There is an old adage that states that children should be seen and not heard. Keep them out of the way, and life will certainly be quieter and perhaps a little tidier. However, in today's culture the tide appears to be changing, as children are increasingly valued as significant members of society—people with rights, people with a voice that deserves to be listened to.

There is a growing realization that if children are caught young, they will be kept forever. The media has certainly latched onto this fact and manipulates it for all its worth. Advertisers beckon children into the so-called glorious worlds of Playstations, Barbies, and Nike, while clothing labels such as Gap and The Limited dedicate entire stores to children. In their innocence, enthusiasm for life, and their unlimited energy, children have become something of an authority, a powerful force that absorbs with fervor whatever is placed in its path.

Thankfully, with the diversity of voices bombarding children with claims on their identity, image, and future, the church is also rising up as a voice of truth. To keep pace with such influences as Harry Potter and Britney Spears, there is a strategy being awakened to impart spiritual and moral foundations in the hearts and souls of a generation that is not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are people of the now, people of the moment.

Evidence of the move of God among this generation is epitomized in the work of Missionary Mike Williams and his team in the Philippines. Global University Bible curriculum has been implemented in 93 schools in Metro Manila as part of their Christian Values course. The phenomenal success recorded in the last quarterly report for 2001states that out of almost 9,000 children using these materials, a staggering 7,130 children made decisions for Christ.

Mike said, "This new ministry has been touching thousands of children spiritually from kindergarten to grade school students. This ministry has been used by the Lord as a tool to reach out and mold children at a young age and in their formative years to know about the Lord."

As ICI director to the Philippines, Mike is witnessing a wave of freedom fueled by the largest ICI ministry in the world. The crux of the ministry is teamwork. Surrounded by people with the same vision and the same burden for the lost, there is an exciting change taking place. In addition to the children's ministry, people of all ages are being reached with the good news of Christ through printed literature, live drama, video-presentations and leadership training. No territory is off-limits for the sake of the gospel. Future ministries are being planned in the most hostile regions of the Philippines. Even in the midst of war, students will be receiving a better education and seeing the love of the Lord for their future demonstrated.

ICI's goal as a ministry is to measure itself according to the standard of Christ and to make a commitment to excellence in the different ministries that the Lord has entrusted them with. Mike expressed his excitement and apprehension about the many projects he oversees, "God has given us the faith to trust Him for everything. We are releasing our faith and we know that we can be energized to run for the prize when doubts and fears arise. One thing is for sure, we will never regret the past nor dread the future that will prevent our progress as a ministry."

In Matthew 19:14 Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." The eternal kingdom of God is not restricted to life after death. As C.S. Lewis stated, "The present is the point at which time touches eternity." The work of Mike Williams in the Philippines has captured something of Jesus' teaching. Eternity is available to us today, moment by moment. Children are not simply the future, the people of tomorrow, prospective leaders. All the glory of heaven and the fullness of God are available to "such as these."

The investment of these men and women of God into the lives of children today, is fruit for today. The wisdom of children's innocence continues to move many and testifies to the great and abounding love of the father heart of God. Children are being seen and are being heard, and as the spirit of God is released through them to the lost, they will rise up as a mighty force in the army of God.