The Challenge: DAY 14 – Prayer #4
Kids who PRAY!
Welcome to DAY 14 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Today’s 5-minute focus will encourage you to motivate your children in prayer. Parents usually have no problem motivating their kids in sports or school, yet sometimes don’t want to “push” their kids spiritually. As mission-minded families we especially need to encourage our kids in disciplines that matter for eternity.
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: Window on the World
- Missionary Quote by Henry Martyn
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: AFRICA
- Memory Verse: John 3:16
- Today’s 5 minute video
A question for feedback:
Do you encourage your kids in their personal prayer life?
How are you doing this, specifically? And how are your kids growing in the Lord right now?
The Challenge: DAY 13 – Prayer #3
Parents who PRAY!
Welcome to DAY 13 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE! Today’s challenge focuses on parents being an example to your kids, by PRAYING consistently.
Feel free to leave comments and feedback. Let’s encourage one another to become more mission-minded.
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: C.T. Studd – No Retreat – from YWAM’s Christian Heroes Then & Now Series and also The Mission-Minded Family.
- Missionary Quote by C.T. Studd
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: Africa
- Memory Verses: Psalm 127:1,Matthew 4:19, I Cor. 11:1
The Challenge: DAY 12 – Prayer #2
A Place to PRAY!
Welcome to DAY 12 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE! Today’s challenge focuses on establishing a specific PLACE for your personal devotion time and quoting a prayer by missionary martyr, Betty Scott Stam, the importance of surrendering everything to the Lord.
Feel free to leave comments and feedback. Let’s encourage one another to become more mission-minded.
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: Tracking Your Walk – YWAM Kid’s Prayer Journal
- Missionary Quote by Betty Scott Stam
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: Africa
- Memory Verses: Mark 1:35
(By the way, rather saying Jesus was “so busy” during His time on earth, I prefer to say that He had such a vast eternal purpose to fulfill in such a short 3-year period. One remarkable aspect about the life of Jesus is that He was never “stressed” or overly “busy-busy” like we often are.)
The Challenge: DAY 11 – Prayer #1
A Time to PRAY!
Welcome to DAY 11 of the 40-Day Mission-Minded FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Today’s challenge focuses on establishing a specific TIME for prayer. Learn Hudson Taylor’s “spiritual secret” for effective ministry: TIME ALONE WITH GOD.
Feel free to leave comments and feedback. Let’s encourage one another to become more mission-minded.
C’mon . . . Take the Challenge!
- Recommended Mission Resource: Hero Tales – Volume I
- Missionary Quote by Hudson Taylor
- Geography Quiz at lizardpoint.com: Africa
- Memory Verses: Psalm 37:4-5
“Gospel Projects International”
This month, Josh & Anna Dunagan are launching out as a NEW MISSIONS outreach.
They’re only 23 years old, and they’ve only been married for one year.
But what a year it’s been!!!
Introducing . . . Gospel Projects International
Shortly after their wedding, Josh & Anna stepped out into missions by helping to meet spiritual and physical needs in Asia. They started a small children’s home (now caring for 23 orphan children, called “Aasha – HOPE – Children’s Home”), and began to partner with national ministers. They founded a new Bible school (now training over twenty national village pastors), and they’re working together in ministry with four full-time national evangelist/pastors. They’ve been having a great time ministering, both overseas and in the United States (in churches, on the streets, and leading local community outreaches).
Their heart for the Lord, and their love for others is awesome. As we’ve seen all that God has done through their obedience, it’s been an inspiration to us . . . and a blessing to many!
We’re so proud of them both, and we’re all giving God the GLORY for the wonderful reports of their first year of newlywed life . . . and of ministry!!!
Come take a look at their brand-new website: Gospel Projects International
What is a Mission-Minded Family?
In a mission-minded family, there’s a God-infused energy. There’s a focus on God’s worldwide purpose, and there’s a passion for the lost. There’s a spiritual depth and hunger that reaches beyond the maintenance mode of cultural Christianity.
A mission-minded family emphasizes leadership, calling, and destiny. There’s a prevailing attitude of self-sacrifice and an emphasis on total submission to God’s will. And there’s an unmistakable and contagious joy.
A mission-minded family . . .
- loves to make God smile!
- learns to be diligent, because there’s work to be done and many needs in this world
- brings a stack of well-worn Bibles to church!
- enjoys presents at Christmastime, but never forgets all the poor little children in Cambodia who have nothing.
- is focused on eternity.
- knows how to look up Afghanistan, Bolivia, Singapore, and Tibet, and imagines more than what they see on a map.
- eats rice!
- learns how to share the “gospel colors” and is excited about the miniature EvangeCube that can hook to a kid’s backpack.
- dreams of traveling around the world and makes sure each person has an updated passport–just in case!
- thinks about the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day–and all the people wearing green who don’t have a clue that Patrick was a missionary.
- lives in SUB-mission!
- shakes missionaries’ hands after church and invites their family over for dinner.
- knows that when the Lord guides, He also provides.
- keeps the lawn mowed, as a good Christian witness to the neighbors.
- is strategically aimed for God’s purpose.
- anticipates the excitement of the teenage years and looks forward to youth group mission trips.
- keeps active and healthy in order to be physically able to do whatever God requires.
- gives generously–even when it hurts!
- enjoys carryon luggage with wheels, final boarding calls, and airline peanuts.
- thinks beyond the box of what’s merely expected and hope to do something big (or something little) for God.
- lives for Jesus!
This article by Ann Dunagan, is an excerpt from her book, The Mission-Minded Family – Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny (InterVarsity Press).
Teaching With God’s Heart for the World – 10 PDF’s
Click here to download VOLUME 1 – Part 1 – FREE!!!
- FILE SIZE: 9.76 MB – 64 pages
- SECTION I – Welcome: Table of Contents, Dedication, Introduction, Suggested Weekly Schedule, Using the Library and Media.
- SECTION II – Building a Foundation for Missions: Our Call, Our Biblical Basis, Our Heritage, Our Missionary Examples
- FILE SIZE: 7.69 MB – 54 pages
- SECTION III – TOOLS FOR TEACHING: General Teaching Helps (with Bible Memory), Music and Missionary Songs, International Holidays, Teaching History (and making time lines), Geography and World Maps, Missionary Passport
- FILE SIZE: 10.20 MB – 72 pages
- SECTION IV – DAILY LESSON PLANS: Week 1 – The Gospel We Preach and Personal Prayer, Weeks 2-3 – Our Biblical Basis for Missions (Old Testament – Israel, New Testament – Roman Empire) Weeks 4-7: Medieval Europe, Crusades and Holy Wars, Renaissance and Reformation, Exploration and Colonialization
(NOTE: Day 1 is missing in the file. Please CLICK HERE for DAY 1.)
- FILE SIZE: 9.57 MB – 64 pages
- SECTION IV (cont.) – Weeks 8-14: WORLD MISSIONS AROUND THE GLOBE – Western Europe (home of early missionaries), Eastern Europe (the iron curtain and open doors), North America, Quakers and Pilgrims (Thanksgiving Week), Latin America, Asia (Hinduism)
- FILE SIZE: 14.55 MB – 68 pages
- SECTION IV (cont.) – Weeks 15-16 : Far East Asia (Buddhism) and The 10/40 Window
- AVAILABLE MISSION RESOURCES – Extensive reviews and photos of many mission-minded family resources.
Click here to download VOLUME 2 – Part 1 – FREE!!!
- FILE SIZE: 12.93 MB – 72 pages
- Section 1
- FILE SIZE: 11.08 MB – 74 pages
- Section 2
- FILE SIZE: 10.49 MB – 64 pages
- Section 3
- FILE SIZE: 12.84 MB – 76 pages
- Section 4
- FILE SIZE: 16.87 MB – 72 pages
- Section 5
Mission Giving: “Can’t you do just a little bit more?”
As Christian families, we need God’s perspective on finances, and a vision for how our resources can help to expand His kingdom – especially in tough times.
In our family’s living room, a small handcrafted treasure chest displays simple coins from around the world. Most of the pieces are dull and worn, while some a new and shiny. Our children often enjoy fingering the various francs from France, pulas from Botswana, and euros from Europe, to mention just a few. My favorite is an intricate gold-and-silver-colored piece from Italy, although, as with most of these coins, I have no idea of its worth. Some of the coins are no longer in circulation; some of the countries they’re from no longer exist. All are simply extra pocket change left over from years of past mission trips, each saved as little souvenirs and little reminders that money is only a temporary “little thing.” Each coin is (or was) valuable only because some government somewhere determined it would have value.
But money is also a “big thing” – and we can’t underestimate the importance of training our children to have a godly perspective toward money and financial stewardship.
Our money represents our life; our time, our talents, our education and experiences, and our priorities. In fact, if we really want to find out what is important to us, we can simply look back through our checkbooks and credit card statements over the past few months. Our true priorities are right there in black and white (or red!); and the numbers don’t lie.
It’s really very simple. If we have a heart for the Lord and for the lost, we will give our resources to glorify Him and to help spread His Gospel message; and if our children are raised with this perspective, it will affect their bottom-line attitude toward the purpose of money. Both parents and children need to acknowledge regularly that everything we have ultimately belongs to God: our life is God’s, our home (or bedroom) is God’s, our car (or bicycle, or special toy) is God’s, our money is God’s.
We’re all simply stewards of God’s “stuff.”During the Great Depression of the 1930s, J.G. Morrison urged Nazarenes to increase missionary support, as he earnestly pleaded:
“Can’t you do just a little bit more?”When times are tough, our families need to “sow in famine” (like Isaac in Genesis 26:12) and “lay up treasures in heaven” (like Jesus commanded in Matthew 6:20). Physical needs worldwide are greater than ever; orphan children desperately need help; sacrificing missionaries need continual support and prayers; and billions of people need to hear the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
During today’s economic downturn, let’s do more for the needs of world missions. Let’s be faithful stewards of the many resources God has given us, and let’s encourage our children to participate.
As mission-minded families, let’s do just a little bit more.
This article by Ann Dunagan, is an excerpt from her newest book, The Mission-Minded Family – Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny (Authentic Media). It is also published on The Christian Post’s “Better Parenting – Better Families” blog.
Exciting International Adventures!!!
Throughout the years, our family’s international travels have led to amusing encounters, humorous misunderstandings, and hilarious adventures. When we have an opportunity to share about world missions (especially when we’re talking with kids and teenagers) we often enjoy sharing a few of our funny missions stories or exciting adventures.
Being mission-minded is not boring!
Machu Picchu, Peru – South America
Right now, our oldest son, Patrick (who just completed his commission in the USMC, as a commanding officer in Ground Intelligence), is now on a ’round-the-world adventure (not as for military or missions work, but simply for a personal experience).
This week, he’s in South America; he just completed a 4-day trek to visit Machu Picchu in PERU . . . and we’re all curious where he’s heading next . . .
All across the globe . . .
In just a few days, Josh & Anna Dunagan (our son and daughter-in-law) will be heading to COSTA RICA, Central America — with Gospel Projects International — on a mission trip to distribute Bibles door-to-door with a missionary family, and to minister in street evangelism.
Our oldest daughter Christi (who is engaged to be married in June to Trae Childs — a third-generation missionary from NIGER — in West Africa) will be ministering with Ann at several DARING DAUGHTER events in March, to encourage teen girls for world missions.
and our college son Daniel (who is also engaged to be married in June to his sweetheart, Anna, and currently working in the ORU missions department) is excited about being a part a college mission outreach in June to GERMANY — in Europe.
Missions can be extremely fun!
Although international missions work often means adjusting to curious cuisine and challenging conditions, it can also be extremely fun. Our family has enjoyed Polynesian snorkeling, European museums, African safaris, Middle Eastern camel “excursions,” South American professional soccer games, and Australian boat rides. Take our word for it — or better yet, try it yourself — missions is definitely not boring!
More about our family’s international mission ADVENTURES
Balancing Missions & Family
How can we balance our passion for missions with our hearts for our homes? Do we have to choose between “raising our kids” and “reaching the lost”—or is it possible to do both?
As parents, we’re called to raise our kids; and as Christians, we’re called to reach the lost. We really can’t fulfill one of these callings, if we choose to neglect the other.
As I was writing The Mission-Minded Family, I felt especially led to evaluate the homes and family-lives of well-known missionaries. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long to realize that many missionary heroes with families were not heroes of the family. Some of the most prominent names in mission history had horrible problems at home; while other leaders (such as William and Catherine Booth of the Salvation Army or Hudson and Maria Taylor) found a powerful ministry-family balance.
As I began to delve deeper into these examples, I searched for clues and common-denominators for those godly world-changing leaders who had God-glorifying homes. And I believe I found the key. It’s PRAYER. The men and women of God who focused primarily on seeking the Lord and their personal devotion to Him (rather than focusing on a merely a successful ministry) seemed to find God’s divine balance for each day. As a result, not only did their ministries glorify God, but their families did as well.
Author and international minister Dr. David Shibley says, “The normal Christian life is anything but balanced, as popularly defined . . . The normal Christian life is high risk and high joy. The normal Christian life releases the temporal to embrace the eternal . . . God is not calling us to win the world and, in the process, lose our families. But I have known those who so enshrined family life and were so protective of “quality time” that the children never saw the kind of consuming love that made their parents’ faith attractive to them. Some have lost their children, not because they weren’t at their soccer games or didn’t take family vacations, but because they never transmitted a loyalty to Jesus that went deep enough to interrupt personal preferences.”
I want my family to have that kind of consuming love, with high risk and high joy. I want to live out my faith in a way that is not only attractive, but also compelling and irresistible! I want to be moved by the passions of God’s heart—and for my kids to take these godly passions to a deeper level. I want to hand off the baton to my descendants, and have them run faster and farther than I ever did.
Let’s raise our kids; let’s reach the lost; and let’s challenge the next generation to live for God with even greater boldness, wisdom, and effectiveness. Through Christ, all things are possible.
