The first months of this year were particularly special in our work with children and teenagers. We received an invitation to speak about bullying with 9- and 10-year-old children from Vida y Verdad School, and it truly was a very meaningful experience.

We approached the topic from the perspective of recognizing the value of every person, even in the midst of differences. We talked with the children about how bullying often begins when we stop seeing others as valuable people created by God, and instead focus on what makes them different: the way they speak, their appearance, their way of learning, their personality, or even their circumstances.

To help them understand this truth, we used the parable of the Good Samaritan. Through this passage, we reflected on how the Samaritan was willing to come close to someone who was wounded, stop along the way, care for him, and respond with compassion, even though there were cultural and personal differences that could have easily led him to walk away.

We also pointed out that this story reflects the character of the Lord, who comes near to us to care for us, lift us up, and minister to us, even when we are far from Him. Just as the wounded man needed someone to stop and help him, we also need to receive God’s grace, care, and compassion. And as we experience His love, we are called to look at others with that same compassion.

It was very special to see the children participate, ask questions, and connect the biblical message with real situations they face in their school environment. We talked about the importance of not walking past the pain of others, not joining in mockery, and learning to become instruments of care, respect, and friendship.

On this occasion, Zoe actively participated in the training through a short drama performed together with the children, which made the experience even more meaningful for us.

Take a look at a few pictures here: