ARTICLE

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

November 13, 2025 | Chris Perrotte | OCN

The Bible says in Isaiah 11:6:

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.”

On a chilly October evening, the children of Adventist Christian Elementary School (ACES) in London, Ontario, brought that verse to life. Leading the Pentecost 2025 program on October 30, their voices and performances filled the sanctuary with warmth, joy, and faith, inspiring parents, families, and friends alike.

“I feel proud and emotional seeing my son sing,” shared Victor Rucareanu, father of six-year-old Noah, a member of the ACES Choir. “He really enjoyed practicing. Every time we drove to school, he wanted to listen to the song and sing along. He always asked us to play it so he could practice again.”

Children Leading the Way

Rooted in Matthew 24:14—“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations”—the Pentecost 2025 service is held twice a year, uniting teachers, students, and church members in mission and ministry. This program was especially meaningful because it was entirely student-led, from planning to performance.

The evening featured a creative skit titled Noah, a short sermonette, and several musical numbers. The children also managed the behind-the-scenes details: operating the microphones, controlling PowerPoint slides, and running the audio-visual booth. Every aspect of the service showcased their enthusiasm, leadership, and spiritual growth.

“This is part of a larger initiative—the Pentecost 2025 and Beyond project of the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventists,” explained Milene Vieira, Teaching Principal at ACES. “It’s a North America-wide project that reminds us of our calling: to preach, to teach, and to equip our children to share the gospel. During the week, we held daily devotionals to help students understand how to spread God’s message in ways meaningful to them.”

Power to Obey

The worship theme, “Power to Obey,” centred on obedience and faithfulness, with Scripture from Genesis 2:16-17. The ACES Choir sang two songs, including “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” The sermonette, “Following Rules,” was delivered by Grade 8 students Zachary Gregory and Alexandre Johnson, who shared thoughtful reflections on listening to God’s guidance.

Afterward, Zachary’s father expressed his joy. “I’m so happy and proud of him.” The Bible says, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ Raising children in the fear and wisdom of God makes it a blessing to see them out there as ambassadors for Christ.”

Looking Ahead

The evening ended with applause, hugs, and smiles, all signs of a congregation inspired by the next generation’s faith. As one parent remarked, “If this is what the future of the church looks like, we’re in good hands.”

As Isaiah foretold, “A little child shall lead them.” At ACES, that promise is being fulfilled—one song, one skit, and one young heart at a time.

Chris Perrotte
OCN Reporter