“I’ve sought the Lord for the kids and found Him ministering to me too!”

Elisandra shares how God has called, shaped, and strengthened her as part of the kids’ team — a journey that began with fear and hesitation.

Elisandra, Kid’s team leader

By Elisandra, Kids’ team member

What first led you to get involved with the children’s team?

I felt the Lord prompting me. 

Did you have any hesitations before joining? How did you overcome them?

I had a deep fear of public speaking and worried about getting references for the role as well. Around the same time, God led me to work as a teaching assistant. I found myself facing those fears daily in the classroom, knowing I'd face them again in kids ministry. But when God spoke, I knew I had to obey. It’s been hard — I’ve shaken with fear, cried, and wrestled with God — yet He’s been so gracious. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I’m slowly overcoming these challenges. His presence has carried me through, and I truly believe He’s using this weakness to build something strong for His glory.

What’s something surprising or unexpected you’ve learned through serving with kids?

I didn’t expect to be brought close to tears during snack time. I was listening with the kids to Jesus’ words on a ministry video while  eating their snack. Often, when I have sought the Lord for the kids I have found Him ministering to me too.

A Moment of Ministry

One moment that stands out from this past year was with a homeless lady who came in on a particularly cold morning. I’d seen her before and felt prompted to buy her a tea. We chatted about local services and support, and I felt a strong nudge from the Holy Spirit to pray with her. I was nervous, but I went for it—and she was so open, even moved. It was one of those moments where you know God is truly present. We’ve had more of those lately, moments where people aren’t necessarily looking for anything spiritual but end up encountering something deeper—kindness, peace, prayer... Jesus.

What do you love most about working with the children at church?

I love to share God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice with the kids. There is a level of energy and freedom that is found among little children that I find hard to see anywhere else. It's fun, messy and beautiful to share and celebrate Jesus this way.

How has serving in kids' ministry impacted your own faith or spiritual growth?

I found Kids' ministry to be another gateway for a deeper level of connection with God. It emphasised the fact that God has graced me with gifts and has called me to be diligent using them. Joining the team has meant dedicating time in a way I wasn’t before to knowing God’s word, seeking his heart and praying for people in a way that I wasn’t before.

What does it mean to you personally to help lay a spiritual foundation in the next generation?

The baton will one day be passed to the next generation. God willing, the work He is doing now will continue long after my time, and these children will be part of how He carries it forward. But for that to happen, they need to be taught about Him today. By laying a spiritual foundation, we’re helping them come to know the love of God through the sacrifice of His Son, and in doing so, bringing glory to the Lord. He has called us to be His witnesses — and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Can you share a moment when you really saw God at work in a child’s life?

We were learning about praying without giving up. A child shared a beautiful testimony about how their family had been praying for something specific for years, but God had just given them what they asked for. God had given that child understanding and the ability to connect his testimony with the teaching and share it in such a powerful way. It is an honour to come alongside families in helping them to teach their children God’s word and observe His fruit in their lives.

Have you seen any of the children make connections with God in ways that encouraged or challenged you?

The children’s curiosity and openness both challenges and encourages me. For the most part they receive the Word of God with gladness. They want to pray, read the bible and learn more about Jesus. I love the boldness and steadfastness with which I hear kids say ‘God loves us and Jesus died to forgive our sins’. If I ever dare to forget, these little ones would be sure to remind me of the goodness of God.

What’s it like being part of the children’s team — both practically and relationally?

Our teams are diverse with people serving with many giftings. A wealth of knowledge and skills are being shared. It’s a good place to learn to work together and relate with people of all sorts of backgrounds, young and old in Jesus.

How do you support and encourage one another as a team?

From time to time, we share words of encouragement and create opportunities for team members to serve in their God-given gifts. However, there's definitely room for growth. I see this as an area where we need to keep praying and asking God to help us become more like Him in the way we build each other up.

What kind of person do you think would thrive in this ministry?

Anyone who loves Jesus and would like to use their gifts in ministering to and helping kids.

How has God used you in ways you didn’t expect through this ministry?

I never thought of myself as somebody who could encourage people or teach, but the Lord has used me to do both. Glory to Him!

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about joining the team but isn’t sure they’re “qualified”?

I would say ‘who is?’ Gideon was weak and yet the Lord called Him mighty man of valor, Moses could not speak fluently yet the Lord chose Him to lead Israel out of slavery. Peter denied knowing Jesus yet the Lord chose Him to feed the church. And Saul persecuted the church yet the Lord appointed him an apostle to the gentiles.