Mission-Minded Homeschooling
September is “Back to School” month, a perfect time to refocus our mission-minded families back on God’s priorities — to rekindle our love for Him and for others — and to remember the lost.
September: It’s a Time to Refocus!
We need to remember that the Great Commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and the Great Commission is to go into all the world to preach the Gospel. These are our priorities in life, and for our new school year.
How we spend our days is how we live our lives.
As Christian parents (whether we have chosen homeschooling, Christian school, or public school), we are all called to teach and train our children for God’s purposes. Other leaders in the church or community (teachers, children’s ministers, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, Bible study mentors, coaches, or tutors) can come alongside, to assist us in this calling; but the ultimate responsibility to disciple our children for Christ, is ours as parents.
Harvest Ministry has many educational resources for mission-minded families, which are especially good to note during the month of September:
PASSPORTS: Fun Mission-Minded Passport Craft ORGANIZATION: Homeschool File Folder Organizational Charts READING: Great recommended family mission reading FREEBEES: 7 FREE Mission-Minded Family Resources VIDEOS: Take the 40-Day Mission-Minded Family Challenge RESOURCES: Our Mission-Minded Books & Family Resources HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM – Teaching With God’s Heart for the World Have a wonderful mission-minded month!
In His Harvest,
Jon & AnnHand 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!
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 4Note: 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 –
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 . . .
Teaching With God’s Heart for the World – 10 PDF’s
- 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.
- 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.
Mentor Families with a FREE study guide
We see a great need to motivate Christian families for local and international missions. Harvest Ministry has put together a 4-week study guide utilizing our mission-minded set: The Mission-Minded Child, Mission-Minded Family and/or The Scarlet Cord.
MISSION-MINDED Study Guide!
Mission-Minded Families – Small Group Study Guide
Suggested value: $9.99
Available now: FREE
FREE 4-week study guide Download NOW.
(30 pages. PDF format.) Click here < < < ---
The study, designed for small groups and mentoring (for church home groups, women’s studies, families, or personal use – FREE – for a limited time).
This guide utilizes The Mission-Minded Child, The Mission-Minded Family and/or The Scarlet Cord: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus
If you are leading a small group, be sure to see The Mission-Minded Child + The Mission-Minded Family + The Scarlet Cord Our 3-Book SPECIAL — CLICK HERE
See also our new vision for Family Leadership Online!
“Missions is not just for missionaries;
God’s call is for all!”
— Jon & Ann Dunagan, The Mission-Minded Family
