Hand Commands – Some Great Reviews!
Great Review: Eclectic Homeschooling Online:
Here is a link to a positive review about Hand Commands, Ann’s little book about teaching the Ten Commandments to children.
Hand Commands: The Ten Commandments for Little Ones
Publisher: Kregel Publications (currently out of print)
Author: Ann Dunagan
Format: Board Book
Ages: Preschool/Kindergarten (and older!)
Review by Jean Hall of Eclectic Homeschooling:
Fingerplays are a wonderful way to teach little ones, and not-so-little ones! In fact, our whole homeschool science class (students from age eight to eighteen and their parents) recently used a fingerplay to memorize the five species of Pacific salmon!
Hand Commands is a charming board book that will help you teach your little ones something much more important: The Ten Commandments.
The book’s introduction is sweet, winsome, drawing the reader gently into the book, and the conclusion encourages storing up God’s Word in the heart. The Ten Commandments are quoted from Scripture on the last two pages. Both the New King James Version (for all but one of the commandments) and the New International Version (just for one of the commandments) are quoted.
The text is simple but not simplistic, illustrated with bright pictures that bring a smile. For each commandment, there’s a photograph (or two) of a child’s hands illustrating the meaning of the verse, an explanation of what the verse means, and the verse as quoted in Exodus 20. The hand motions are quick to learn and easy to remember. (When I think how I struggled to keep all the Commandments straight, myself—I always got the first four in the right order, but it was hard to keep the rest straight for the longest time—I wish I’d had this book a long time ago, for my own sake as well as our little ones’!)
I’ll never mix up the order again. (Can you say the same?)
More Reviews:
Customer Average Rating at ChristianBook.com:
5 out of 5 stars, (7 of 7 Reviews Showing):5 out of 5 stars – Reviewed by Gretchen (Snoqualmie), October 25, 2008
We really enjoyed this book. Our whole family learned the 10 commandments in order this summer by reading this book at camp for 5 days. The kids from ages 4-12 can still tell you all the commandments and the older two can recite them out of order or while being questioned, “What’s the 5th commandment?” We have been able to witness to friends and family by sharing what the kids learned! What a blessing.
4.5 out of 5 stars – Reviewed by Stacy (Phoenix, AZ), January 20, 2008
Even though my kids are past board book age, we enjoyed using this book in our homeschool to learn the 10 commandments. We supplemented it with the CD, If You Love Me: Songs for the Ten Commandments, by Judy Rodgers. We found the motion for the 8th commandment a little tricky — it requires motor and cognitive skills that kids of the recommended age (under 5) will find difficult. For the motion for the 10th commandment, we made a grabbing “give me” motion to accentuate the meaning of “You shall not covet.”
5 out of 5 stars – Reviewed by Elisabeth Dillon (Wichita, KS), October 19, 2007
We are using this book as a supplement to a curriculum for preschoolers and kindergartners on the Ten Commandments. All the children seem to really like the book, from ages 2 to 6. They are picking up the hand moves and having a fun time. One of the best unintended benefits is for the adults teaching and for the parents of the children. I have had numerous adults say that they have never memorized God’s commands and that this book is helping them! We have actually ordered numerous extras to sell to parents wishing to augment their learning and their children’s by having this book in their home. Highly recommended for ALL ages.
5 out of 5 stars – Reviewed by Ernest (Tulsa, Oklahoma), January 10, 2007
This tiny little book offers a whole lot more to “ALL” age groups. I am a 21 year old male, and learning the 10 commandments in order in a very simple way has been a joy to my heart. This book is easy to read, easy to follow, happy, and God-honoring, and its not just for kids, but adults as well!
5 out of 5 stars – Reviewed by Pam Hughes (White Salmon, WA), January 08, 2007
Sometimes wonderful, precious things come in small packages and this is exactly what you will find in “Hand Commands!.” Our church bought 75 books to put in “Operation Christmas Child” shoe boxes. We like having some for the children in our Nursery and Pre-school programs too! A great gift that children of all ages can treasure for eternity as they hide God’s Word in their heart!
5 out of 5 stars – Reviewed by Tiffany Westby (Aberdeen, SD), January 03, 2007
I love the book “Hand Commands”! We are a family of seven and each one of us who read the book ONCE was able to say the 10 commandments in order, using the hand motions! Did I mention that 4 of my 5 kids are teenagers and THEY think it’s neat? My pastor loves the book and we are going to use it for baby dedication gifts. You will be amazed at this little book.
5 out of 5 stars – Reviewed by Lorraine (The Dalles, OR), December 22, 2006
The bold colors and pictures of little children quickly caught the attention of my 21 month grandson Josiah. The ‘Hand Commands’ were very easy to follow and fun to learn. Josiah was able to imitate most of the commands, I know it won’t be long before he has them all down. These scriptures are so important to learn for our everyday lives they lay a foundation for our children to walk upon, and you have presented them in a way that children will not only learn from but enjoy reading over and over again. I’ve bought four copies for each of my grand children and my nephew.
(Note: Hand Commands, by Ann Dunagan, is currently out of print.)
LIGHT SIDE: Rats & Pits!!!
“The Pit” is unlike anything you have likely experienced. It is totally different than a camp porta-potty and has absolutely no resemblance to a typical American bathroom . . .
Mission Maker Magazine
Ann’s article, “The Lighter Side of Missions,” published in Mission Maker Magazine, featured funny mission stories about rats, pit toilets, and eating grasshoppers. It’s a highlight from her book, The Mission-Minded Child – Raising a New Generation to Fulfill God’s Purpose.
Back to Mission-Minded Books & Resources
Of Rats & Pits:
Never Shine a Flashlight Down THE PIT!
A Dunagan Family Mission Story
(from Ann’s perspective)
“The Pit” is unlike anything you have likely experienced. It is totally different than a camp porta-potty and has absolutely no resemblance to a typical American bathroom. Not one home decorating magazine is displayed in a basket to read at your leisure, not one pretty towel hands on a shiny silver bar, and fluffy coordinating bathmats are nowhere to be seen.
The Pit it a cement or mud cubicle with a weathered wooden door, a six-inch square hold in the ground, and an unforgetable “aroma” –all above a very, very deep pit.
One night we were in a remote African village dominated by demonic witchcraft. It was late . . . and dark; and a while after the evening ministry time was over our outreach team got rolling in one of those funny, middle-of-the-night conversations. The topic turned to some very practical missionary advice: “Be sure to never shine your flashlight down the Pit!” (Have you ever watched that scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark when Indiana Jones throws a torch down into the forbidden tomb and sees what he dreaded most–the floor alive with snakes?! I think you get the picture. The Pit is often swarming above with flies; and in the unknown depths below, it’s alive . . . with no ones now what!)
We were all laughing hysterically, including me . . . until I realized I had to “go,” and it just couldn’t wait until morning.
I got out my flashlight and went out into the darkness, through the rain–all by myself to the Pit. By this time, nothing seemed funny anymore. I was very tired and wouldn’t have minded those fluffy coordinating bathmats As I neared the “aroma,” I tried to decide my strategy. How could I go about using the Pit without shining the flashlight down?
When I arrived, I quickly threw open the rickety door–and barged in upon the biggest rat I had ever seen in my life! (With its tail it must have been nearly two feet long!) I wish I could say I was your strong unflinching woman; but I screamed and just stood there, soaking wet, crying in the dark.
My precious husband, Jon, came to my rescue, got rid of the creature, made sure the coast was clear, then stood guard to make sure I was protected.
I bravely reentered the Pit with my flashlight, while my husband reentered his comical, slightly mischievous mood. He told our team to come watch something funny as he rolled a rock toward me under the Pit’s door. My reaction did not let them down. I thought the rat was attacking me and I totally freaked out.
Everyone (except me!) thought it was the funniest joke of the evening!
N.E.T.S. Testimony in Tanzania
During November, Harvest Ministry’s N.E.T.S. (National Evangelism Team Support) leader, Naboth Tumuhairwe, traveled over rough mountainous roads to share the Good News in a remote area in Tanzania. Over 2,000 people came to hear the preaching of the Gospel message, and multitudes repented of their sins and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Exciting personal reports were given during the outreach, including many people who testified of being healed by God and powerfully delivered.
However, the outreach was not without a struggle.
En route to the mission, the brakes on Naboth’s ministry truck stopped working, and his vehicle rolled three times down the steep mountainside approximately 500 yards. Thankfully (and with tremendous praise to God), other than a few aches and pains, no one was injured, although the vehicle was totally smashed and ruined.
The roads in Africa are often so dangerous. Five years ago — right about this time of the year — another beloved N.E.T.S. Minister, Jimmy Onaali, was tragically killed in a car accident en route to a prayer meeting. And many times, we have had close calls on dangerous roads.
We are so thankful for God’s protection over Naboth’s and his mission team’s lives, and we praise God that they were able to borrow a car to go forward to complete the mission.
However, along with this praise report of exciting mission testimonies from Tanzania, we also need to share a big mission need. Due to this terrible accident, our dear ministry co-worker and N.E.T.S. Minister Naboth (who oversees several hundred village churches and also directs Harvest Ministry’s Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center with over 500 orphan children) is now without a very-necessary ministry vehicle.
It’s a very big need, but if anyone could help, please let us know.
And please pray.
Here are a few photos of the wrecked ministry truck.
We do praise God for His protection over all who were involved in this life-threatening accident, and pray for God’s provision for another vehicle for Naboth and his mission work.
The ministry continues . . .
For now, back in Mbarara, Uganda, the ministry continues. Here is a December photo of Naboth at his home church, from a recent AFRICA MY DREAM conference. Notice the altar call in the background, and how the Lord is moving among the people in the congregation:
One Girl from Guma: “Ronitah”
At Harvest Ministry’s Guma Na Yesu “Keep With Jesus” Children’s Center, in Mbarara, Uganda, there are so many orphan children.
Currently, Harvest Ministry is providing care for over 1000 children: 530 children in our Adullam Primary school (Preschool and elementary — Baby Class through Primary 7), 170 children in our new Kingdom Vocational Secondary School (high school), plan an additional children who are being cared for in Christian family homes through 7 church-based Family Zone Centers. God has a big heart for orphans and so does Harvest Ministry! All of these children are precious to Him, and God knows them all, one-by-one.
Meet Ronitah
We would like to introduce you to one young teenage girl, Ronitah Kansiime, and her four younger siblings (two brothers and two sisters).
Ronitah and her siblings are all brand-new at Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center. Only a few months ago, their parents were tragically poisoned, and both died. These children were totally destitute. They had nowhere to go, no money for food, no place to live, and no way to continue their education. One of our HMFI Zone Pastors discovered them, and brought to our dear friends and NETS ministers. Naboth & Alice Tumuhairwe.
By the grace of God, these five children are now at Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center. They have a safe and place to live and sleep, clothing, food, education. . . and most importantly, they have all heard the Gospel and all five have recently accepted JESUS CHRIST as their Lord and Savior. Despite her many recent hardships, this beautiful girl can sing of being thankful to God for His many blessings in her life. To God be the Glory!
We invite you to listen to Ronitah’s story, in her own words:“It is not easy being an orphan. Please pray for us. God bless you.”
–Ronita Kansiime, Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center
Please keep Ronitah, her four siblings, and all of these precious children at Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center in your prayers.
More about Guma’s new “Kingdom Vocational Secondary School”
Here’s more information about how Harvest Ministry is LOVING ORPHANS
and how you can help and PRAY . . .
Mission Outreach to APAC, UGANDA
April 13th to 21st, 2009 – Harvest Ministry just returned from an exciting time of mission evangelism in Northern Uganda, East Africa, in an area called “APAC” (which sounds like “a-patch”). Approximately 13,000 people heard the GOOD NEWS of JESUS, and over a thousand people surrendered their lives to the Lord.
Background . . .
This isolated district has been a center for the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) Ugandan rebels and riddled with civil war and horrible human rights violations (slavery, abduction of children, forced child soldiers, prostitution, and other abuses). It’s a place that needs JESUS!
April 17th – Current Update & Report from Apac:
The land and spiritual condition in this Apac district is extremely dry, but God is beginning to move and to pour out His Spirit. This morning, there was a minister’s meeting where many national pastors and leaders repented before God of division between the churches. And right after the announcement of this week’s upcoming meetings, there was a physical torrential downpour of rain. We’re praying that God will continue to pour out His presence, open the eyes of these precious people who need Him so desperately, and draw SOULS into His kingdom through the Gospel message – God’s Good News of salvation from sin through the cross of Jesus Christ.
April 18th – Thunder, Lightning, and SOULS!!!In response, Jon says, “I love my job!!”
Later he said, “It’s still pouring rain! And it’s so much fun preaching with thunder, lighting, rain, and flooding. It makes me feel like Elijah. And it feels like God is in our midst!”
Please continue to pray!
April 19 – Lunch anyone? How ’bout some GOAT GUTS and ANTS??The city-wide Apac outreach began with approximately 4,000 people in attendance. Already, hundreds of people have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ and have prayed to receive God’s salvation . . . in the midst of torrential rain during the preaching. There were also 13 cases of violent demon possession “stacked on the platform.” Everyone was soaked, with mud and water everywhere.
Jon says, “Long Ugandan church services this morning. For lunch: rice, beans, goat guts, and a paste made of sesame seeds and smashed ANTS . . . nice!!!”
The final night outreach in Apac will start soon.
Thanks for your prayers!
April 20th – Such JOY!!!The final night in Apac concluded with “TOO MUCH JOY!!!” Over the three nights, approximately 13,000 people heard the Gospel message (combined total attendance) and approximately 1,200 individuals prayed to receive God’s salvation through the cross of Jesus Christ. There were many people set free of demonic activity, and many who were touched by the Lord. We thank everyone who has been prayed!
Please Keep Praying:
Continue to pray for all of these new converts, and for the local pastors and church leaders to welcome and to teach and to disciple these young believers. Also, be continuing to pray for safety and strength for Jon and the team as they begin the long journey back to Kampala, Uganda . . . and then home.
These rebels operate under a spiritual mixture of “so-called” Christianity, combined with Islam, witchcraft, sorcery, and tribal animism. This area is so remote, we can’t access it through M.A.F (Missionary Aviation Fellowship). Instead, our team plans to drive in, with all of our evangelistic equipment, for a large city-wide outreach to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Harvest Ministry’s advance team (led by NETS Minister, Paul Kintu), just returned from securing local government permission for this outreach, along with cooperation and prayer support of the few local churches. There are many people in this area who desperately need God’s salvation and deliverance, and Jon is excited to GO!
Jon will also be ministering at Harvest Ministry’s Osanidde Village Orphanage on Bussi Island, and he looks forward to spending time with the children and encouraging the leaders.
Prayer Request: Please pray with us for provision and direction for this upcoming mission, for God to prepare the hearts of people in Apac, and for SOULS to be won to Christ!!!
TWGHW: FREE One-Year Homeschool Curriculum!
Teaching With God’s Heart for the World
By Ann Dunagan, Illustrated by Brenda Whitmeyer
Published by Family Mission-Vision Enterprises“A one-year unit study curriculum, especially designed for homeschoolers, incorporating God’s heart for world missions into nearly every subject!”
Ann wrote this two-volume world missions curriculum (with over 500 pages) several years ago to assist homeschooling families and Christian educators (in both church settings and in Christian schools) to impart a fervent heart for world missions into the next generation.
The curriculum includes 160 day-by-day teaching plans, missionary highlights, motivational mission stories, crafts, songs, prayer projects, and hundreds of ways to incorporate a passion for the lost into nearly every subject (including Bible Study, Family Devotions, Reading, Writing, Geography, History, Art, Science, and even highlights for Math).
The curriculum presents a “whirlwind tour” of God’s enduring passion for missions, all-the-way-through-history and all-across-the-globe. Using weekly unit-studies, this curriculum is created to be used over a one-year school year, although it can be easily adapted to be used throughout two years. It can be used as a core curriculum guide (for elementary children), or as a supplement to another curriculum. It is written especially for elementary grade levels, but it can also be used for the whole family to study missions together.
Click here for a review on TWGHW by the Old Schoolhouse Magazine
NEW smaller individual pdf files:
Teaching With God’s Heart for the World
VOLUME 1
Vol.1.0a – CONTENTS – Intro to VOLUME 1
Vol.1.0b – HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE – FREE download: CLICK HERE TO BEGIN!!!
Vol.1.1-2 – WELCOME (Ch.1-2)
Vol.1.3 – OUR CALL (Ch.3)
Vol.1.4 – OUR BIBLICAL BASIS (Ch.4)
Vol.1.5 – OUR HERITAGE (Ch.5)
Vol.1.6 – OUR EXAMPLES (Ch.6)
Vol.1.7 – TEACHING HELPS (Ch.7)
Vol.1.8-9 – MISSION SONGS & HOLIDAYS (Ch.8-9)
Vol.1.10 – TEACHING HISTORY (Ch.10)
Vol.1.11 – TEACHING GEOGRAPHY (Ch.11)
Vol.1.12 – THE GOSPEL & PERSONAL PRAYER (Ch.12) – Week 1
Vol.1.13a – BEGINNING OF WORLD MISSIONS (Ch.13)
Vol.1.13b – OLD TESTAMENT/ISRAEL/CREATION – Week 2
Vol.1.13c – NEW TESTAMENT/ROMAN EMPIRE – Week 3
Vol.1.14a – MISSIONS THROUGH HISTORY (Ch.14) – Week 4
Vol.1.14b – CRUSADES/HOLY WARS/LATE MIDDLE AGES – Week 5
Vol.1.14c – RENAISSANCE & REFORMATION – Week 6
Vol.1.14d – EXPLORATION & COLONIZATION – Week 7
Vol.1.15a – W.EUROPE/EARLY MISSIONARIES (Ch.15) – Week 8
Vol.1.15b – E.EUROPE/FALL OF COMMUNISM – Week 9
Vol.1.15c – NATIVE-AMERICANS/PILGRIMS/THANKSGIVING – Week 10
Vol.1.15d – MISSIONS IN THE USA – Week 11
Vol.1.15e – SOUTH AMERICA – Week 12
Vol.1.15f – MEXICO/LATIN AMERICA/CHRISTMAS – Week 13
Vol.1.15g – SE.ASIA/INDIA/HINDUISM – Week 14
Vol.1.15h – FAR E.ASIA/CHINA/BUDDHISM – Week 15
Vol.1.15i – 10-40 WINDOW- Week 16
Vol.1.16 – Notes, Bibliography & Index
NEW smaller individual pdf files:
Teaching With God’s Heart for the World
VOLUME 2
Vol.2.0 – Intro to Volume 2
Vol.2.1 – FINDING YOUR MISSION (Ch. 1)
Vol.2.2 – INTERCESSORY PRAYER (Ch. 2)
Vol.2.3 – MOTIVATIONAL MISSION STORIES (Ch. 3)
Vol.2.4 – WORLD RELIGIONS (Ch. 4)
Vol.2.5 – FOUNDATIONS (Ch. 5) – Week 17
Vol.2.6a – TEN FORTY WINDOW (Ch. 6) – Week 18
Vol.2.6b – MIDDLE EAST ISLAM (Ch. 6) – Week 19
Vol.2.6c – NORTH AFRICA ISLAM (CH. 6) – Week 20
Vol.2.6d – SUB SAHARA AFRICA (Ch. 6) – Week 21
Vol.2.6e – SUB SAHARA AFRICA TODAY (Ch. 6) – Week 22
Vol.2.6f – AUSTRALIA ABORIGINES (Ch. 6) – Week 23
Vol.2.6g – SOUTH PACIFIC (Ch. 6) – Week 24
Vol.2.7a – COLONIAL LIFE (Ch. 7) – Week 25
Vol.2.7b – WESTWARD ADVENTURE (Ch. 7) – Week 26
Vol.2.7c – VICTORIAN AGE (Ch. 7) – Week – 27
Vol.2.7d – WWI (Ch. 7) – Week – 28
Vol.2.7e – GREAT DEPRESSION (Ch. 7) – Week – 29
Vol.2.7f – WWII (Ch. 7) – Week – 30
Vol.2.7g – SPECIALIZATIONS (Ch. 7) – Week – 31
Vol.2.7h -NATIONALIZATION (Ch. 7) – Week – 32
Vol.2.8 – UNREACHED PEOPLE (Ch. 8 )
Vol.2.9 – FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP (Ch. 9)
Vol.2.10 – MISSIONS AND LOCAL CHURCH (Ch. 10)
Vol.2.11a- MAPS-VBS (Ch. 11)
Vol.2.11b – MAP OVERHEADS (Ch. 11)
Vol.2.11c- MAPS-VBS-COPIES (Ch. 11)
Vol.2.11d – MINISTRY-IDEAS (Ch. 11)
Vol.2.12 – MINISTRY-IDEAS -Section 5 – Notes, Bibliography, Index
Vol.2.13a – MISSIONS RESOURCES – PART 1
Vol.2.13b – MISSIONS RESOURCES – PART 2
Vol.2.13c – MISSIONS RESOURCES – PART 3
Vol.2.13d – MISSIONS RESOURCES – PART 4
Note: If you’re searching for “Teaching With God’s Heart for the World” as a full curriculum in a two-volume spiral binding printed set, look here.
MORE HELP:
Learn more about how you and your kids can make a FREE File-Folder Weekly To-Do Chart – to use with this Teaching With God’s Heart for the World curriculum –
500 New Mattresses for Orphan Kids!!!
Could you imagine putting your child to “bed” each night, on a dirt or cement floor, with no mattress or even a decent warm blanket? For many precious children, orphaned, and/or in poverty, this is daily reality.
At Harvest Ministry’s GUMA NA YESU (“Keep With Jesus”) Children’s Center in Mbarara, Uganda, there was a HUGE need for bedding for all of the children . . . and God abundantly provided with designated mission gifts for 500 new mattresses.
Our prayer and focus for our GUMA NA YESU children is that they will “keep with Jesus” all the days of their lives, and now as they sleep, they will be reminded (in this small way) of God’s GREAT love for them.
GUMA Directors (and NETS Ministers) Naboth & Alice, were absolutely delighted with what they called the “MIRACLE at GUMA.” Now we are believing God for blankets (at $5/each) for all of the children, and possibly sheets and pillows.
(And one little preschool girl in Oregon, named Olivia, has added her own precious prayer, that God will also help to provide “teddy bears” for these kids!!!)
BEFORE:
AFTER:
We thank everyone who GAVE and who PRAYED for this need.
May God bless you for your heart for these children.
Rescuing One of God’s Girls . . . in Uganda!
Welcome to our new Daring Daughters blog!
Over the years, we’ve featured numerous posts along this theme, but now we’re specifically going to focus some regular articles for teenage girls, to encourage interaction and a heart for missions. Today’s post features a Christi wrote several years ago, about the needs of one precious abused girl, named Jennifer. This essay was only the beginning of God stirring His compassion in Christi’s heart; it eventually led to the founding of Harvest Ministry’s orphan outreach . . .
For more about the vision for Daring Daughters — including the new facebook page, twitter page, upcoming events, and blogtalk radio show, see our VISION page . . .
Rescuing one of God’s girls . . . in Uganda
A true story of one precious orphan girl from Harvest Ministry’s Guma Na Yesu Children’s Center, in Uganda, East Africa. –By Christi Dunagan (originally written at age 15)
Eight-year-old Jennifer huddled in the dark corner of her grandmother’s hut. Once again, she was locked in this repulsive room with no food, and no hope . . .
Sometimes Jennifer was left alone for days while her grandmother wasted what little money they had. Most likely, the old woman would return home — drunk — and beat the girl until she could barely stand.
Jennifer knew nothing of happiness.
When she was very young, her parents were victims of Uganda’s number one killer: AIDS; and now, she was yet another victim: of poverty, hunger, and abuse.
Hearing footsteps outside her door, Jennifer looked up. Maybe she would finally be released from this small damp prison she was forced to call home . . . but no.
Here’s a picture of this rescued orphan girl, Jennifer, today (now six years after Christi wrote the article). This precious young woman is still living with our dear friends, Naboth & Alice, and she continues to be a vital testimony about God’s hand on these beautiful orphan children. The most recent report is so beautiful. Our friend Naboth wrote:
Jennifer is now in primary four. She sleeps and “feeds” at Pastor Naboth & Alice’s home, and she is very bright and hard working. She “leads praising” in Sunday school. Her hope and happiness is restored, as God has healed her wounds.
Join the conversation . . .
Okay Daring Daughters . . . let’s hear your thoughts.
What “struck” you about Jennifer’s story? Did anything in particular hit your heart? And have any of you girls ever had a heart for orphans, or for Africa? . . .
When I grow up . . .
A mission-minded child may want to become a missionary–or a teacher or a doctor or a newspaper reporter or a state governor or a pastor or a businessperson or an airplane pilot or an author or a florist or a mother–as long as its what God wants.
Photo: For 12-year-old mission-minded Caela Dunagan’s first MISSION TRIP (to Uganda, East Africa), ministry highlights included updates/checkups on hundreds of children at Harvest Ministry’s orphan ministries, sharing at several village churches, and ministering at an African Women’s Conference.
The following excerpt is a highlight from the introduction of The Mission-Minded Child – Raising a New Generation to Fulfill God’s Purpose. Hope you enjoy it!
So, what is a mission-minded child?
A mission-minded child . . .
- dreams of fulfilling God’s destiny.
- prays for that next-door neighbor.
- A mission-minded child may want to become a missionary–or a teacher or a doctor or a newspaper reporter or a state governor or a pastor or a businessperson or an airplane pilot or an author or a florist or a mother–as long as its what God wants.
- is not a picky eater!
- takes home a photo magnet from the visiting missionary family and puts it on the kitchen refrigerator.
- is healthy, active, and adventurous.
- spends a summer night sleeping outside on the trampoline, gazes up at a sky filled with twinkling stars, and realizes God’s plan is infinitely bigger than his or her own backyard.
- imagines rollerblading on the Great Wall of China!
- recognizes the names of David Livingstone, Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, and Loren Cunningham.
- knows how to use chopsticks.
- has a reputation for thoroughly enjoying the Bible sword drills and memory verse contests at church.
- puts extra money in the monthly missions offering and feels extra good inside.
- thinks it could be fun to sleep in a mud hut in Africa!
- reads all the way through the Bible by the age of ten (or eleven or twelve)–and is excited to start again!
- stares at the photos in the new geography textbook or magazine and imagines climbing to the top of that Egyptian pyramid, snorkeling in those tropical-blue waters, and giving a new outfit to that poor boy with the ripped-up shirt.
- befriends the new kid at school.
- thinks beyond the “box” of what’s merely expected and hopes to do something big, or something little, for God.
- wants to obey (even when no one is looking).
- loves Jesus!
For Christian parents and teachers, “world missions” is not just an extracurricular subject to teach our kids, it’s the core of our curriculum. Let’s raise the next generation to have a passion for God’s Great Commission. As Hudson Taylor (a famous missionary to China) often said, “The Great Commission is not an option to consider, it’s a command to obey.”
And how about adding to our list!!! How are you raising your children to have God’s heart for the world and His Great Commission, and in your childrens lives (in day-to-day routines and in your “where-the-rubber-meets-the-road” reality) what is it like to be a genuine mission-minded child in your experience?
Now it’s your turn:
A mission-minded child . . .
The Challenge: DAY 15 – Prayer #5
Families who PRAY!
Welcome to DAY 15 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Today’s video will challenge you to pray together as a family – real and honest before God – relying on His righteousness and grace, not your own works.
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: Brokenness, Surrender, Holiness
- Missionary Quote by Nancy Leigh DeMoss – of Revive our Hearts and Martin Luther
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: AFRICA and joshuaproject.net
- Memory Verse: James 5:16, II Cor. 5:21, Isaiah 64:6
- Today’s 5 minute video
A question for feedback:What are your thoughts about praying together as a family? Has this been a challenge for you, or has it been easy? Have you found any keys – or answers – that could help or encourage other families to pray together?
COMING NEXT WEEK: The BEATITUDES – with a Mission-Minded Focus!
