Hundreds of children gathered in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 2 June to celebrate the World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk. The event was organized by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and the Integrated Life Network for Childhood and Adolescence, in association with VIVA, Together For Childhood.

The children and adults who accompanied them enjoyed games, songs, prayer, and reflections about working together for the well-being of children. They focused on the critical role that prayer plays in communicating with God and interceding for those who are most vulnerable — children.

The participants also prayed for those who work in the child and adolescent protection system, asking the Lord to enable them to advance government policies that guarantee the rights of children to receive education and to live full and healthy lives. 

“For NCM, it is of vital importance to join initiatives such as the World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk," said Paquita Bido, Mesoamerica Central Field NCM coordinator. "Through these activities, we contribute to the spiritual formation of our children while we attract the attention of those who should pray for their well-being, including parents and the authorities.”

To end the event, participants released white balloons as a sign of victory, joy, and peace for children around the world. 

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica