Involving Children in Christmas in August

As the new school year begins, WMU invites children’s missions discipleship groups to participate in Christmas in August, a project that allows children in Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, and Children in Action to support North American Mission Board (NAMB) missionaries with “gifts” for their specific ministries.

In many circumstances, NAMB missionaries are working in inner-city areas where there are children with great needs. Often, the children and their families are dealing with the reality of poverty.

To help missionaries meet the needs of their communities, consider these suggestions as you put together your Christmas in August care package.

Research. Find the list of Christmas in August missionaries at wmu.com/christmasinaugust. Older children in your group may benefit from researching and presenting their findings about the culture and location in which the missionary serves in the United States or Canada. In advance of your meeting, find sources of information children can look through to do their “research,” including the information provided by the missionaries at wmu.com/christmasinaugust. Brainstorm with your group how the items the missionary requested could be used effectively in ministry based on your knowledge of their work and location.

Pray. Every item you send to a NAMB missionary will be used to meet a physical need that may also open the door to meet a spiritual need. Once you have collected items to donate, pray over the items and for the missionary. Ask God to give the missionary wisdom, and pray for the Holy Spirit to open the door to a spiritual discussion. Include a letter of encouragement to the missionary in your package that is signed by your kids.

Enlist help. Allow children to lead your church in giving to the NAMB missionary. Help your kids make a video and show it in Sunday service or put it on your church’s social media page (with permission!), encouraging members to donate to this project. Be creative in your presentation. Make it fun! Make sure you tell your church members the deadline and give them a designated place to bring their donations.

As you prepare to lead your group to participate in Christmas in August, pray that God will use the event to sow excitement for giving to missions in the hearts of your children and also in your congregation. And pray that God will bless and encourage the missionaries!