Philippine Children’s Ministries Network

Big God, Big Dreams!

The STEP-Up Center established in Bethany Church of the Nazarene in Antipolo City was one of the very first center that I have worked with aside from the APNTS campus’ Step-UP Center . At first, it was a struggle for me to really get to know my students. With prayers and the introduction of fun games while learning life skills exercises, I was able to build a good rapport with them on the first day of class.

Teaching these 14 Out of School Youth was a great challenge for me. They were all afraid of using the computer because they think that they might destroy it once they touch it. I took on the challenge and started off the first day with formal classes on Computer Fundamentals module, I explained to them the history and evolution of computers. I could still see the change on their facial expressions when I opened up the computer CPU and have them look at the inside parts. Lo and behold, right there, the fear of using the computer is gone! As they step out the computer room that very first day, I could just feel their excitement looking forward to the next meeting.

As weeks piled on, the computer lessons went very well. We took to finish the whole course in eight days, completing 64 hours of learning. Coupled with the life skills training, the Saturdays did not feel difficult but remarkably changed the students’ outlook in life. The games we did helped them gained back their confidence and see themselves in a different way. They realized they have potentials and they have dreams and goals to reach! I consider it a success because they have been different after the training. They even want to continue on the Life Skills training modules.

On our last day, I showed to them their course output, the ones in which they learned using the Power Point slides. They were happy to see their work and their achievements for the 8 days of training. I challenged them to dream big and aim high.

God has been so faithful in answering my prayers. He opened up doors for these young people. One of fourteen pursued his dream to be a policeman. Another took on her dream to be a chef. Ten of the graduates took the TESDA scholarship exams at AMA Computer Learning Center and passed! These students will pursue further computer studies this June 2009. Two are still awaiting their results of the scholarship exam. From the graduates at the Center, some will teach other young people in the communities, helping me out to reach more lives changed and dreaming big for God.

It has been a great project for me to work with. To see lives changed and finally found their calling has been a great source of joy for me and I consider it a great fulfillment. The church’s support towards these young people has been a great encouragement and I thank God for everyone who contributed to the success of this center.

*Ernalyn Longcop graduated from the Training of Trainers conducted at the Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS). A Step-UP Center was launched inside the campus in January 2009. The Bethany Church of the Nazarene Step-UP Center is an outreach of the APNTS. The APNTS Center is a partnership with the Philippine Children’s Ministries Network. Together with other centers in Quezon City, Samar, and Cainta, Rizal, the Step-UP project aims to protect 500out of school youth from being trafficked by providing them marketable skills.