Relaunched after COVID, local Bible club for kids gaining popularity

In a world that often says ‘there’s nothing but bad news,’ a group of adults is stepping forward with a message of hope for Sault children.

The Soo SONshine Bible Club relaunched in November 2023 and is witnessing a growth in attendance at free after-school meetings for children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.

The sessions include healthy snacks, songs, games and Bible stories.

“Sharing the love of God with children and youth to develop life-long followers of Jesus is our ultimate goal,” stated club director Stephanie Martynuck in a news release.

Since resuming sessions in November, the club has seen its number of participants triple to almost 50 children.

The sessions are held one day a week on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday — depending on the location — running from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and overseen by fully screened Christian volunteers.

Current locations for Soo SONshine Bible Club sessions are the library spaces of Greenwood, Isabel Fletcher, Queen Elizabeth, River View, East View and Grand View Public Schools.

The club got rolling with its current sessions through applying for Community Use of Schools permits for not-for-profit community groups.

It operates under One Hope Canada, an organization that provides support to Bible camps and other community Christian ministries.

SONshine is also currently holding after-school sessions for children at Superior-Greenstone District School Board locations in northwestern Ontario.

“I’m encouraged," Martynuck told SooToday, referring to the resurgence in local SONshine Bible Club meetings. "The response from both children and parents has been incredibly encouraging."

The group’s sessions for children have been held in the Algoma district for nearly three decades but are now experiencing a revival after COVID.

Martynuck said that the group’s local resurgence started off at one Sault school and grew.

“The parents aren’t always there at home. Some of the children don’t always come from a loving home. When they come and have healthy snacks and have someone care for them and tell them encouraging stories — much different from what other people sometimes give to them — it’s attractive and deep down these kids know that there’s truth and hope. The hope is in them and we water it.”

The SONshine Bible Club teaches that hope is found in the Bible.

“We want them to know that the Lord Jesus loves them very much. There’s a God in heaven and He’s overseeing us. He loves every little child and He has hope and a plan for their life and a future in heaven,” Martynuck said.

For more information, including how to register for free, visit the club’s website.