Brandon Martel

We had the absolute blessing and privilege to have the Watoto Children’s Choir join us on last week! As I reflected on this event, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some of my thoughts about the concert, the organization and some other information about taking further action.

The Watoto Children’s Choir is choir composed of children from Uganda, who because of diseases, poverty and other life situations have become orphans. The choir was founded in 1984 in Kampala by Canadians Pastor Gary and Marylin Skinner when they started Kampala Pentecostal Church. Since then, they have grown considerably and currently have over 3000 children in their care, providing them education, medical care and most importantly love. They also provide job training for women, partner with schools across the country and have begun expanding to other countries in need such as war-torn Sudan.

What struck me about this choir and the kids we met wasn’t just how great the organization has been for Uganda, but how on fire for God these kids are. Even though many, if not all, had stories of poverty and sadness, they exuded a joy and faith in God that was inspiring. I think of the story in the Bible where Jesus instructs us to have faith like a little child, and Watoto was a prime example of what Jesus meant. The kids showed it through the way they talked about God, the way they prayed and the way they sang that God was who they relied on. We heard a moving rendition of No Longer Slaves (Bethel Music) sung by the choir and it was clear they believed every word. We also got to hear a testimony from one young woman who talked of being orphaned, abandoned and sexually abused, only to be saved by Watoto. She proudly told us that this year, she graduated with a bachelors of human resources and was looking forward to all that God had in store for her.

While we encourage you to pray for this ministry, I also want to encourage you to seriously consider how you can partner with this organization in the future. You can sponsor an orphan for just $41 dollars a month, (less than $1.50 each day) and help them see that same faith and future with God.

As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your children. You want them to be healthy, happy, and to live long, fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, there are many dangers out there that can threaten their health and wellbeing. One such danger is vaping. Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people. In speaking to one grade 9 youth, I was told that it seemed like more than 60% of people at their high school vaped, and that if someone didn’t, they 100% knew someone who did.
Many people see it as a safer alternative to smoking, but the truth is that vaping is far from safe. In fact, it can be incredibly dangerous, especially for young people whose bodies are still developing.
There are many reasons why vaping is dangerous. One of the biggest is that it can lead to addiction. Vaping devices are often designed to deliver high levels of nicotine, which is highly addictive. This can make it incredibly difficult for young people to quit vaping once they start.
Nicotine addiction can also have serious consequences for young people’s health. Nicotine can harm the developing brain, which can lead to learning and attention problems. It can also increase the risk of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Another danger of vaping is that it can damage the lungs. Vaping devices deliver a mix of chemicals and metals, which can irritate the lungs and cause inflammation. This can lead to a range of respiratory problems, including chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Vaping can also expose young people to other harmful substances. Many vaping liquids contain flavorings, which can be made from a variety of chemicals. Some of these chemicals have been linked to lung disease and other health problems. In addition, some vaping liquids have been found to contain heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, which can be toxic.
As Christian parents, it’s important to take these dangers seriously. Our bodies are a gift from God, and we are called to take care of them. This means doing everything we can to protect our children’s health and wellbeing.
Addressing vaping before it occurs is obviously the best alternative. Talk to your child about the dangers of vaping. Explain to them that vaping is not safe and can have serious consequences for their health. Encourage them to make healthy choices and to avoid harmful substances. You can also set a good example by not vaping yourself. Children are more likely to take up vaping if they see their parents doing it. By not vaping, you can show your child that you take their health and wellbeing seriously.
But believe it or not, there is a likelihood that your child has already tried vaping, or is doing it on a regular basis. If that is the case, there are also a number of steps you can follow. The first is opening the door of communication, and ask questions to help you understand better. Questions you can ask include: What made you want to start?, What triggers your cravings?, What’s been stressing you out? and How could I help make quitting easier?. As well, you must remember to be patient, this is an addiction and if your student wants to quit, it can be a long process, that is difficult for both of you. Finally, help them to make a plan to quit, this can include removing the temptation, activities they can do when feeling tempted or seeking further help from a doctor or professional.
Remember, it’s never too late to make positive changes and to protect your child’s health and well-being!

Mother’s Day is a special time of the year when we show our appreciation for the women who have loved, nurtured, and guided us throughout our lives. As we reflect on the sacrifices our mothers have made for us, we can’t help but think about the valuable lessons they have taught us along the way. Proverbs 31:31 says “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” In this blog post, I’d like to share some of the things I’ve learned from my mom.
Hard work pays off.
My mom has always been a hard worker. She worked full-time to provide for our family while also taking care of my sisters and I. She taught me the importance of working hard and never giving up, no matter how difficult things may seem. I’ve applied this lesson to my own life and have seen the benefits of perseverance and dedication. When we take the time to work hard, and put our faith in God, He is faithful to guide us to success.
Honesty is the best policy.
My mom has always been honest with me, even when it wasn’t easy. She taught me the importance of being truthful and transparent in all aspects of life. This lesson has helped me build trust with others and maintain healthy relationships based on mutual respect and honesty. I’m reminded of Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.”
Be kind to others.
My mom has a kind and generous heart. She has always gone out of her way to help others, whether it be by volunteering her time at church or talking to a friend who needs it. She taught me the importance of being kind to others and giving back to the community. This lesson has helped me develop empathy and compassion for others and has inspired me to make a positive impact on the world.
In conclusion, our mothers are some of the most influential people in our lives. They teach us valuable lessons that shape who we are and how we interact with the world. I am grateful for the lessons my mom has taught me and will carry them with me for the rest of my life. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!

So, you might be wondering, do Christian denominations really matter? It’s a fair question. After all, aren’t we all supposed to be following the same God and the same Bible? The truth is, there are real differences between different Christian denominations. These differences might be theological, cultural, or practical in nature, but they exist nonetheless.
Some people argue that these differences are necessary for maintaining doctrinal purity and preserving the unique traditions and practices of different groups within the Christian faith. Others argue that denominationalism can be divisive and that it undermines the unity of the body of Christ.
So, where does that leave us? Well, I think the answer is unity. As Christians, we all share a common faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That’s what matters most. Our ultimate goal is to live in fellowship with God and with one another. In John 17:21, Jesus prayed that all of his followers would be one, just as he and the Father are one. This unity is not just a nice ideal – it’s an essential part of our witness to the world.
Now, that’s not to say that we should ignore our differences or compromise on important matters of faith. We should still hold true to our beliefs and convictions. But we should approach those differences with humility and a willingness to listen and learn from one another. When we focus on our shared beliefs and our common goal of serving God, we can overcome the divisions that exist between different Christian denominations.
So, why is unity so important? Well, for one thing, it’s a powerful witness to the world. When we’re united, we show the world that our faith is not just a collection of isolated groups, but a vibrant and unified body that is committed to the love and grace of God. It’s also important for our own spiritual growth. When we’re in community with other believers, we can encourage and support one another in our efforts to follow Christ.
In conclusion, Christian denominations do matter, but they don’t have to be a barrier to unity. As Christians, we should strive to work together and to seek common ground wherever possible. When we do that, we can show the world what it means to be part of the body of Christ – a diverse and unified community that is committed to serving God and one another.

Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper t, is a sacred practice that is observed by many Christian churches around the world. It involves the sharing of bread and wine or grape juice as a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. While some churches celebrate Communion monthly or on special occasions, other churches like All Nations Church choose to observe this practice every week. In this devotional, we will explore the reasons why our church chooses to do Communion each week.
First and foremost, Communion is a way to remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. In Luke 22:19-20, Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” By taking Communion every week, we’re keeping Jesus’ teachings and sacrifice fresh in our minds. It’s a way to reflect on the significance of his death and resurrection.

Another reason why some churches do Communion every week is to promote unity within the church community. In 1 Corinthians 10:17, Paul said, “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” By sharing the same bread and cup, we’re reminded that we’re all part of the same body of Christ, despite our differences. It’s a way to come together and recognize our shared identity as followers of Jesus.

Lastly, Communion is a chance to recommit ourselves to God and to each other. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-28, Paul said, “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” By taking Communion every week, we have the opportunity to reflect on our own lives and recommit ourselves to living out God’s teachings. It’s also a chance to ask for forgiveness and reconcile with others in the church community.

So, there you have it! Communion is a powerful and meaningful practice that can serve as a weekly reminder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, a way to promote unity within the church community, and a way to recommit ourselves to God and to each other. While some churches may choose to celebrate Communion less frequently, may we all continue to partake in Communion with reverence and gratitude for the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Easter was a few weeks ago and as the Children’s Ministry Director it is very important to choose the best way to teach the Easter message. There are a lot of different ages in my classroom and Jesus’ death is a heavy but important topic. I (and the Church) want to be teaching truth in a way that kids can understand but also does not diminish the truth.

Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection matters. It matters as much to a sinner of 50 or a sinner of 5. We are all humans who put things ahead of God, we all sin and fall short of His glory, we all make decisions that grieve His heart. But the good news of the Gospel and of Jesus’ sacrifice means that we can be reconciled to God. Those who believe, accept, and trust in Jesus are saved. That is the very basis of our faith.

Now how do we teach this to children, how do we tell them the truth of the evils in the world and the hope that exists because of Christ? The first thing to think about is that Children can see the sin and brokenness of this world, although we shelter them from many terrible things and prevent them (as much as is possible) from learning of certain things too young, sin is very prevalent in this world and kids are not immune to sinning or to feeling its consequences. This makes them knowing the hope and future that Jesus promises all the more important.

Seeing the sin in the world does not mean that we need to tell small children about everything that is wrong in the world. We can still protect them and not explain evil that they do not need to know about in details. “People being very mean to each other and hurting each other out of selfishness” is a suitable replacement for sins that they don’t need to know about in detail. But we need to be careful to not edit the world and the Bible to in a way that changes the story and runs the risk of lying to them. Jesus was tortured and suffered, that is a fact and to change that fact sets the story on a foundation of lies. It might go over easier right now, but when the kids get older and learn the true facts there will be problems.

Children are capable and always learning, they will decipher the world around them whether we like it or not. We need to be the teachers of truth in their lives. This applies to parents, guardians, and teachers, but it also applies to any of those in the church who interact with children. When you are asked a question, answer honestly, do not be afraid of the truth. Children are smart, they are building their faith and understanding of the world, the things they learn at young ages build the foundations for their beliefs for the rest of their lives.

A child who is upset over the pain that Jesus went through will not benefit from the answer “Oh Jesus didn’t suffer too bad, it was just a little boo-boo.” it might make them less upset now, but it does not help them come to terms with the magnitude of the sacrifice that Jesus made. A better answer would be “Jesus was hurt very badly and it is sad, but He rose again and He is in heaven waiting for us and giving us hope for life with Him.” Truth is important to God and should be important to all of those who deliver His message.

Do not be afraid of the truth and do not underestimate children’s abilities to understand the truth. Ages 5 and 50 both deserve the hope, healing, and new life that comes from the Cross.

I will leave you with a verse that I consider often when planning and teaching in Kids Ministry and some resources about practical ways to talk about the cross. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

How to explain the resurrection to a child

Talking about the Cross with Young Children

https://foundationworldview.com/blog/teaching-kids-about-the-resurrection

10 Resources to Teach Kids About the Resurrection

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us. This includes not only our time and talents but also our finances. Budgeting is an essential tool for managing our money wisely, and it is an act of faith that acknowledges God’s provision and sovereignty over our lives.

The Bible has much to say about money and how we use it. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus warns us that we cannot serve both God and money. He also teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). This means that we should prioritize our relationship with God above all else and trust that He will provide for our needs.

Budgeting is a practical way to put this principle into action. By creating a budget, we can track our income and expenses and ensure that we are living within our means. This allows us to avoid debt, save for the future, and give generously to others.

Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” This verse reminds us that budgeting requires diligence and planning. It is not always easy or fun, but the rewards of financial freedom and peace of mind are worth the effort.

Here are some of the essential steps to making a budget that works for you:

1. Track your income: Start by tracking your income for a month. This includes any wages, salaries, tips, or other income you receive during that time.
2. List your expenses: Make a list of all your monthly expenses. This can include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation, entertainment, and any other bills you have.
3. Categorize your expenses: Once you have listed your expenses, categorize them into fixed and variable expenses. Fixed expenses are those that stay the same every month, such as rent or mortgage payments, while variable expenses are those that can fluctuate, such as groceries or entertainment.
4. Set financial goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your budget. This may include paying off debt, saving for a down payment on a home, or building an emergency fund.
5. Allocate your income: Allocate your income to your different expenses and financial goals. Be sure to prioritize your expenses and allocate enough money for your fixed expenses before allocating money for your variable expenses.
6. Adjust as necessary: Once you have created your budget, review it regularly to ensure that you are staying on track. Adjust your budget as necessary if you encounter unexpected expenses or if your income changes.
7. Stick to your budget: The most important step is to stick to your budget. Avoid unnecessary expenses and be disciplined in your spending habits. Remember that your budget is a tool to help you achieve your financial goals and honour God with your resources.

For a great tool to make a budget, visit: https://www.iwasbrokenowimnot.com/tools-budgeting

In conclusion, budgeting is not just a practical tool for managing our finances; it is also a spiritual discipline that honors God and reflects our faith in Him. By creating a budget and using it wisely, we can steward our resources well and fulfill our calling to be good stewards of all that God has given us.

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“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” -1 John 4:9-10

Easter is a time of great joy and celebration for Christians around the world. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who conquered death and gave us new life through his sacrifice on the cross.

As we reflect on the Easter story, we are reminded of the incredible love that God has for us. Despite our sin and rebellion, He sent His only Son to die on our behalf, so that we might be reconciled to Him and have eternal life.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has given us the hope of new beginnings and the promise of a future filled with grace and mercy. We are no longer bound by our past mistakes or failures, but are given a fresh start and a new identity in Christ.

This Easter, let us take time to reflect on the amazing sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Let us remember that because of His death and resurrection, we have been forgiven and set free from the bondage of sin.

Let us also take heart in the fact that just as Jesus conquered death, we too can overcome the trials and challenges of life through Him. As we place our trust in Jesus, we can have confidence that He will guide us, protect us, and lead us into all truth.

May this Easter be a time of great celebration and renewal, as we remember the incredible love that God has for us and the hope that we have in Christ. Let us live each day with the assurance that we are loved, forgiven, and redeemed by the One who died for us and rose again.

It seems like every generation has a new set of weird attributes, things that the previous generations just don’t understand. Teen rebellion seems to repeat with each generation. They play loud, defiant music. They sneak out at night, itching to get their parents off their back. They rush to reach the promised land of a driver’s license.
It’s not always easy to understand generation Z, those being born from 1997 to 2012 but hopefully this post can give you a start to understanding the generation that started eating tide pods for fun, and doing comical dances from some app named Tik Tok.
1. Gen Z have grown up with technology
While every other generation has lived without the type of advanced technology we see today, Generation Z grew up with this type of tech and our significantly more comfortable with it. This has translated to more time in front of screens, but also the desire to use technology to effect the world.
Adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours per day. The impacts of this are clear, high screen times make them feel more isolated, insecure, and self-critical. Teens are self-aware about their problems, and most agree that they spend too much time on social media, but that doesn’t always help them put their phones down. High screen time tends to replace reading books, socializing with friends, and sleep.
On the more positive other hand, they can reach many people for good through social media platforms. They often use social media to enact what they believe is a positive change.
It is important for parents to understand the technology that their children are using and to become familiar with it themselves. This can help you better understand your children’s interests and preferences and can also provide opportunities for shared experiences. This doesn’t mean doing the same weird social media trends they do, but don’t be afraid to text them, or try to play video games with them.
2. They are aware of the importance of mental health
With the increasing loneliness from the use of screens, gen z not only experiences higher rates of diagnosed mental illness but are also in tune with the importance of having good mental health. The other contributing factor according to research is the social issues that cause significant stress with this generation including the pandemic, mass shootings, climate change and racial tensions.
The good news is that they are much more likely to seek professional help for these problems. This has reduced the mental health stigma in this generation, and increased the knowledge of how to treat them. As parents, be willing to learn about mental health illnesses and seek to give Gen Z a safe and non-judgmental place to talk about what they’re experiencing.3. Gen Z doesn’t value their jobs as much as previous generations
While millennials found significant meaning in their work generation Z has moved past that. Instead, they tend to view work as very practical and highly value financial security in their lives. Since Gen Zers live in a post-2008 recession economy with expanding inflation, high rent, and massive student loans, they value a secure job over a meaningful one. They do not remember or know the world before 9/11, and they are constantly in touch with global issues, wars, famines, and humanitarian crises from moment to moment. All of these factors and more lead them to highly prize safety. In fact, stability is one of their highest priorities in life. Nearly everything is filtered through the question, “Is it safe?”
How should Christians respond to Gen Z?
It’s easy to judge Gen Z for their weird habits, lack of meaning in their jobs, and being stuck to a screen, yet they have a massive amount of untapped potential.
Limiting screen time, instilling a love of reading, and giving them opportunities for experiences in the real world will help produce resilience. Teaching them about God’s purpose for their life is absolutely essential. Instruct them about courage and model it in your own life. Encourage them with their ideas for making positive change.
Ultimately, they desperately need the gospel—just like every other generation.