April 16, 2010
“The greatest evangelical window currently available is among young children,” researcher George Barna says. “The research is very clear: if Jesus is not already part of their lives by the time they leave junior high school, the chances of them accepting Him as their Lord and Savior [are] very slim (6 percent, to be exact).”*
The Alliance has always been committed to reaching children and youth with the good news of Jesus. From West Africa to Southeast Asia to Latin America, our international workers are involved in Awana clubs, vacation Bible schools, backyard Bible clubs, camping ministries, Sunday school classes, and more.
The following excerpts are adapted from prayer letters written by Alliance workers who were involved in recent children’s outreaches.
Our March 29–April 2 vacation Bible school (VBS) went well, with an average of 13 children attending each day. After learning the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection, all of them raised their hands to indicate that they were ready to put their faith in Christ. Several of the children had already prayed to receive Jesus at our Christmas outreach and previous VBS, but there were 10 first-time commitments.
The exciting thing to us is that most of the children can walk to church. They are our neighbors, and their parents are pleased to allow them to come. Pray as we continue to follow-up with these children and their families.
—Ed and Sue Danneker, serving in Thailand
We praise God that our two Awana children’s ministries are going very well! Over the past month, we have seen the Saturday morning group grow to 27 in attendance, and we anticipate that many more children in the neighborhood will come.
God is at work in the lives of these children. The Saturday afternoon group is up to 11 children in attendance and going well. Please pray for growth as we reach the neighborhood near our church building. Also, pray for God’s anointing and empowerment for those who lead this ministry.
—Bob and Joy Brougher, serving in Paraguay
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).
Learn More
- Check out Alliance resources for kids.
- Check out Alliance work in Thailand and Paraguay.
- For more on Alliance children’s ministry, read the article “Little Kids, Big Calling.
What You Can Do
Invest in the Great Commission Fund. In doing so, you partner in strategic missions work and church-planting efforts around the world, including Thailand and Paraguay.
*Source: Barna, George: Re-Churching the Unchurched. Ventura, CA: Issachar Resources, 2000. Quoted by White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group: http://www.whitehutchinson.com/religiousfacilities/childrenministry.shtml.