The word “first” often denotes uncertainty. A baby’s first steps are hesitant. A young person’s first attempt at driving is apprehensive. A first job interview can be nerve-wracking. A first symposium, also, is filled with unknowns.

Tuesday, December 3

A hot Guatemalan sun streamed down onto the Colegio Cientifico in Coatepeque as guests arrived. The classrooms surrounding its central courtyard transformed into dormitories when mattresses replaced desks. Attendees introduced themselves and settled in. A delicious aroma drifted from the kitchen, announcing that dinner would soon be ready.

The Symposium was opened by Pastor Ananías Hernández, president of the Guatemalan Field, and Pastor Danilo Monterroso, president of the Latin American Division. A joint presentation by the General Conference Education Department team was then given. Pastor Danilo Monterroso, Manuela Di Franca, and Margie Seely summarized the work currently being accomplished as well as plans for future projects.

Finally, Margie Seely, from the United States, shared the histories of the three North American schools – Small Cloud Christian School, Cedar Christian School, and Orion Christian Academy (an online school).

Saraí Archila, education leader for El Salvador, closed our first day with a beautiful worship service entitled “The Keys to Being a Teacher and a Successful Student,” based on Luke 6:40 NIV. “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.”

As we exited the meeting hall, stars twinkled above. Our first day was complete.

Wednesday, December 4

Neighborhood roosters woke most of us before our alarms ever had the chance. At 6:30 AM, Ramiro Ruelas, a retired PE teacher from Mexico, rang the bell for games and exercises. At 7:30 AM, worship began. “The Importance of the Habit of Reading” was the service given by Samuel Inca, from Ecuador. “When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message.” Acts 15:31 NIV. By teaching our children to read, we prepare them to be blessed by the study of God’s word.

After breakfast, Alejandro Ramos, director of the Music School Shekinah in Mexico, began the morning’s presentations by explaining the important role music plays in education. Manuela Di Franca, from Germany, followed with a workshop exploring the characteristics a Christian teacher should have. Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 4, page 432, tells us that teachers carry the same weight of responsibility as a minister. To be a teacher, then, is not merely a vocation, but a missionary calling.

Just before lunch, Margie Seely, director of Cedar Christian School and Orion Christian Academy, spoke about classroom discipline. The word discipline means “to teach,” and we, as teachers, must teach our students to behave well. After lunch, she continued her presentation by sharing a variety of practical discipline methods.

Finally, Pastor Danilo Monterroso, a former primary school teacher in Guatemala, explained the importance of “Knowing Your Students.” Not all students learn in the same way. Effective teachers teach all students in the way they learn best. He concluded his talk with a workshop exploring different ways to motivate learning in our classrooms.

In the evening, we were blessed to hear presentations by representatives from the following IMS schools in Latin America: Colegio Doctor Andres Vesalio in El Salvador, Escuela y Jardin Cristiano Reforma in Honduras, Colegio Cientifico in Guatemala, Colegio Jean Piaget in Ecuador, and three from Colombia: Colegio Cristiano Shalom in Florencia, Colegio Cristiano Dios Es Amor “Mis Corderitos” in Bogota, and Colegio Cristiano Dios Es Amor in Bucaramanga.

Evening worship was given by Martha Calderon Bustamante, former education leader of Colombia. Her talk, “The Importance of Listening and Asking Questions,” was based on the experience of the child Jesus who, when left in Jerusalem, listened to and asked questions of the rabbis in the temple. Luke 2:46. In order to truly learn, we must also listen and ask.

Thursday, December 5

Thursday was a day for recreation. Attendees visited Xocomil (water park) or Xejuyup (animal park). Before leaving, however, we were blessed with a worship service by Jessie Pinzón of Guatemala, who spoke about “The Importance of Time Management.” All of us are given 24 hours each day. However, not all of us will be equally productive. How much we accomplish depends on how we manage our time. “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV. 

While we were away, the school courtyard was transformed into an outdoor concert hall. A public concert had not been in our original plan but was recommended by Alejandro and Berenice Ramos. These talented musicians from Mexico joined with other musicians, including Pastor Danilo Monterroso and Colegio Cientifico’s own brass band. Beneath a canopy of stars, the joyful melodies of flute, violin, trumpet, and other instruments, rang out. Praises ascended over the school walls, where a gentle breeze carried them away. Approximately 500 guests were in attendance.

The evening’s worship service by Marvin Alejandro Girón, education leader of Guatemala, was “The Importance of Prayer (Asking for Wisdom).” “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 NIV. Wisdom is a gift that is freely given by God. We need only to ask for it.

Friday, December 6

Again the day began with exercises and morning worship. Sandra Argemiro, director of Colegio Dios Es Amor in Colombia, spoke about “The Importance of Paying Attention.” As Hebrews 2:1 NIV teaches, “We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” 

After breakfast, Ramiro Ruelas demonstrated how physical exercise improves learning. His listeners completed several simple, yet surprisingly challenging tasks. Studies have shown that learning improves when physical exercise is included in a school’s daily schedule.

Next, Manuela Di Franca, a language teacher, gave strong arguments for the benefit of teaching young children a second language. Her talk, “Advice for Teaching English,” demonstrated how learning a second language compels children to think critically and how this skill transfers to other disciplines.

In the final workshop, Ixzelt Aldana, graphic designer for the Education Department, shared practical tips for creating engaging Powerpoint presentations and improving the design of educational materials.  

The Symposium concluded with a written test, lunch, and time for Sabbath preparation.    

The Sabbath Opening Service, “The Importance of Dedication,” was given by Juan Paz of Honduras. Daniel 1:17 NIV, explains the blessing of God upon Daniel and his three friends. Because of their faithfulness, they received “knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.”

Friday also marked the beginning of the Week of Prayer. The reading was included in our program, but it was the Children’s Week of Prayer, as prepared by the Education Department, that was read. Several pastors joined the children on stage to present this reading in a special way.

Finally, Pastor Ananías Hernández closed the day’s events with the inspiring sermon entitled “Jesus – Teacher of Teachers.” Oh, that we would daily sit at the feet of Jesus to learn how to teach like Him.

Sabbath, December 7

Pastor Fausto Sellán of Ecuador opened this special Sabbath morning with a sermon entitled “The Importance of Patience,” from 2 Corinthians 6:6. The servants of God need patience, especially when working with children.

Because the congregation had swelled to more than 800, the Sabbath School Lesson was taught in four groups. The two adult classes were taught by Gloria Osorio Patiño, director of Colegio Christiano Shalom in Colombia, and Mercy Mora Fariño, director of Colegio Jean Piaget in Ecuador. The youth class was taught by Andrea Martinez of Colombia. The children’s class was taught by Yecenia Monterroso of Guatemala.

Pastor Danilo Monterroso’s sermon, “In the Footsteps of the Teacher,” explored the powerful, life-changing bond that can form between a student and a teacher. We are students of the great teacher, Jesus Christ. When we follow in His footsteps, our lives will change forever.

Sara Zelaya Canizalez, director of Colegio Doctor Andres Vesalio, and Wendy Sanchez Torres, director of Escuela y Jardin Cristiano Reforma in Honduras, led the beautiful afternoon praise service.

Margie Seely, director of the General Conference Education Department, based her afternoon message on Luke 18:18 – “Good Teacher, What Do I Need to Do to Gain Eternal Life?” Throughout time, students have searched for answers. Sadly, few in the public schools teach truth, but offer worldly ideology instead. God commands that our children be taught in Christian schools.

Pastor Óscar Archila of El Salvador closed with the topic “The Importance of Cooperation.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 NIV, teaches, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Results are always better when we work together.

We had not planned for a meeting with the IMS school leaders, but as the Symposium progressed, we realized our mistake. And so, late at night, an impromptu meeting was held, and it was a blessing. (During this meeting, Alejandro Ramos gave a presentation about the music/English school he and his sister run in Mexico, reminding us that we can all serve God with the talents He has given us.)

Sunday, December 8

After exercises, a worship service was given by Anna Sánchez Tavernier, an intern for the General Conference Education Department. Her topic, “The Importance of Diligence,” was based on Romans 12:11 NIV – “Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Many of us begin teaching with enthusiasm but become discouraged when difficulties arise. We must keep our eyes on Jesus always.

The Symposium concluded with the baptism of young Luz Mariana Monterroso Cifuentes. As Pastor Danilo gently lowered her into the water, we were reminded of the great purpose of Christian education – leading God’s lambs into His fold. May we never lose sight of this goal.

Special Thanks
We thank our speakers for their beautiful messages. We also thank our talented and dedicated team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes: Ixzelt Aldana, Saraí Archila, Leticia Carolina Cardona, Marvin Ixcaya, Lidia Carlota Monterroso Esteban, Lizbeth Lema, Maximiliano López, Lourdes Méndez, Blanca Monterroso, Carmen Monterroso, Jimmy Monterroso, Josué Monterroso, Omar Monterroso, Samuel Monterroso, Yecenia Monterroso, Marvin Girón Natareno, Emilio Oxlaj, Anayansi Quintanilla, Zonia Anabela Monterroso Pérez, Jonathan Pinzón, Alejandro Ramos, Berenice Ramos, Elder Rivera, Ramiro Ruelas, and Cruz Yac. We are especially grateful to Jully Nicoli for her constant support.

Follow Up
After the last goodbye was said, a blanket of silence fell over the school grounds. Our hearts filled with gratitude for all God had done. We didn’t know that He wasn’t finished.

The Symposium’s large number of international visitors, together with the public concert held Thursday evening, aroused community interest. In response, forty-two new students enrolled! Also, donations were pledged that will pay for the construction project the Colegio has been struggling to complete! Please praise God with us for these blessings, and pray that this school will continue to be a light to its community.

by Margie Seely
Education Department Leader| U.S.A

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