus loves them and that He offers them salvation. Hence, we need to reach out to children in the cities. What we are doing is more than riding. We are trying to attract them to the group that will reach them for Jesus.”
The Women and Children’s Ministries Director of the Caribbean Union Conference, Debbie Henry, expressed satisfaction that the North Caribbean Conference is making strides in ministering to children: “The mission of the Children’s Ministries Department is to nurture children into a loving, serving relationship with Jesus and heaven takes note of every step in this direction.”
The NCC Women and Children’s Ministries Director, Margaret Peters, added that, “The event was both about highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle and sharing God’s love … and hope. When others see them they would want to follow the God and the church they represent.”
The activity generated great interest among Adventist children on St. Maarten and a similar program is scheduled for St. Croix in a week’s time.