There were nervous giggles and grins galore as younger members of the Peoria-Sun Cities Church went on a 13th Sabbath safari this past quarter. After studying about Africa and hearing exciting mission stories all quarter long, children donned tie-dyed T-shirts and brightly colored headbands and entered the sanctuary singing to begin a special program for the adults during their Sabbath school time.

Later, as adults continued worshiping, the children journeyed to an “Africa” created especially for them in the church fellowship hall. Leaders Kris Satiyaselan and Ali Ast had planned an educational and enjoyable program, complete with an African hut, artificial palm trees and stuffed wild animals. African stories, music, activities and crafts were all a part of the morning’s living mission story. And as a finale to the experience, ladies from the church served the children an authentic African meal.

The children’s ministry team was thrilled by the excitement on the part of the little ones. “I’d like to go to Africa,” said one primary with big brown eyes. “It’s a cool place!”