APNTS Communications Officer
On May 5th, The Church of the Nazarene with Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) Philippines joined a collaborative, national effort called, “4/14 Window Pilipinas” to change this troubling reality. The event brought together denominations, ministries, and community organizations from across the Philippines to take a meaningful look at the current state of Filipino Children and rally for their integral place in their society and churches.
The “4/14 Window” refers to the demographic group of people between the ages of 4 and 14. It is this section of society that is the most receptive and open to spiritual and developmental input. 4/14 Window Pilipinas hopes to inspire churches to place Children as a high priority in their ministries and to work to minister holistically to this powerful demographic, intentionally discipling them for life-long faith. 
Rev. Stephen Gualberto, Field Strategy Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene Philippines and Micronesia, addressed the group calling attention to the current state of Children in the Philippines. Gualberto highlighted current rising statistics of poverty, trafficking and exploitation of children in the Philippines and appealed for a greater Christian response. Gualberto states that he hopes that this event will engage the church in assessing the critical issues facing the children and youth in its community so that it can create ministries to meet the needs of children and youth.
The event aimed for a meaningful collaboration of different church ministries to help integrate children and youth into the faith community for intentional discipleship. A broad, multi-sectoral audience of 13 local churches, 3 ministries, 7 denominations, 2 educational institutions, 8 community development agencies, and 8 groups from the literature and business sector collaborated in round-table discussions on Philippine child advocacy.
The Church of the Nazarene in the Philippines is proud to join with 4/14 Window Pilipinas and see a strong potential in filipino children and young people as resources for the holistic transformation of their world. The coalition challenged churches to come together and fight for the protection and holistic development of children in our churches and societies; For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
