The inaugural Kingdom Champions conference, held at Mkokoba Church of Christ in Bulawayo from August 9-11, 2024, was a groundbreaking triumph for the Associated Churches of Christ in Zimbabwe Children’s Ministry (ACCZCM). With over a thousand children in attendance from Bulawayo, Zvishabane, and Gweru-Kwekwe District, this event marked a significant milestone in the history of ACCZCM.
Themed around 1 Samuel 17:45-46, the conference aimed to empower children to become champions in their faith and daily lives. The response was overwhelming, with children displaying unbridled joy and enthusiasm throughout the event.
Renowned topic-based teachers delivered inspiring lessons, while popular sports competitions, choir performances, and quiz competitions kept the children engaged and entertained. Talent showcases allowed the youngsters to express their creativity, and the atmosphere was electric with excitement.
In an interview, 13-year-old Salome Ngirandi from Gweru-Kwekwe District exclaimed, “I’m a Champion! This conference was amazing, and I learned that drugs are harmful and can mess with our minds. I also made new friends and had so much fun!”
Associated Churches of Christ in Zimbabw (ACCZ- Parent Organization) Vice Secretary, Mrs. Muza Nsingo, expressed her delight at the conference’s success, stating, “I’m thrilled to see the children’s ministry launched with such momentum. It’s a beautiful thing, and we must support these children.”
Mrs. Nsingo emphasized the need for increased financial support for the Children’s Ministry. “While we’re thrilled with the success of this conference, we recognize that more needs to be done to support our Children’s Ministry financially. They rely on donations and support from our members and partners to continue this vital work.”
Pastor Orgar Mahlangu from Bulawayo noted, “We’ve been ignoring the real church,” highlighting the passion and energy of the children present.
Organizing Secretary, Mr Richard Vushe, acknowledged the need for a larger venue to accommodate the growing number of attendees, as the children present had exceeded expectations.
This conference marks a significant turning point for the ACCZ Children’s Ministry, demonstrating the potential for growth and impact. As the ACCZCM continues to nurture and support its young champions, the future looks bright for this vibrant community. Plans are already underway for next year’s conference, which promises to be even bigger and better.
The success of the Kingdom Champions conference serves as a testament to the power of investing in children’s ministry. By empowering young people to become champions in their faith, ACCZCM is shaping the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
Mrs. Tariro Chimanda, Secretary General of ACCZCM, shared her thoughts on the Kingdom Champions conference, highlighting both the successes and areas for improvement. “For our team, this conference was a learning curve. We experienced both triumphs and challenges that need attention before next year’s event.”
Mrs. Chimanda expressed her gratitude towards the parents, who showed remarkable support for their children throughout the conference. “It was heartwarming to see parents actively involved and encouraging their children to participate in the various activities.”
She also commended the teachers, who demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to the children’s ministry. “Most of our teachers were truly invested in the conference, and their passion was evident in the way they engaged with the children.”
Despite a few setbacks, Mrs. Chimanda was pleased with the overall smooth execution of the conference. “We faced some challenges, but our team worked tirelessly to ensure the conference ran smoothly. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and I believe we’ve laid a solid foundation for future events.”
With the Kingdom Champions conference proving to be a resounding success, the ACCZCM is poised for continued growth and development. As the team reflects on their experiences and lessons learned, they’re already looking forward to next year’s event, eager to empower more young champions in their faith.
