Gifts from God - KID training
GIFTS FROM GOD
Spiritual gifts are featured in the Kids in Discipleship training especially in the module “Empowering Families” and also in the Kid’s Bible studies. Here are some ideas on how to discern and encourage each child and parent to share their gifts.
CHILDREN IN MISSION STRATEGY
· Guide the children into a personal relationship with Christ.
· Have a variety of age-appropriate outreach activities for the children.
· Realise that children, especially younger ones, prefer group activities to solitary ones.
· Compile a list of missionary activities and let the children select the ones they like best
· Get the children’s suggestions for missionary activities.
· Explain very carefully to them God’s plan of salvation.
· Present God as a Friend of children.
· Train them in different kinds of missionary work, according to their preferences and abilities.
· Practise the principles of Christianity rather than merely teach the doctrines of a religion.
· Emphasize the joy that comes with doing missionary work.
· Admit to them that although missionary work can be difficult, it can also be fun.
· Explain that God expects everyone to be a missionary for Him.
· Realise that they are children and not fully grown missionaries. Allow them the joy of childhood.
· Understand that their personalities influence their relationship with God and how to serve Him.1
13 ways for empowering missionary children
· Make prayer a relevant and exciting priority in every aspect of mission.
· Create a mission “picture” for the children that is powerful, visual and easy to imagine.
· Give Bible examples of children serving God
- Samuel. 1 Samuel 2:18-21
- the captive maid. 2 Kings 5
- King Josiah. 2 kings 22:1, 2
- the boy Jesus. Luke 2:41-52
- Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:15 2
· Tell stories about historical characters who decided to follow God as children.
- Polycarp, who became a church leader and martyr, shared his faith from the age of 9.
- Matthew Henry, a Bible commentary writer whose work is still highly valued, was 10 when he promised to work for God.
- Isaac Watts wrote the words for hymns from the age of 9.
- John Andrews, the first Seventh-day Adventist missionary to Europe gave his life to God’s work at the age of 13. His daughter was 12 when she travelled with him as a missionary.3
· Explain clearly, that the role of a missionary includes a variety of ways to serve God and care for people in their own country as well as in distant lands.
· Encourage them to dream big dreams. Develop the strategy based on their dreams.
· Emphasise team work. “Now you are the body of Christ and each of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 13:27.
· Help them discover their spiritual gifts. “There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:4, 5.
· Model good character. Praise and correct a child to help in their character development.
· Train them to be competent in what they do by sharing knowledge, experience, confidence and commitment to excellence.
· Allow them to be bold in their convictions. Motivate them to approach mission as an adventure with others for God.
· Model servant leadership. Point to Jesus as the model of one who loves and empowers others. Encourage humility and thoughtfulness for all in their team.
· Give time not only to the project but to mentoring each child. Seize every teachable moment. Express unconditional love, acceptance and forgiveness. When in the wrong, admit it and keep promises.4
Enabling children to fulfil God’s call to be his missionaries is a great challenge and a great joy. It takes commitment, time and training as well as a team, or at least one other individual, to envision the young members of God’s family to become missionaries.
TIME TO REFLECT
1. Meditate on God’s plan for adults and children to share together in mission.
2. Pray for God to show you how to make time to envision children with mission.
LEARN MORE
- Coaching Your kids to be Leaders: the keys to unlocking their potential, by P Williams. Published by Warner Faith.
- Mission in Action, by M Ingham. Published by CPAS and Covenanters.
- Leading Children, by P Franks. Published by St John’s Nottingham & Children’s Ministry.
- Shouting in the Temple, by L Jenkins. Published by Touch.
- Christian Life & Children, by P Frank, M Summerfield and R Roff. Published by London School of Theology, Crusaders and CPAS.
- Adventist Home, by E G White. Published by Pacific Press Publishing Association.
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1 How to Involve Children in Missionary Work, by G Trotman, Children’s Ministries director for Inter-American Division, SDA Church. (Available at Children’s Ministries Department, BUC.)2 Ibid.3 Ibid.4 Coaching Your Kids to be Leaders, by P Williams. Published by Warner Faith (Time Warner book group).
FUTURE FRUITFULNESS
I am with you always
Children are no different to adults in the area of personal growth; training is necessary. There is no college course for them to attend, but as a leader you can develop their skills in practical ways.
The children’s leader is someone the children will look up to and emulate. The most important role modelling skill they can give is to look to God for the assurance that He will call, choose and equip every one. A Bible promise from the lips of Jesus is one that can be committed to memory, “And Jesus said, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and earth. Go therefore and make disciples… and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 29:19, 20.
Every child, and adult, has the promise of Jesus that He is always with them while they share their love for Him as modern day missionaries.
11 training tips
· As you plan a programme, identify the activities and responsibilities you will give the children. Ask specific children to lead out.
· Give them ideas of how to perform the task.
· Pray with them individually, giving them an opportunity to voice to God their fears and need for His guidance.
· If possible, pair the children to work together. Timid children are often overlooked and have hidden abilities. Twin them up with another child who can encourage their growth, or support them yourself but do not take over.
· Children are quick to learn by watching a proficient person. You may want to take them to a “live” programme in another church to gain skills.
· Ask the children for their suggestions. Listen carefully and talk them through how their ideas would best work.
· Make sure each child understands how their part fits into the overall ministry and in each event.
· Explain how they can best work alongside others.
· Encourage them to frequently discuss things with a mentor.
· Do feedback sessions after events to discuss how things went; to praise each child and ask them how things can be done next time and whether they need improving.
· Recognise that children need many opportunities to develop their skills.1
How children learn
The farmer understands how to grow his crop to reap a good harvest. It is the same for the children’s leader. Learn about how children learn skills and how they are taught at school. Here is a brief introduction
3 learning modes
- Auditory, where 60% of what they know is acquired through listening and talking.
- Visual, where watching and looking are vital.
- Movement and touch, where interacting and moving while doing something enables learning.
Children, and adults, use all three learning modes. As they grow older certain ones are prioritised. On average, out of a group of 10, 4 will be visual learners, 2 auditory and 4 need movement and touch.
4 types of learners
- Common sense learners, who ask the question, “How can I do this? How does it actually work?” These are practical children
- Imaginative learners’ questions are, “Why do I need to know this? Why am I learning this?” These are relational children.
- Analytic learners ask, “What do I need to know?” These are children wanting the facts.
- Dynamics ask, “What can this become?” These are actively enthusiastic children.2
Equipped adult leaders
The skills to nurture children can be gained not only by practice but by:
· attending the training programmes run by the Children’s Ministries department, eg:
- CORE Skills training weekend that includes
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Understanding the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, moral and spiritual development of children. |
| Module 2 | Evaluate current leadership skills, gifts, strengths and weaknesses. Identify ways for personal development. |
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Module 3 |
Discern how learning styles and culture differ so that effective planning of events can be done creatively. |
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Module 4 |
Reflect on the many methods available to evangelise children and how to implement suitable strategies. |
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Module 5 |
Share insights on caring for the whole child through providing a safe environment physically, emotionally and spiritually. |
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Module 6 |
Develop ways children, within the church and home, can experience spiritual growth. |
· Annual church officer training days.
· Gracelink DVD and manual – available from the BUC Children’s Ministries department.
· Christian Life and Children. A DVD and training manual.
· The “Learn More” section of each chapter includes highly recommended material and so does the resource list.
· Find a mentor. Your Union, Conference or Mission department director can help you in this area. Most of all it is your relationship with God that will “grow” your skills, taking time to have a daily relationship with Jesus through prayer and study.
· Ask God to enlarge your areas of giftedness.
· Keep a written list of your mission needs. Meditate on each need, writing down the ideas the Holy Spirit is giving you.
· Share with your prayer partner the needs and God’s answers.
· Praise God, with the children, for the way He is guiding your mission.
TIME TO REFLECT
1. In what ways has God equipped you? Consider the ways you learn best.
2. Ask God to guide you to ways you can learn more to equip the children.
LEARN MORE
- Leading Children, by P Frank. Published by
- GraceLink seminar DVD and Manual – BUC Children’s Ministries department.
- Free Gifts for Everybody, by R Johnston and G Wilde. Published by Cook.
- Christian Life and Children, DVD and manual, by the London Bible College. Published by Crusaders and CPAS.
- The Children’s Ministries Coordinator. Published by the Children’s Ministries Department of the SDA General Conference. (No author.)
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1 Leading Children, by P Frank. Published by St John’s Nottingham and Children’s Ministries.2 GraceLink seminar DVD and Manual – BUC Children’s Ministries Department.
EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
Fulfilling prophecy
God’s promise is to pour out His Spirit in the last days, not just on old men but on our sons and daughters. Joel 2:28, 29. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are to enable:
4 areas of ministry
- Witnessing about Jesus, Acts 1:8.
- Serving one another, 1 Peter 4:10.
- Building up the church, Ephesians 4:12, 13.
- Giving praise to God.
3 avenues of giftedness
- Gifts of the Spirit. This is a God-given ability for a particular Christian service.
- Natural talents. These are given to bring glory to God as well as benefit the church.
- Fruit of the Spirit. These are character qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience and kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control. Galatians 5:22, 23.
A group of children will exhibit a lot of the spiritual gifts. As a leader you will need the gift of discernment to enable the children to identify and use the gifts, talents and fruits of the spirit.
7 ways to discover gifts
1. Read how they were active in the people of Bible times
- Judges 4:4-16, Deborah
- Acts 8:26-40, Philip
- Acts 2:14-41, Peter
- Acts 9:36-39, Tabitha
- Acts 27:21-26, Paul
- Acts 6:1-15, Stephen
- Acts 11:21-30, Barnabas
- 3 John 1-8, Gaius
2. Pray for guidance
3. Think about what the children enjoy doing.
4. Ask others what abilities they discern in the children.
5. Give them opportunities to take part in a variety of ministries.
6. Evaluate how they get on in a new situation.
7. Share with each child on an individual basis:
- discover what they enjoy doing
- how they feel God is helping them
- encourage them to go to others to find out what particular gifts others see growing in their life
- help them to identify areas of service they can get involved in
16 Biblical definitions of giftedness
| DiscerningDefinition: Desire:Ministry examples: | 1 Corinthians 12:10
The ability to know the difference between true and false teachings; insight into others’ personalities and spiritual condition To keep a group of Christians doctrinally pure. Calling insincere or phony Christians to account, being a counsellor, teaching, giving advice. |
| LanguagesDefinition:Desire: Ministry examples: | 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28
The ability to learn languages quickly. To translate the Word of God for people to understand it; to glorify God. Being a Bible translator, working with Christian literature. |
| AdministratingDefinition:Desire:Ministry examples: | 1 Corinthians 12:28
The ability to organise people and systems to accomplish God’s work. To avoid wasteful effort in accomplishing God’s will. Being a director, organising a project using computer skills. |
| EvangelisingDefinition:Desire:Ministry examples: | Ephesians 4:11
The ability to present the Gospel in ways that produce new converts. To see people accept Christ as Saviour. Public speaking, counselling, being a friend, winning people one-on-one. |
| Showing mercy Definition:Desire:Ministry examples: | Romans 12:8
The ability to offer care and comfort to the suffering. To help the hurting. Working in a hospital, visiting the sick or elderly, working in a soup kitchen. |
| Offering hospitality Definition: Desire:Ministry examples: | Romans 12:13; 1Peter 4:9, 10
The ability to help people feel welcomed and comfortable when they are guests. To include people, making them feel at ease. Being a friend, inviting people into your home, serving refreshments. |
| Praying Definition:Desire:Ministry examples: | Colossians 1:9-12
The ability to persevere in intercession. To see answers to prayer on behalf of others’ needs. Being in a prayer group, spending time in prayer, learning new ways to pray, teaching others how to pray. |
| Using craftsmanship Definition:Desire:Ministry examples: | Exodus 35:30-35
The ability to make things with skill and beauty. To create and build things for ministry use. Being an artist, writer, carpenter, actor, painter, etc. |
| Prophesying Definition:Desire:Ministry examples: | 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28
The ability to speak God’s truth directly and persuasively. To convince others of biblical truths. Preaching, public speaking, witnessing projects, outreach work. |
| Serving Definition: Desire: Ministry examples: | Romans 12:7
The ability to joyfully help others in practical ways, often behind the scenes. To meet needs and be involved, usually involving a hands-on approach. Lending a hand with fix-up projects, sending thank-you cards. |
| Teaching Definition: Desire:Ministry examples: | Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:8
The ability to help others learn, making complicated things interesting and easy to grasp. To study, analyse and present truth in a systematic way. Teaching a class, coaching a team. |
| Encouraging Definition: Desire: Ministry examples: | Romans 12:8
The ability to motivate people for service through encouraging words. To work with people one-on-one to inspire and build their confidence. Being a friend, counselling, coaching a team. |
| Giving Definition:Desire:Ministry examples: | Romans 12:8
The ability to give generously, with a joyful heart. To use money and talents wisely to accomplish God’s work. Helping to fund projects with monetary gifts, directing a fund raising project. |
| Leading Definition:Desire:Ministry examples: | Ephesians 4:11
The ability to envision goals and inspire people to reach them. To help a group accomplish its goals. Serving as a committee chairperson, organising a project that involves other people. |
| Having faith Definition: Desire:Ministry examples: | 1Corinthians 12:9
The ability to trust in God’s power and working, even in the face of opposition. To recognise the working of God in situations that seem impossible. Starting new ministries, leading a prayer group, encouraging a discouraged friend. |
| Working miracles/ healing Definition:Desire:Ministry examples:(if valid for today) | 1 Corinthians 12:28
The ability to be used by God for His miraculous workings. To see God do the miraculous. Leading in healing ministries, inspiring others to have greater faith .1 |
Involving Children’s Creative Gifts Churches where children are involved in the church service are the ones that are growing the fastest! How can you work with your worship co-ordinators, pastor and elder to involve the children in church in different ways? Here are some ideas to start you thinking.
Art
· Invite children to design your church’s bulletin cover.
· Children could also draw pictures that can be scanned into the computer and displayed in a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate a hymn, the sermon, the children’s story, or a scripture reading.
· The children’s department could help the children design banners for the church, or seasonal decorations to decorate the church notice-board, or a plain wall in the church.
· Give out unlined index cards and crayons and ask children to draw their prayer requests, praises, thank you prayers, etc. Invite them to bring the cards forward during the prayer time, and use them to create a display in a special part of your church. Music· Encourage children to work alongside a musical and trusted person (who has had full Criminal Record Bureau clearance to work with children) to create a special piece of music for church. This enables the child to be mentored into the use of their music in worship. · Invite children to play the music whilst the offering is being collected.
· Have a range of simple musical instruments that small children can use during one or more of the praise songs each week. Writing· Invite children to take different scriptures that you will be using in your services, and to rewrite them in their own words. Perhaps they could work with an adult who will help them explore their ideas and guide their work.· Invite children to write their own psalms of praise which can be used in a church service.
· Let children write their own letters to God, or poems, to be read out during a special service, or to create a small booklet which can be sold to raise money for a mission project.
Children are enthusiastic when they realise how God enables them to use their natural talents and develop new gifts. Their excitement about being on “His mission” will exceed your expectations. Rejoice with them as you experience together the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in these last days of the world’s history.
TIME TO REFLECT
1. Reflect on the list of Bible characters in this chapter to see if you are gifted in a similar way.
2. Ask God to help you identify the gifts of the children in your church and how to “grow” them.
LEARN MORE
- Free Gifts for Everybody, by R Johnston and G Wilde. Published by Cook.
- Touching the future, by G Dallow. Published by Bible Reading Fellowship
- The Acts of the Apostles, by E G White. Published by Pacific Press Publishing Association
- Evangelism, by E G White. Published by Pacific Press Publishing Association
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1 This chapter is adapted from Free Gifts for Everybody, by R Johnston and G Wilde. Published by Cook.
GET READY, GET SET, GO
Spiritual battle
Inspired and gifted by the Holy Spirit; mentored and trained; full of energy and God’s love: now is the time to involve children in mission.
Children are aware that they live in a hostile world where there is pain and injustice. A Christian child knows there is an evil power at work, Satan and his angels. In Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul says how the power of the Lord will overcome the devil. God’s children must put on the gospel armour:
- the breastplate of righteousness
- shoes of the gospel of peace
- the shield of faith
- the helmet of salvation
- the sword of the spirit
- the word of God
Most important of all, putting on each item must be accompanied by prayer, “supplication in the Spirit”, so the “gospel can be boldly made known”. Although it is important to emphasise that the battle is dangerous, there is also nothing to fear as Jesus has won the war and we are on the victorious side. “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God and if children then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together”, Romans 8:16, 17.
6 styles of being a missionary
| GIVER
How? Bible model |
- they use their money, time and talents to help people learn of Jesus. Children can be encouraged to be givers by helping to raise funds or helping orphan children in Africa, or buy shoes for children in the mission field. - the story of the little boy who gave his lunch to Jesus (John 6:6-13) to confirm that God honours those who give what they have and can use even their small gifts to advance the work of God. |
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PRAY-ERS How? Bible model |
- they are children who show concern when they hear of needs. They would be the first to ask Jesus for help. These children can pray for missionaries in difficult foreign fields so that the gospel story can be shared with others. Use a prayer walk in their neighbourhood to pray for different families. - share with them the story of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). Assure them that God never plugs His ears or asks them to stop bothering Him. |
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WELCOMERS How? Bible model |
- these children befriend newcomers and make them adjust to their new environment as they share the story of Jesus with them. They are curious and are keenly interested in other cultures. They love to ask questions about how others live. Encourage them to befriend children who are different from them, or children who are difficult to get along with. - share the story of Philip and the Ethiopian, Acts 8:26-40, showing them how God uses welcomers to spread the gospel to other countries. |
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SENDERS How? Bible model |
- they partner with missionaries by caring, praying and giving to meet their needs. They can help missionary families before or after they leave. - provide opportunities for these children to prepare a “birthday package” to be sent to a missionary child. They can host a picnic or party for missionary children on furlough. - show children that God is pleased when they sacrifice, support and help missionaries to serve better, just as in the story of the Philippian church and their care for Paul, Philippians 4:14-19. |
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CONNECTORS How? Bible model |
- do you have children who love to organise projects and who encourage others to be involved? These children can be the connectors. They can organise missionary projects for others to share the gospel story too. - inspire them with the story of Naaman’s little maid, 2 Kings 5:1-14, that God can use children to perform this role well. |
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GOERS How? Bible model |
- they are children who love to take the gospel to others. Many children already possess this simple faith and willing spirit and find it easy to talk to their friends about Jesus. Suggest a variety of ways to do this missionary work. - tell the story of the apostle Paul who is not afraid to go and share the gospel everywhere, Acts 16:6-10.1
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Frequently, the word “mission” is linked with serving Jesus in foreign countries. But mission is also to take place in one’s own country. The gospel is needed here and abroad.
Missionaries at home
Being home missionaries is perhaps the most challenging to adults, but children have few inhibitions when it comes to inviting friends and family members to church activities for non-members. Where it is safe to do so, you can encourage your children to witness to their friends in simple ways. One of the best ways that they can witness is by being a caring friend to those that they know, showing love, and unselfishness, and standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. This can be hard to do, and they will need your encouragement. But there are other things children can do to help others learn more about Jesus.
30 ways to be a “home” missionary
· Children often love to help distribute outreach cards. Teach them how to be good witnesses by only walking on pathways, and being courteous. Always have an adult close by in the same road.
· Encourage children to pray regularly for the conversion of a few people they know.· Have a theme party for your child’s birthday, such as Noah’s Ark, and show a Bible Story video at the party, and give tiny books about Noah in the party bags, with plastic animals, rainbow stickers, etc.
· Invite all their friends to Holiday Bible School.
· When a new baby is born, look in Christian bookshops for a gift book for the parents, one that has some spiritual content too.
· Develop a really lively and interesting family worship together, and then let your children invite a friend for supper, and to share in the worship time. Light some candles and create a cosy atmosphere.
· If your children are in a special event at church, invite non-Christian relatives along to share the occasion, or video the event and show it to family members.
· Buy or design and make a witnessing T-shirt for your children to wear. Make sure it is tasteful and attractive.
· Involve the church children in a community outreach project, or aid project, and invite the local paper to write a report about them.
· Children can have pen-pals, and email friends with whom they can share their faith in a non-threatening way.
· Do all you can to make sure that your children are delighting in their Christianity, and that their experience of God is fresh, exciting and enjoyable. They will be naturally exuberant about their faith, and that is an incredible witness to others.
· Giving out invitations to special programmes at church and other literature, eg Voice of Prophecy cards.
· Serving as greeters at evangelistic meetings.
· Using computer skills to create posters, cards, etc.
· Operating projectors, etc.
· Singing, telling stories, etc.
· Babysitting at church while parents attend services.
· Doing Bible lessons with their peers.
· Helping the elderly with Bible lessons.
· Studying the Bible with shut-in members in the community.
· Helping people with special needs.
· Preparing care packages for the poor in the community (Children may put Bible lessons in the packages).
· Preaching at Pathfinder and youth evangelistic meetings.
· Adopting a grandparent and studying the Bible with him/her or do helpful acts.
· Getting permission from the paediatric unit, old folks home or hospital and giving story-telling and puppet shows for the patients there once a month.
· Taking a singing group to cheer the residents of a geriatric unit.
· Joining a prayer group for children to pray for the salvation of people.
· Wearing a special T-shirt on a special day and telling everyone they meet on the street John 3:16, while giving a token (small book, bookmark, tract, etc.)
· Making ‘God is Love’ bookmarks and other simple projects.
· Give gift-wrapped books to people on the street or in a shopping centre.2
Supporting missionaries abroad
Sabbath school includes a mission story so children are used to hearing about what is happening in other countries. To involve children in more than just listening to stories is the children’s leader’s responsibility. The Adventist Development & Relief Agency will have projects for children to support as well as the annual ADRA appeal.
· Launch a project by holding a mission fellowship lunch.
- Plan a potluck featuring the country you are going to support. Invite the children’s families and friends and the whole church. Label the foods by name and country of origin so people will know what they are eating. Check vegetarian cookbooks from your local library for other ideas. If you have people in your area from the country you have chosen to help ask them for recipes or decoration ideas. This is a good way to get them involved.
- Plan interesting things for the children to do when they first arrive. This will encourage the children to arrive on time so they won’t miss anything fun! Learn words of the language of the country you are helping, for instance, count 1 to 10.
- Show a mission DVD from that country.
- Colour a flag. Let each child colour one flag. Decorate your Sabbath School room with these flags, or mount them on dowels and use in the Thirteenth Sabbath programme.
- Reading corner. Make a cosy reading corner with a bright rug and cushions. On a low table or shelf, display picture books concerning the country chosen. Check the children’s travel sections of your local library for interesting books. National Geographic magazines would also be useful.
- Make a missions bank. Provide jars, stickers, and labels reading “For the Children of the country you have chosen” and have the children take the “banks” home and fill the jars with coins during the quarter. Each week show the children how your own bank is filling and ask them how they are doing. Send a note to the parents, asking them to help find ways for the children to fill their banks for missions. A week or two before Thirteenth Sabbath, remind the children to bring their banks to Sabbath School. This will boost your mission offering!
- Invite a guest. Find out whether there are people from the country you have chosen living in your area. Put an announcement of your need in the church newsletter or church bulletin. If you find people from those areas - invite them to visit your class. Ask them to come in their traditional costume if they have one, and to bring interesting pictures, crafts, or clothes from their country to show. Prepare some questions to ask your visitors, and give them the questions ahead of time.3
· Mission Camps
- A 2-3 day programme to inspire children’s involvement in missions/missionary work.
- Children get to listen to stories of mission heroes in the Bible and in the Christian world.
- Children get to meet and interact with real missionaries.
· Mission Festival/Fair
- A weekend or a special Sunday for this emphasis.
- Children make exhibits showing the types of missionary work and places they want to serve.
- Introduce games, fun activities, foods and languages of various countries to children to help them understand various cultures.
· Mission Newsletter
- Help children produce a monthly or bi-weekly newsletter to tell the church about missionary projects done by the children.
- Children can illustrate or write brief news clips.
· Mission Clubs
- Children meet regularly for hands-on learning about missions.
- They study some missionaries in the Bible, such as reading the books of Acts and Jonah and talking about Jonah’s missionary service.
- They plan and participate in “live action projects,” e.g. Meals on wheels for the underprivileged, help the Community Services.
· Mission Projects
- Children are encouraged to adopt a mission project in the neighbourhood.
- Rally the support of the church members for these projects.
- Have special prayers of dedication for the children who participate in the various projects.
- Children can report periodically on the mission project and how it has impacted them.
· Mission Trips
- Take the children on a mission field trip to a local cross-cultural outreach or one that is overseas.
- Pray with and prepare children before going on a mission trip. Introduce them to the geography, culture, foods and language of that country.
- After returning home, they can share the experience with members of the church.
· Prayers for Missionaries and Families
- Children can pray for missionaries and their children in a prayer journal.
- Use a world map as a class prompter—pray your way around the world.
- Pray for unreached people groups whom the missionaries are working with.
· “Adopt” a Missionary Family
- Children can correspond with the missionary children by writing letters or emails, praying for them and supporting them financially.
- Children can gather Bibles, devotional materials, etc. to send to the missionary children.
· Mission Offerings
- Encourage children to earn money themselves to give for special needs.
- Have a special reading and appeal each week to highlight the importance of giving to missions.
- Have special containers or devices in the church to allow children to go to the front to give their offerings.
· Fundraising for Mission Projects
- Hold a walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon to raise funds for a mission project.
- Launch a “drink a pint” milk bottle campaign—give each child an unopened pint of milk. The children take the bottle home, drink it, then clean it out and fill the bottle with coins. They then take the bottles to the church within a certain time frame.
- Check into recycling programmes in the city. Have the children collect newspapers, cans, metal, etc. Not only will this help raise money for world missions, but it will teach children about helping the community in saving resources.
Sharing materials
Choose what you will send:
- Memory Verse Picture Rolls and the three-year felt sets are the most sought- after materials. They are always welcome anywhere.
- Other felt sets are also appreciated, especially if the instructions that originally accompanied the set are included.
- Our used books, lesson quarterlies, etc., are welcome in the English-speaking countries.
- Some parts of the world still appreciate receiving Christmas cards. They may sell them to generate funds for buying other children’s material that they need. Tear off the colourful pictures and send them only; this will cut down on postage costs and deliver what the people really value.
- Attractive calendar pictures, colourful catalogues with pages picturing children, nature magazines with colour pictures, etc., are useful in any part of the world.
How to send the materials
- Pack the materials in a strong cardboard box and tie securely with string to withstand weeks of travel and possibly rough handling. Your local post office can give you good advice about packing.
- Address the box to Children’s Ministries Department, then the address. Send a letter at the same time notifying the place that the box is on its way. State in the letter that you would like the material to be given to a church that needs it and will use it.
- Mark the box “Educational Material”. If the box contains only printed paper materials, mark the outside “Printed Matter Only.”
- Send the box by surface mail. It will take weeks, but it is by far the cheapest way.
Each year ADRA collects shoe boxes that are filled with presents. Here is ADRA’s advice on what to do with the box.
- Shoeboxes can be filled with toys, clothes, toiletry items, cutlery, a plate and cup, school supplies etc. and should be nicely wrapped and clearly labelled with the appropriate age and sex. One item kids will love is a pair of flip-flops! Please make sure ALL items are NEW!
- Please do NOT include breakable items, food or sweets, toys that need batteries, medicines, or war-related items.
- all boxes need to be received by the 10 November. Boxes can be delivered to ADRA, Stanborough Park, Watford,
Please help to bring a little happiness in the lives of orphans of Madagascar! For more information visit our website or call our office on 01923 681743.4
TIME TO REFLECT
1. What has been your greatest obstacle to sharing your faith in Jesus. Think of a Bible text whose promise can encourage you to overcome this problem.
2. Meditate on the various aspects of mission that your children can do. Ask for the Lord to help you choose some possible ones. Share them with your prayer partner.
LEARN MORE
- General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist church
– website www.childrensministries.gc.adventist.org– Kids News Zone, newsletter- Mission Possible compiled by D Bell and R Heathfield. Published by Scripture Union and CPAS.
- Mission in Action, by M Ingham. Published by CPAS and Covenanters- Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, by E G White. Published by Pacific Press Publishing Association
- Cookbook of Outreach Ideas. Published at www.childmin.com . Available from BUC Children’s Ministries department.
Tell a Child, Tell the World. BUC Children’s Ministries Evangelism Manual.
Free to down load from www.adventist.org.uk, Children’s Ministries department page or available on disc from Children’s Ministries Dept, SDA church headquarters, Stanborough Park, Watford, WD25 9JZ.