2 Ways to Help Kids Leave a Global Footprint

Teaching children about missional opportunities locally and around the world is something our team at Lifeway Kids is passionate about and deeply committed to doing. Here’s a post from one of our partners in this endeavor, Kelly Little from Kids On Mission at the International Mission Board (IMB), sharing about kids of all ages leaving a “global footprint.” You’ll want to join us at Kids Ministry Conference to hear Kelly’s breakout session on this very subject.
– Jana Magruder, Director of Kids Ministry Publishing at LifeWay 

______________________

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!” (Romans 10:15, HCSB)

Beautiful feet don’t need to fit a certain shoe size. Part of my job is to create missions resources for children. I believe everyone who loves and follows Jesus has a role in reaching the nations with the gospel — leaving a global footprint. Whether you’re a Kids Ministry leader or a parent, here are two ways you can easily involve children in sharing the good news through missions.

1. Look for missional moments.

Two sets of beautiful, little feet live in my home. Attached to one set is my 3-year-old daughter.

One evening, I was excited to hear her pray for children in India before bedtime. Earlier, we had gone to buy a pair of shoes for her. As we drove to the store, I thought, this would be a great global opportunity. Our team at work recently created a video on a young girl in India. I told my daughter the girl’s story and explained that often she is unable to buy what she needs. I added that her biggest need is to know Jesus.

I savored the sound of my daughter’s sweet voice as she said, “Dear Jesus, thank you for the children in India.” Great start! And then, “Thank you that they don’t have anything to wear.”

Ugghhh! Mom fail? Missions resource producer flop? It felt like it at the time. I realized, though, that it was the first time my child had prayed for anyone outside the circles her little feet tread. I want her to know there are billions of people who don’t know Jesus. I want her to know she can make a difference in their lives by praying for them and the missionaries who are teaching about Jesus. All the while, she is learning about her need for Jesus and His great love for her.

2. Include missions into what you’re already doing.

Here are some simple resources for family time, home schooling, small groups, or anytime.

• Kids on Mission (kidsonmission.org)
• OneLife Kids (onelifekids.org)
• Caravan Friends (caravanfriends.org)

Right now, the children in your home or in your ministry may be more likely to track in mud from the playground than to stir up dust on international soil, but they can still leave a global footprint!

Kelly Little is an International Mission Board Senior Producer and Children’s Communication Team Leader. Hear her at the Kids Ministry Conference October 6-8, 2014 in Nashville.