In the Philippines, people praise God in many ways. Some sing. Some dance. Some pray. But did you know there’s another way to praise God? Through joy and play!
Jesus showed us that children are important to God. When kids laugh, play and enjoy the good things God has given them, they can praise him with their whole lives.
At Compassion centers in the Philippines, play is an important part of the day. Kids have time to laugh, play games, make friends and be themselves. Thanking God for these happy moments and the good things he gives them is called “praise” — and you can do it too!
And just as there are lots of ways to praise God, there are lots of places to do it! Churches in the Philippines and across Asia look different. Some are small bamboo chapels. Others are big, modern buildings. But praising God can happen anywhere.
You can praise God by singing in a church, praying at home or enjoying God’s gift of play with your friends. In the Philippines, that might mean laughing and playing together in a field filled with coconut trees!
Wherever we live and however we praise God, we’re all part of his big family around the world.
About the author: Edwin Estioko is an author and illustrator of children’s books. He also loves writing stories about children in the Philippines, particularly about how children in Compassion centers learn about God and worship God. Edwin is a father of three. He says raising his kids is one of his most favorite things in the world!
About the artist: This is 8-year-old Apichaya, but her familiy and friends call her Snooppy. She is part of Compassion's program in Thailand and loves singing at church and playing with her friends.
“Things that make me feel joy are playing skipping rope with friends at school or at the Compassion center," she says.
Read
- Matthew 21:16.
Act
- Play joyfully with a friend and remember God gave you laughter and fun.
Pray
- Lord, thank you for joy and play. Help me praise you with my whole heart.