The Church of the Nazarene in Kupang, Indonesia, responded to God’s call to serve the community through children’s ministry. In 2020, they started with 12 kids and are now serving 110 kids and counting. Most of these children come from low-income families.

Herman, an Indonesia Nazarene Theological College graduate, found a ministry opportunity when he needed to find a job to pay his school fees. Working several jobs allowed him to build relationships and start a fellowship ministry in 2020 with three other families. 

After Herman earned his diploma, he received an offer to become a teacher in his hometown. Since he could not continue the ministry in Kupang, he turned over the leadership of the church to two people: Mr. Daud and Mrs. Diana. Today, 20 families are attending the fellowship.

Diana saw the need to have separate worship services for the children to help them fully understand the Word of God. Earlier, many children in the community used to speak harshly and fight with each other. 

In April 2023, Diana formed the children’s service that happens every Friday and is attended by 12 children. They are taught to memorize Bible verses and listen to Bible stories. The church members also provide nutritious food and drinks for the children at every meeting. 

Diana is grateful because several parents are present whenever she teaches the children; the parents also get to listen to God’s word and spiritual disciplines. She also invited five volunteer mentors to teach the children. Even though these volunteers travel 30 to 40 minutes on mostly rocky and muddy roads to Kupang, they continue to serve because of their passion for seeing the children grow in God’s Word and love.

On 7 September 2023, Mr. Roni, Sealands Field NCM and Holistic Child Development Coordinator, visited Kupang to see how the church is serving the children. NCM saw the need and funded the building of a suitable center for children’s ministry. 

“I am very happy that the local church has initiated this ministry to serve the community,” Roni said.
The Kupang church requests prayer during the continued expansion of their children’s ministry. The congregation is in need of resources like books, school supplies, and clothes for children. Diana said she hopes that the mentors will be equipped so they can effectively teach Sunday school to the children.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific