Meet Manuela Silva. She is our brand new director of Cornerstone Kid's ministry. Pastor Jon and Natasha recently sat down with Manuela and grilled her with a bunch of questions.
What is your dream for Cornerstone Kids?
I would love to create an environment where the kids want to learn more about Jesus. I want to create a place where everyone feels welcome to explore, ask questions, have fun and create fun things. I want to find creative ways to bring the Bible into their lives, helping them become disciples of Jesus. Finally, I want Cornerstone Kids to be a place where the kids look forward to coming each week.
Why do you love working with children?
Kids are amazing because they are curious, they are loving, they ask amazing questions, and say hilarious things. They bring some amazing perspective and I can learn a lot from them. Jesus that we have faith like children and I want to know more about what he was saying.
What are you working on now for Cornerstone Kids?
There is so much exciting stuff going on around here. We are rolling out a new summer curriculum, hyping up our High Power Soccer Camp and trying to round up criminal record checks for all our workers (it is like herding cats sometimes!). I am also working with Brunett's Children's Pastor, Glory, who has agreed to mentor me this summer about children's ministry.
What can you tell us about your education so far?
I graduated from Maple Ridge Christian School in 2015. I did a year of Bible College at Pacific Life Bible College (Jon was my teacher in Spiritual Formation 1 and 2!), and then I enrolled in the psychology program at Trinity Western University. On a recent missions trip, I sensed God leading me to dedicate myself to children's ministry and so I am currently reevaluating my education route.
You obviously love to travel. What is your favourite place you have ever visited?
There are so many amazing places in the world. Each place I've been to has something interesting to see and to teach me. Columbia is my home country and I love it there. Other than that... I loved Honduras where I went on a missions trip.
Who is your favourite author?
I love John Grisham. I appreciate how he mixes law with crime and mystery.
What book are you currently reading?
Other than the Bible, I'm reading "A Time to Kill"...it's by John Grisham. Summer time is the only time I can read these kinds of books. Otherwise, it's just my text books.
What else do we need to know about you?
There's a lot more. I love mission work. I have a dog named Daisy. I love my family, swimming and painting landscapes that are abstract.