Hundreds of children gathered in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on June 2 to celebrate the World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk (June 2-3). The event was organized by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) and the Integrated Life Network for Childhood and Adolescence, in association with VIVA, Together For Childhood.<\/p>\n
The children and the adults that accompanied them enjoyed games with songs, times of prayer and reflections about the need to work together to achieve integrated well-being for children. They focused on the important role that prayer plays as a means of grace to communicate with God and intercede in favor of those most vulnerable\u2014children.<\/p>\n
The participants took every opportunity to pray that the Lord would illuminate the decisions of those who work in the Protection System for Childhood and Adolescence. They asked the Lord to make them able to advance the government policies that guarantee the rights of children to live full and healthy lives, receive education and enjoy general well-being. God desires the same thing for children.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor NCM, it is of vital importance to join initiatives such as the World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk, because through these activities we contribute to the spiritual formation of our children while we attract the attention of those who should pray for their well-being, including parents and the authorities,\u201d said Paquita Bido, Mesoamerica Central Area NCM Coordinator.<\/p>\n
At the close of the activity, the participants released white balloons as a sign of victory, joy and peace. Then they shared a snack.<\/p>\n\n\t\t