We travel in a 10-mile radius every single day. Every once in a while, we venture out for a vacation and holiday before we quickly jump back into the safety of our little circle.
But I want more for my kids.
I want them to understand that there is a great big world out there filled with 8 billion uniquely created people. Eight billion men, women, and children who need to know just how much Jesus loves them.
So, I polled my girlfriends for ideas on how to build in our children a heart for missions. I think you will like this list.
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1. Adopt a Family Missionary
Ask your church for the names of missionaries whom your church sponsors. Choose a family to love with letters and prayers. Or choose four and rotate through one each week of the month. Many missionaries offer prayer cards with their pictures and monthly e-newsletters telling you how to pray for them. Read the letters at supper and then popcorn prayer their praises and needs. For added learning, read about the culture and people in the country where they are serving. This leads to our next point.
2. Host an International Day
One of my friends fondly recalled her family’s tradition of having International Day every Friday when she was growing up. Her mom would talk about different countries and cook food from those places. They’d even dress up to make it more fun! She recommended the book Operation World by Jason Mandryk for learning more about different parts of the world. You can also explore Operation World.org for specific information on each country.
Although doing this every week may feel overwhelming, you may also start a monthly or quarterly tradition.
3. Display Maps in Your Home
For several years laminated maps have decorated our playroom wall – the US and the world. Amazon has several to choose from. We refer to the maps when reading about a state or country in a book or the Bible. Or, when a specific place is mentioned in the news or a conversation.
Recently a friend introduced to me a fabric map by Via Nations, a ministry of Mission Mobilization. I love the Psalm 96:3 Bible verse at the top and the fabric makes it easy to transport and light to hang. Included with the map are additional activities to implement in your home or classroom.
A friend suggested putting the map behind a glass frame allowing you to circle different areas of the world with a dry erase marker to highlight the areas of focus. Love this idea!
4. Timezone Clocks
One of my friends has several clocks hanging in her playroom, with the name of a missionary underneath each one. Each clock is set to the time zone where the missionary is stationed. This way, they can pray for the activities of each missionary family in relation to what they may be doing at that time.
5. Welcome Missionaries into Your Home
I was raised in a church deeply committed to missions. We regularly welcomed missionaries from around the world into our home. We’d share meals together, and I formed friendships with their children. Even now, whenever Germany comes up in conversation, my mind immediately goes to the Davidson family, who served many years there. Talk to your church to learn what missionaries are on furlough and when they will be in your area.
6. Fill a Shoebox for Operation Christmas Child
If you haven’t heard of Operation Christmas Child, it’s a wonderful activity to engage in with your children. Simply fill a shoebox with small gifts and hygiene items to send to children worldwide. Don’t forget to pray over these boxes, and then track online the journey of the box. Read more… Insider Tips to Packing a Shoebox Filled with Love for Operation Christmas Child
7. Serve
While we often think of missionaries as being overseas, there are many who are based right in the US, making it very easy to serve alongside them. Last summer our family spent our vacation serving at Broken Arrow Bible Ranch in Gallop, New Mexico. While I worked in the kitchen, my husband and our kids spent the week cleaning and loving on the campers. We came home exhausted, but our hearts were full. Our kids will never forget that week and I will never forget the conversations that came out of it.
8. Sponsor a Child
I’ll admit, I’ve always had reservations about programs that promise to aid children in third-world countries. However, after our pastor visited a Compassion International-sponsored area, he returned impressed by how funds are utilized and the impact on children’s lives. He encouraged our entire church community to sponsor children.
Our family decided to sponsor two little girls from Honduras. We pray for Melanie and Karen, exchange letters, and send birthday gifts. It’s heartwarming to receive letters from the girls as well and provides and opportunity for our children to be missionaries through the mail. Find out more about Compassion International.
9. Give to Missionaries
Lead by example and support missionaries financially. Encourage your children to give a percentage of their money to missionaries as well. Read more about Teaching Children Money Management and How to Give When Money is Tight.
Matthew 28:19 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” For some, going means putting boots on the ground. For others, it means supporting those in ministry through prayer, encouragement, and financial giving. There are many ways to “impress” upon our children the importance of going and making disciples. Now it’s your turn to decide what is best for your family. I’d love to hear which idea you choose.
