The history of the I’kose W’aye Infant Ministry The Ikose w’aye Infant Ministry was initiated at Emmanuel Baptist Church in 1996 under the leadership of Sarah Mendez. Initial members included, Yvonne Booker, Jessica Pollard, Pat Hickman, Peggy Hargrove, Deborah and Tina.
The presence of baby footprints and the world globe symbolizes the essence of our intent as a ministry and congregation to welcome and celebrate the life of our infants. The name, Ikose w’aye, is derived from the African Yoruba people and means stepping into the world. The African proverb, “it takes an entire village to raise a child”, allows the congregation to participate in the child’s life from the beginning.
The biblical reference for celebrating the life of the infant is found in 1 Samuel, Chapters 1 & 2. Hannah, who was childless, prayed fervently to God to conceive a child and when God answered her prayer, she rejoiced and then dedicated Samuel to the Lord.
During baby dedications the Pastor raises the infant into the air and proclaims, “There is none greater than you but God himself.”
Highlights and Future Directions.
As our symbol implies, we here at Emmanuel believe that there is no one greater than our children but God Himself and are committed to our youth as we celebrate the birth and life of the infants by helping to unfold their purpose and equipping them to step into the world.
Some of the activities of our ministry include providing childcare to our youth ages 0 – 4 during morning worship, baby dedication, family celebrations (Grandparents, Parents, and Children’s Day), Week of the Young Child activities, “play dates” and other support for parents,
orientation for new volunteers and other special recognitions.
We need your help with our new additions to the ministry and welcome your creativity and new ideas.
New Additions Include:
- CPR/Fist Aid Training for our volunteers
- Implementation of our Junior Volunteers and
- babysitting certification
- Childcare provided for our members and visitors
- other ministry’s events and special services.
- Our meetings are held every 2nd Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
I’ kose W’ aye Infant Ministry
Suffer the little
children to come unto me,
and forbid them not:
for such is the Kingdom of God.
Mark 10:14