SIC is blessed to have volunteers who take care of our children every Sunday, instructing them in the ways of God. They are consistently there, ever patient, gentle and ready to serve through this teaching ministry known as “Sunday School Ministry”. We really appreciate each one of them and in this effort, we would like to highlight one of them.

Frida Göransson is our volunteer of the month.

We thus interviewed Frida and this is what she had to say:

Why did you chose to serve in the specific ministry? 

When I was in my lower teens I got the longing to serve in some way. I had always enjoyed Sunday school as a child, I loved the Bible, and I wanted to present God’s true message to others. Helping out in Sunday school came naturally. As the years have passed I have felt God’s calling into different parts of children’s ministry at different times.

When do you serve in this ministry?

Sundays, during the time of preaching.

How much preparation do you have to do prior to Sunday?

That depends on which activities I am planning. 1-5 hours probably. Reading the Bible text, looking through one or more teachers’ guide for inspiration regarding viewpoint, application, craft, and activities. Deciding what will fit my children and the time and resources available. Sometimes I want to bring props or material that can illustrate the teaching Some of them I have at home, some I need to make, some I need to buy.

On any  given Sunday, what time do you have to be at the church building?

At least half an hour before service starts. If I have a lot to prepare – earlier.

What do you have to do before the service starts?

Copy student activity sheets / colouring sheets; take out materials to be used for crafts or games or other activities (make a sample of the craft); take out CD-player and choose songs; check that the room looks welcoming and that chairs and tables are in the right place; prepare juice and biscuits. Pray with other teachers.

What do you enjoy most?

When the children ask questions about God, the Bible, Christian Life etc. that they have been thinking about and also when the children are happy and creative.

What do you find as a tricky time of ministry?

Generally when there is a mix of children who are tired, who are in a bad mood, who don’t want to be in Sunday school, who suppose that anything the others say or do is intended to tease them etc.

How did you handle such moments?

These things have sometimes worked: Introduce a new activity, divide the children into groups that do different things, talk to them individually or as a group about behaviour, (threaten to) send them to parents.

What do you need to remember before you come to serve?

That my mission is to help the children to find salvation in Jesus, to grow in their relationship with God, and to equip them for a life as a mature Christian.

Is there an evidence of God’s presence in “your” ministry?

God has always provided new teachers and helpers when the need has been the greatest. From time to time we see the children taking the lesson to heart, but we would like to see it more often.

How do you keep a balance between your daily responsibilities and your voluntary service of ministry?

I don’t have a good balance at the moment. I am trying to remember how I used to do some years ago, when I had this balance. This summer I came to the decision to put an end to my service in Smyrna International by the end of this year, and to focus on serving in my hometown, to which I moved back in 2010. It is too difficult to keep up relationships in a church 100 km away from home.

Do you fill fulfilled serving in this ministry? 

Yes, partly. Sunday school is versatile. I get to use many of my different interests and to see the children develop. I also learn a lot myself, both during my preparations and when I meet the children. At the same time I get frustrated when I see that I don’t have the same inspiration and teaching qualities that I used to have.

We thank you so much Frida for the amount of time, money and passion you have put into the SIC Sunday School Ministry. Thank you for standing firm and giving yourself fully to the work of The Lord…your labour of love in the things of God is not in vain!!!