“It’s important to teach values to kids,” says World Vision’s Carmelina Saminas, who leads Kids’ Camps in Guatemala.

“Violence is all around us,” Carmelina says. “That’s why it’s important to teach these [Christian] values to children, because step-by-step we’re going to stop living this violence, we’re going to eradicate violence.

“I think this is why Christian witness is important. Teaching children to look out for other people’s needs, leads to community development filtered through the eyes of love.”

A lot of children drop out of school in this community. Carmelina believes that by bringing children together at camp, they can take part in finding solutions and encouraging other youth in their communities. Christian principles are the foundation of the camp curriculum.

Carmelina used to work as a schoolteacher. But five years ago, she sensed the call to use her teaching skills to help youth deepen their faith and influence society around them with biblical values. As a result, camp participants go home with greater purpose, equipped to share their new perspectives with friends, classmates, and family.

Pray for godly youth leaders around the world:

“Lord, inspire more leaders to step forward and teach the next generation how to lead and love others in Your name. Strengthen and equip them to show Your love to the precious children in their communities.”

 

Written by Chris Huber and Laura Reinhardt

Photo ©2013 Laura Reinhardt/World Vision