27/05/2026
*SPEECH OF THE CRC-N SUNDAY SCHOOL COORDINATOR ON NATIONAL CHILDREN DAY AND CRCN CHILDREN'S WEEK.*
The Distinguished President of Christian Reformed Church, Nigeria; The Rev. Dr. Isaiah J. Magaji and his management members, RCC Chairmen, Directors and Coordinators, all Pastors and church leaders, parents, teachers, and our beloved children.
It is with great joy and gratitude to God that I write to felicitate with you on this special occasion of National Children’s Day and the CRC-N Children's Week. On behalf of the entire Children Sunday School Department of our great denomination, I bring warm greetings to everyone of you willing to honor and celebrate the precious gifts God has given to us — our children.
Children are not only the future of the church and society; they are also an important part of the present church and society. That's why the Bible says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” Every child is important and is a divine assignment placed in our hands by God, and how we treat them today will determine the kind of adults they become within the church and society tomorrow.
On this special day, I want to especially speak to parents about the importance of loving their children genuinely and intentionally. Love is the greatest gifts a parent can give to a child. Children may forget many things in life, but they will never forget whether they were truly loved, valued, protected, and encouraged at home.
You must note that Parental love goes beyond providing food, clothing, and school fees. True love means spending time with children, listening to them, praying with them, correcting them with wisdom, encouraging their dreams, and making them feel safe and accepted. A child who grows up in a loving home develops confidence, emotional stability, respect for others, and a healthy understanding of God’s love.
When parents show love to their children:
✓They are less likely to be influenced by negative peer pressure.
✓They become more open to correction and guidance and can easily open up secret.
✓They learn how to love and treat others properly.
✓They grow with a sense of purpose and belonging.
Many broken adults today are products of broken childhood experiences. Harsh words, neglect, constant anger, comparison, and lack of affection can leave deep wounds in the hearts of children even as they grow older. But sincere parental love can heal, strengthen, and build a child into a responsible and successful person.
Dear parents, your words matter greatly in the lives of your children. Speak blessings over them. Encourage them when they fail. Celebrate their efforts. Correct them without destroying their confidence. Let your home be a place where your children find peace, acceptance, wisdom, discipline, and godly affection. Note that love does not take the place of discipline; infact, discipline is also love when it is administered with good intention to correct wrongs.
The church also has a responsibility to support families in raising godly children. As Sunday School teachers, we are committed to teaching children the Word of God, helping them build strong moral values, and guiding them toward a meaningful relationship with Christ. Together with parents, we can raise a generation that fears God and positively impacts our society.
To our beloved children, always remember that you are special and precious before God. Respect your parents, listen to your teachers, study hard, and live a life that pleases God. Greatness is inside you, and with God’s help, your future will be bright.
I sincerely appreciate all parents, teachers, church workers, and everyone investing in the lives of children. Your labor is not in vain. The seeds of love, discipline, prayer, and teaching you plant today will produce great fruits tomorrow.
As we celebrate the National Children’s Day and the CRC-N Children's week, may we all renew our commitment to loving, protecting, teaching, and guiding our children in the way of the Lord. A loved child becomes a confident adult, a responsible citizen, and a blessing to the church and society.
May God bless all our children and grant them wisdom, favor, and a glorious future.
Happy National Children’s Day and CRC-N Children's Week to all our wonderful children.
Thank you, and God bless you all.
Ord. Righteous Tiadwa Irimiya
Coordinator, CRC-N Children Sunday School.
