When Serge Joseph, Children of the Nation’s program coordinator in Haiti, first began using David C Cook’s Life on Life curriculum, he wasn’t convinced it would work. The children he served were accustomed to sermons and lectures—not interactive Bible stories, discussion, and hands-on activities. Even the volunteers who helped with ministry typically prepared their own lectures. After receiving training for Life on Life, Serge agreed to try the new approach.
He began with the lesson on creation, using the curriculum’s illustrations and discussion questions to help children understand that God created the world—and created them with purpose and love. The response was immediate. That first day, 21 children placed their faith in Christ, and in the following month, 10 more made the same decision.
Reflecting on the experience, Serge said, “When we learned about creation, the children really understood that they are so special to God. In Haiti, the main religion is Voodoo, so these kids do not go to church or hear about Jesus from their families.”
There had been a vital discovery the very first week – ‘I am created and I am loved!’ And with that understanding came the desire to love back in the greatest way possible – receiving the gift of salvation! Praise God!
Serge personally visited every child’s family and connected them with local churches. He shares, “They have been going every week. Even though many of them don’t have nice clothes to attend church,” (which is a very cultural part of life there), “I have encouraged them to rely on God and ask him for everything they need—and to go to church even without nice clothes.”
God is truly transforming nations!