Teaching Our Kids to Minister to Others
November 16, 2009
It is important that we teach our children to serve others with love. And that we teach ourselves as well. It builds character and helps conform us to the image of Jesus. There are many ways to do this. The first thing to do is start with the Bible.
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:16
Just recently we finished a project in our homeschool group where we put together bags for our car to be able to hand out to the homeless. You know when you are at that street corner and you would like to reach out to that hurting person but don’t know how or what you can do? So we put together zip lock bags containing a New Testament Bible, new socks, pen, paper, stamped envelope, water bottle, snack, and a rain poncho. We will keep them in the car and easy to reach for those times when the opportunity presents itself.
There are many programs that you can find to help minister to others. Here is a list that might help you find a ministry that is a good fit for you and your children.
Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child This is a great organization that you can participate in all year around. This year you can donate boxes between November 16-23rd at a local drop off. If it is any other time of year you can send them directly to Samaritans Purse. They have a system that even allows you to follow your box so that you will be able to know where your box went and a little information about it.
Angel Tree – Angel Tree is a ministry that reaches out to the children of inmates and their families with the love of Christ. It seeks to transform the lives of these families and to reconcile them to their Heavenly Father and each other.
Volunteer Match- Enter your zip code to find places that you can volunteer near you. Volunteer at soup kitchens, food banks, nursing homes and shelters. Or just contact the locations you know of directly and ask if there is a way to help out.
World Vision Gift Ministry- Do a fundraiser or have your children save their money and buy an animal for a family in a third world country. For instance give a goat. Goats nourish hungry children and families with healthy milk, cheese, and yogurt. Goats also give a much-needed income boost by providing offspring and extra dairy products for sale at the market.
World Vision Sponsor- As a child sponsor, you are connected with one special child who will know your name, write to you and feel your tender love and prayers. Your monthly sponsorship gift will provide a child with things such as clean water, nutritious food, health care, educational opportunities and spiritual nurture.
World Relief Refugees- Volunteer to sponsor a refugee or refugee family.
Donate clothing, toys or food to your local charities or drives. Put together homeless help bags for your car.
