Missions Ideas

May: Special Project: Green Thumb Ministry

What you need:
• watering cans
• water
• trash bags
• gardening gloves (optional)
• parental permission slips

Leading Children to Fight Hunger

As a child, I often heard this reminder from my well-meaning parents and grandparents: “Clean your plate. There are starving children in China.”

While I felt sorry for the starving children in China, I never figured out how eating all the food on my plate would help their situation. Now, many years later, I’m still cleaning my plate (and then some!). But children in Asia, Africa, and South America are still starving. Even children in my own country go to bed hungry each night.

Bullying: What You Need to Know

It causes children to cry, and parents to panic. It happens on our playgrounds, in our homes, at our schools, and even in our churches. A child can become a victim when she turns on her computer. Bullying is a widespread form of victimization and abuse.

Special Kids, Special Needs

Although all children are special, some have unique needs that must be addressed in order to create a positive learning environment. Whether the needs are physical or mental, some simple accommodations can make learning more satisfying for everyone involved.

Follow these steps to create a positive learning environment for girls and boys with special needs:

Consider the space.
For a child with physical disabilities, keep the room free of clutter. Create plenty of space to manipulate a wheelchair, walker, or other such equipment.

Pop-Up Cards

Make these cute pop-up cards. Put them in welcome baskets for people who are new to your community. When you give out the baskets, invite your new friends to church. Tell them that Jesus loves them.

Kits for Kids

Your children can help kids living in poverty around the world! Lead your girls and boys to assemble kits of basic school supplies for kids in dozens of countries.

Productive Partnerships

Discipleship training and missions education go hand in hand. Both provide a spiritual foundation for children to learn biblical truths and to apply those principles to their lives. But convincing leaders of the importance of fitting missions education in with other church programs may lead you to hoist up the distress flag!

Here are some ways you can build a productive partnership between missions education leaders, children’s ministry leaders, and the pastoral team:

Addressing Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse: Few topics are more uncomfortable or more difficult to discuss. Such abuse is one of the most extreme forms of human exploitation. To acknowledge the reality of sexual abuse is to believe the unbelievable, to recognize unthinkable evil, and to grapple with the terrible effects of the sin. This topic may even cause an individual to question his or her beliefs about God’s sovereignty and protection.

Missions: From Childhood to Adulthood

Summer Missions Ideas

by Kathy Firkins

Summer is a relaxing and laid-back time for most people. During the summer months, many families come to church events who might not participate during the busy school year.

This summer, plan a few fun events to stay in touch with current and prospective members of your children’s missions organizations. Or, allow time for extra events during your summer missions meetings. Here are a few ideas: