Day Two of the 2023 National Children’s Jamboree

It was still 05.30 WIB. The sky around Solo was still quite dark. However, in the rooms of the participants of the 2023 National Children’s Jamboree at the Harris Hotel, Solo, things were already starting to get lively. The Jamboree participants were already awake. They quickly picked up their Bibles and prepared for a time of quiet reflection together. The youth leaders guided them in leading a prayer, reading from the Bible and leading a song before they had a shower and got ready to take part in the activities for the second day of the 2023 LAI National Children’s Jamboree. 

The second day was the busiest and was packed with learning activities for both Sunday School children and Sunday School teachers. After breakfast, the young Jamboree participants were invited to learn about “The Bible is the Word of God”, led by Kak Purnawan Kristanto. Afterwards, Kak Yeni Krismawati continued with the theme “The Anatomy of the Bible”. Kak Yeni emphasised that God’s plan—which begins with Creation and extends to the New Heaven and New Earth in the Book of Revelation—is always the most fitting and best for human life. ‘Anatomy’ means structure, and Kak Yeni explained, in language easy for children to understand, the background and general outline of the Bible’s content, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. At the same time, the Sunday School teachers in another room received presentations on “The Vision and Ministry of LAI” and “Building a Children’s Ministry Network”.

After lunch, the participants took turns attending two workshops: “Traditional Dance”, led by Kak Santi and Kak Kristin, and “Making Cardboard Wayang Puppets”, led by Kak Galih. Both workshops were enthusiastically attended by the children taking part in the Jamboree and even by the Sunday School teachers. Before we knew it, the event—which was scheduled to last one and a half hours—had run over to two hours. 

In the evening, two sessions of “The Bible Is Right for Me” were led by Rev. Igrea Siswanto. Kak Igrea emphasised the importance of the Bible as a source of truth, as a guide for life, and as a mirror for our relationship with God and one another. Through a variety of games and activities, Kak Igrea encouraged the children to engage enthusiastically and focus on the material. The final session on the second day was “The Bible is Fun”, led by Kak Meidy Harimisa. Kak Meidy encouraged the children not only to be readers of the Word but also to be doers of the Word, becoming good children of God who apply the Word in their daily lives. The children were encouraged to confess the sins they had committed and to love their parents and friends with all their hearts.  

The second day of the National Children’s Jamboree concluded with a brief evening devotional led by three Jamboree participants. Afterwards, the participants returned to their respective rooms to rest, as the following day featured three exciting outdoor activities that were not to be missed. 

The second day served as an explanation and elaboration of the theme of the 2023 National Children’s Jamboree: ‘God’s Word Is Always Right’. God’s Word really is just right, as Kak Wawan explained: It is just right as a guiding light in our lives, as a friend and closest companion to help us know God and live according to His ways. God’s Word really is just right… for me, for you, for all of us. Ciaaaoooooo....