Missions at Home

Just the other day I talked to a wonderful Christian man in his 80s who did not know that the Bible was yet to be translated into every language.  In church after church that we have spoken at hoards of people approach us at the end of our presentation and say something like, “I had no idea that so many of the languages in the world were without a Bible!” 
So we were thinking…how about we change that?   And let’s start young.  Let’s create a tab on our blog that provides missions resources for kids so that parents, aunts and uncles, and Sunday School teachers can teach their children about life outside their four walls.  That way children will grow up knowing how privileged they are to have a Bible, to have churches that teach the Gospel, and will put big dreams into their little minds to go overseas themselves “when they grow up.”

So, in whatever capacity you serve children, we encourage you to buy them something “missions” for Christmas, or integrate missions into your VBS program, etc.  Who knows?  Your gift could inspire and produce future missionaries…


Scripture Memorization: The ABC Gospel
Stacey wrote a helpful ABC verse guide through the Gospel. If you have young kids, it is a great way to teach them thei ABCs and the Gospel at the same time!

DVDs
Created specifically to introduce children to heroes of the Christian faith who withstood persecution, these nine animated stories will teach children the stories of bold Christians throughout history. This set includes the stories of Perpetua, Richard Wurmbrand, Eric Liddell, Jim Elliot, Gladys Aylward, William Tyndale, John Bunyan, William BoothAmy Carmichael, Samuel Morris.


VBS / Sunday School Curriculum
The Kids of Courage VBS connects your child to other young Christians around the world.
The Kids of Courage VBS curriculum introduces students to real Kids of Courage at risk for their faith today in five countries: China, Egypt, Nigeria, North Korea, and India. Students learn how bold believers around the world live, worship, and play.
The lessons teach children how to pray for those who risk everything for their faith, and how to become Kids of Courage themselves. They learn that Kids of Courage: Trust God, Get Prepared, Remember Persecuted Christians, Forgive Others, and Witness Boldly.

Do you want your kids to know that there's more to this world than their friends and family? Do you want them to see that there's a huge world out there waiting to hear about the one man who died so that we could truly live? Children have a strategic role to play while they're still children! They don't have to wait to grow up before they can make an important contribution to God's kingdom.

Outside the Lines: Connecting Kids to God's Global Purpose helps kids see the world as God sees it and teaches them how they can take action. The resource presents a concise, biblical worldview; allowing kids to discover God's purpose and plan of salvation for all nations.
This comprehensive resource provides up to 26 weeks of curriculum through 13 dynamic lessons for kindergarten to eighth grade!
(Check out the curriculum samples on the bottom left corner...amazing)

A 5 day missions curriculum for children


Books
Tortured for Christ impacted your life-now here's a way to share it with your kids. Imprisoned for Christ introduces Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, his wife Sabina, and their son Mihai to a new generation of readers searching for examples of uncompromising faith. The book retains the impact of Pastor Wurmbrand's Tortured for Christ without descriptions of extreme violence, which may be inappropriate for younger readers. Includes "100 Ways Kids Can Help the Persecuted Church."

Children need to know the stories of Christianity’s heroes! This beautifully illustrated children’s book tells the amazing story of William Tyndale, translator of the English Bible. Read with your family about the risks he took to get God’s Word into our hands, in the language we speak.

From the filthy cell in which he was imprisoned for his religious convictions, one man pens a story that has influenced millions around the world.

Paul (formerly Saul) made it his mission to hunt down Christians everywhere. Followers of Christ knew him as a vicious persecutor and a terrifying adversary. Then one day, Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. His life was transformed, and the early church’s worst enemy became its first missionary to the Gentiles. Enduring great hardships, Paul passionately led others to Christ. This story will motivate your children to boldly share Christ with others.

Did you know the Apostle Thomas was the first person to bring the gospel message to India? Today, many Indian believers trace their heritage of faith to the man once called “Doubting Thomas.” Thomas’ real legacy was to carry the message of Jesus Christ to the far reaches of the known world. He faced many who despised his message, but his faith sustained him even to martyrdom. Though his life ended, his legacy of faith lives on in India.

God’s Prisoner: The Story of Richard Wurmbrand
One man had the courage to stand up against a government that would not let him worship God. Because of his courage, VOM founder Richard Wurmbrand was sent to prison. His wife was also jailed and his young son was kicked out of school. But Richard refused to give in to the communist leaders during his years of imprisonment. After he was released, Richard and his family moved to the United States where they told people how Christians were treated in Romania. Give your kids the courage to stand for Christ through this illustrated storybook.

He defended the faith and became Christianity's first martyr. Stephen lived a life full of faith. He performed miracles and boldly told others about Jesus, before his courageous witness was silenced. Written to inspire children to witness boldly for Jesus Christ, God's Witness is a gripping reminder of the Holy Spirit's power when we face opposition for the Lord's sake.

In a world where competing worldviews threaten to overwhelm and confuse today's children, VOM is offering Learning About Islam to assist families and educators in sharing the truth about Islam with students. This book includes: What do Muslims believe? Are the God of the Bible and Allah of the Quran the same? What are the differences between Muslim beliefs and God's Word?


Specific People Groups
Even though the police often arrest Christians, the house churches in China continue to meet and secretly teach the truth about Jesus. Inside this activity book, children will find information about Chinese culture, language and worldviews/religions of China, as well as stories of courageous past and present heroes of the faith in China. Activities and crafts are also included.

Many times Indonesian believers experience persecution for their faith in Jesus. This activity book contains information about Indonesian culture, history, language, geography, animals and pastimes. It also gives a biblically based overview of Islam, the predominant religion in Indonesia, and shares inspiring stories of today's Indonesian heroes of the faith.

Although there are churches in Morocco, a country in Africa, Moroccans are expected to be Muslims and to stay Muslim! In this book, beliefs and practices of Islam in Morocco, including a short explanation of folk Islam, are given. Children are encouraged to pray for Muslims. Recipes, geography activities, stories and a skit are also included, besides information about the country's language, culture and customs (with related activities).
There are a variety of people groups on the Voice of the Martyr's site: Kids of Courage.

Exposure to the Unreached
Get the complete Kids Around the World series in one easy-to-use 3-disc collection! This fun-filled series introduces children to kids in faraway lands, many who've never heard about Jesus or God's love. Help your kids gain a heart for unreached people groups around the world and discover how they can partner with God to reach them with the gospel.

The CD-ROM contains 12 printable lessons (29-44 pages each) - all the materials you need to teach kids about the geography, history, language, art, games, foods, beliefs, and prayer needs of the people groups you are studying. Two companion DVDs include 12 videos (7-14 minutes each) as well as song portions of the lessons. Great for kids ages 5-11.

This is one of the best social studies and cultural learning resources for kids in grades K-5. A must-have resource for children's ministries, Sunday schools, Christian schools, and homeschoolers. 

Stunning photographic visuals complement this A to Z of countries and people groups providing an exciting learning experience and guide for prayer. Short stories about featured countries or people groups help relate foreign lands and people to children in the West. Each page includes a small map putting the country into perspective with neighboring countries, a fact box with essential country, and people information and prayer points that children can ask God for as well as thank God for.

This invaluable resource develops cultural, political, and geographical awareness through a Christian lens. Families, churches, and schools will all benefit from this book and in turn be able to pray more effectively for their world.

Winner of the 2002 Gold Medallion for Elementary Age Children.

Children’s version of Operation World

Bible Translation
A fabulous trip to 26 exotic places in our wonderful world. Filled with beautiful full-color illustrations. From Akebu to Zapotec takes you on an amazing adventure, one letter of the alphabet at a time. The people groups featured have never read God’s word. You’ll want to pray for them.

Stepsto Bible Translation Curriculum (link is in the middle of the page)
This 12-week curriculum teaches elementary students why everyone needs a Bible, how translation teams work, why many people groups still wait for a Bible and how children can help speed the pace of Bible translation!

Misc
Each Fun Fact Activity Page covers a different part of the world: Africa, Asia, Americas, the Pacific and Europe. On each sheet children (ages 5-11) can color maps, learn interesting facts and recipes, do crafts, solve puzzles, enjoy pictures and more.

More than just cards, this pack is a window into the lives of kids around the world!


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 Do YOU have any kid’s missions resources you would recommend?  Let us know!

 **The italicized descriptions are “quotes” from each resource’s product description found online.

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for all the great resources! I know I will be referring back to this again!

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  2. Wow. These are great resources! I especially love, love, love the ABC gospel verses; it reads like a catechism. I've been wanting resources like these for a while to teach my children. Thank you!

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  3. I just had to share with you guys (hope you get this on an old post...) that we used Window on the World with homeschool last year. Charlie became very concerned for the people who had no clean water and were sick and dying. Nathan and I asked if he would like to do a fundraiser to help raise money for a fresh water well. He was so excited and Gracie became excited too! So far we have raised $400 and may reach $500! Our goal was $400 (the minimum through Samaritan's Purse for a fresh water well). It has been so neat to see! I am hoping that when we contact them at SP it may be possible to get a picture of the people who received the well with their water, so that the kids and everyone else can see what they are able to do for others for God's glory! I hope you all are doing well! I love reading your blog! What a year you've had!!

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