mission trips

May 27, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Giving Your Children a Heart for the World {Guestpost}

Our Life

I felt like the worst homeschooling mom ever. While other parents were taking their kids on nature walks and art classes, I was dragging my three children along with me to the pregnancy resource center that I just helped to start. Cory, Leslie and Nathan—all in elementary school—helped me to fold baby clothes and sort diapers. As we remodeled the new center, they helped rip up carpet. They held babies while I talked with teen moms. They sat on the porch and read while I met with the other leaders to plan and to pray.

Our Impact

It wasn’t until years later that I realized the impact of this time. During the morning my kids and I read many books in our homeschool, including missionary stories. And in the afternoon my children were walking with me, learning how to serve. I just wish I would have realized one important truth sooner: I was giving my children a heart for the world by teaching them about it and serving others with them by my side.

The Result

Now those three kids are all adults and each of them loves God and serves Him in amazing ways. My oldest son is teaching his own kids about Jesus, and he also leads children’s church. My oldest daughter is a missionary and teaches college in Europe, and my third oldest child had his first Christian novel published. They are an amazing example for their seven younger adopted siblings.

So how do you give your children a heart for the world? Read the rest of this post on A Reason For Homeschool!

Homeschooling is more than just an educational choice, it’s an opportunity to instill your love for God and the ways you walk that out in serving the world for Him.

Would you like more help and advice for your homeschooling journey? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners and fully devoted followers of Christ.

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschool can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer. Hope and refreshment await.

Find out more about Homeschool Basics and get your copy HERE.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

March 13, 2019 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

3 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Have you ever stopped to think about why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Did you know that Patrick was a real man who brought the gospel to Ireland? Or did you think St. Paddy’s Day was just an excuse to wear green, pinch people and talk like a leprechaun? Enjoy this guest post about St. Patrick’s Day from my friend Jennifer Deibel.

It might surprise you to learn that although St. Patrick’s Day is Ireland’s national holiday – akin to the Fourth of July – the celebrations in Ireland are much more subdued than here in America. If you came to my village, you might be taken aback at the quaintness of the day. There are no green rivers, no food dyed green and absolutely no pinching. In fact, when our friends in Ireland heard about that tradition, their response was, “That’s just mean!”

However, we can still Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in fun, while taking time to explore the deeper meaning of the holiday. Here are some of my favorite, most meaningful ways to celebrate Paddy’s Day with my kids.

1) Read/Watch the Story of Patrick and Decorate Shamrocks.

The story of how Patrick came to Ireland is packed full of action, adventure, and high calling.

My kids love this video from Veggie Tales. The history is great, and it’s entertaining. The accents are … ahem … slightly less than authentic, but it will give you an idea of how God used Patrick to lead a nation to faith in Christ. For the older kids and teens, this written version of Patrick’s story is as informative as it is interesting.

One of my favorite things Patrick did was use the Shamrock to demonstrate the Trinity. Just like the shamrock has three parts but is one plant, so God has three parts – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – but is still one God. I like to display shamrocks around the house in March to be reminded of the Truth of God’s character.

Here are several shamrock templates you can print and decorate. Or make your own!

2) Make Irish Brown Bread and Share with the Needy in Your Community.

One of the staples of the Irish diet is brown soda bread and a nice, hot cuppa tea. This brown bread is very simple to make and it tastes like nothing I’ve ever had. It is simple enough that you can make several loaves – one for your family and some to share with the homeless/needy in your area. Or take some to the first responders or emergency room staff in your area.

3 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with food. Here is the recipe I use, given to me by my Irish friend:

Irish Brown Bread

1 ¾ Cup all purpose flour
1 ¾ Cup whole wheat flour (you can use all whole wheat if desired)
3 Tbs toasted wheat bran
3 Tbs toasted wheat germ
2 Tbs old fashioned oats
2 Tbs packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 Tbs chilled butter, cut into pieces
2 Cups buttermilk (or 2 cups plain milk with 1 Tbs vinegar added; let sit for 5 min)

Preheat oven to 420 F (215 C). Combine first 8 ingredients in large bowl; mix well. Add butter, rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles fine meal. Stir in enough buttermilk to form a soft dough (you may or may not use all 2 cups). Transfer dough in a pan that has been lightly greased and floured. Bake 40 minutes, or until bread is dark brown and the tester comes out of the center clean. Turn bread out of the pan and cool on wire rack. Best served with fresh butter.

3) Use the Claddagh to Share God’s Love with Others.

You may have seen this symbol on a ring or plaque.

Photo by: Tenon Tours

The history of the Claddagh [CLAD-uh] is steeped in tradition and romance. The heart represents love, the crown loyalty, and the hands friendship. The original intention of the symbol was a promise of undying love and devotion from a man away from home, to his betrothed.

However, when I look at the Claddagh, I see Jesus. After all, what better display of love, loyalty and friendship than Christ taking our sins upon Himself and dying on the cross in our stead? As you go about your day, look for ways to share that good news with others. You could make cards with this symbol, and include a verse that explains God’s love, loyalty and friendship – John 3:16 comes to my mind. I can think of no better way to honor Patrick’s service and sacrifice than to carry on his legacy of sharing God’s love and hope with others.

So, go ahead and wear your green shirt, eat your corned beef and cabbage – though in 8 years in Ireland we were not once served that – and utter your “Top o’ the marnin’ to ya’!” if you must. But, this year, take some time to celebrate the legacy of a man God is still using to draw others to Himself and His Son.

{Prayers that Changed History}

For more information on St. Patrick and other important historical figures, check out Prayers that Changed History!

One prayer can change everything, says bestselling author Tricia Goyer in Prayers That Changed History.

Martin Luther. Sojourner Truth. Helen Keller. St. Patrick. We read their stories, and of other people like them, in history books and hear about the amazing things they did to change the world. But one part of the story is often left out: Each one of them wouldn’t have accomplished what they did without prayer.

In Prayers That Changed History, the stories of twenty-five notable people are presented along with how prayer changed their lives and changed history. Following each historical example is a biblical story that ties to that person’s life and actions, as well as ways you can use the power of prayer in your life as well. Because God isn’t done changing the world yet, and he would love to use you to make history.

{More About Jennifer Deibel}

Jennifer is your typical gal walking out her faith, loving her man, raising 3 kids and working. After 10 years in Europe, the next adventure for her family awaits right here in the United States. She has been married to the love of her life, Seth, since 2000 and is extremely blessed to be mom to two delightful girls, and one hilarious little boy. She has a deep interest in creative family worship, marriage enrichment, and the art of figuring out unfamiliar grocery stores in foreign languages. Jennifer passionately loves the Lord, her family, music, dance, writing and chocolate – though quite honestly not always in that order. She believes this world needs more women who stick together, so let’s connect and walk this road side by side! You can find Jennifer at This Gal’s Journey, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use
personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

July 6, 2017 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

How You Can Grow Your Child’s Heart for the World {Guest Post by Britta Stromeyer Esmail}

How You Can Grow Your Child’s Heart for the World

In 2015, we took our two daughters Maya and Anya to Kenya. For our oldest (then 6 years old) it was her fourth visit but the first she would remember. Her father grew up in Kenya and we have family there.

Besides fun tourist activities, visiting the national park and going to the beach in Mombasa, we believe it is important for our daughters to see how other children live across the world. We want to teach them that there are kids that don’t have a traditional family setting as they know it, and often lack many resources which we take for granted.

I still remember Maya and Anya standing in front of a shed with a hole in the ground and a small tub of water asking me what it was. Looking in their incredulous eyes, I explained it was the bathroom.

Maya who loves to draw and be creative with crafts was also surprised to learn how little the kids had to play with. At home she has an abundance of drawing paper and markers so she can pursue her passion to draw daily. There, kids that liked to draw use scraps of paper or discarded postcards to do so. Any white space on a piece of paper they found was a scared treasure.

With the recent drought in Kenya, even more people are suffering. As we began planning our visit for 2017, Maya decided she wanted to help in the only way she knows how, by drawing. She decided to collect her own favorite drawings to create a Kid-to-Kid Coloring Book and sell it to make money for her friends in Kenya.

When I look at the finished product, I am still in awe of her Imagination and creativity. At 7 years old she is determined to help those that have less because she truly dreams of a fantastic colorful world for all.

Many of the characters in her book have names. There is Rainbow Sky who thought she had lost her mother but reunites with her in the Rainbow Sky.

Cheetah Girl, Unicorn Girl and Cat Girl live in an orphanage in the wild and have to work hard every day to survive. But they never lose their spirit and special powers.

Meet Midnight who spreads her love of animals.

All of them are special to Maya and she invites other kids to create their own story around them. Her detailed drawings are not just for kids but adults that dare to dream and imagine or enjoy mindful coloring exercises. Maya’s coloring book is available via Createspace Store or Amazon. Every purchase helps and generates money for the orphans.

Through her artwork Maya wants to raise awareness and engage others in giving back. As her mother I could not be prouder and even her little sister Anya has been so supportive, exploring her inner sales guru and telling all her friends about what her sister is doing. More info on this project and fun videos from her sister on Maya’s Facebook Page.

Purchase a copy of Fantasy Art: A Kid-to-Kid Coloring Book

Maya lives in California. She loves art, fantasy characters and books. When she is not reading, she enjoys being silly with her sister, chatting with her friends or spending time with her animals.

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January 5, 2017 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Growing Mission-Minded Hearts

One of the most important directives of the Bible is Mark 16:15, which says, “[Jesus] said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” How do we know it’s one of the most important? Because these are Jesus’ parting words to His disciples. He was leaving the earth for heaven, but He wanted the work to continue. Jesus has a heart for missions, and He wants us—and our children—to have the same.

I’m a mom of ten children, ages six to twenty-seven. Having a heart for missions has always been important to me, and it’s something I’ve aspired to grow within my children. My oldest daughter has wanted to be a missionary since she was nine years old. She’s currently twenty-four years old, and she’s been living and serving as a missionary in the Czech Republic for the last four years. I asked Leslie to share ideas for how parents can raise kids with a heart for missions. Her ideas all focused on the parents’ hearts first.

1. Have a Heart for Missions Yourself. “The most important thing is for the parents themselves to cultivate a passion for missions,” says Leslie. “When the children see their parents’ heart for the lost of the world, they will have it, too.”

2. Educate Yourself. Leslie recommends parents inform themselves about mission work throughout the world. Consider taking a course such as Perspectives to learn about the state of missions and opportunities in the world today. “Perspectives is one of the best tools for exploring God’s heart for the world. Whether someone wants to go, send, pray, mobilize, or welcome, it helps God’s followers recognize the needs of the world and the commission we share.”

Click here to read the rest of this post over at thebettermom.com!

7 ways to grow mission-minded hearts in your family from @triciagoyer @thebettermom

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September 18, 2015 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Last Day to Enter Ray Vander Laan’s Experience the Bible Giveaway!

Our task as Christians is to bring “lost sheep” back into the love and safety of His kingdom. How are you doing at welcoming the strangers and prodigals the Lord longs to embrace? Learn how to work on your task with Ray Vander Laan’s Israel’s Mission, volume thirteen in the That the World May Know® DVD series. Discover the mission that can give your life—and the lives of those around you—greater meaning than you ever imagined. Filmed on location in the Middle East and elsewhere, the series will transform your understanding of God and challenge you to be a true follower of Jesus.

Celebrate the release of Israel’s Mission by entering to win the entire That the World May Know® series—perfect for working through with your family, Bible study, or Sunday school class!

One grand prize winner will receive:

All 13 DVDs in the That the World May Know® series

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 18th. Winner will be announced September 21st on the Litfuse blog.

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January 29, 2015 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

What I Learned About Homeschooling from the Kibera Slums

I had a chance to travel to Kenya with AWANA International (www.awana.org/). I knew my heart was going to break seeing the children living in poverty in the slums of Nairobi’s Kibera, but . . .

I never expected to learn so much about homeschooling from the teachers and students I met.

First, the slums are a hard place to visit. Over one million people live in a community of make-shift shacks, unsafe power lines, and filth. Channels of human waste pool down the middle of muddy pathways, and garbage is mixed in the mud. The stench caused my stomach to lurch.

A pastor friend guided us through the narrow paths and soon we came to a small courtyard. We stepped inside, and the sound of children’s voices met us. Over 200 children were packed into a small room singing praises to God.

In Kibera most children can’t afford school.

Many of the children are orphans, and they are completely left to their own devices. They would die from hunger and living in the elements, but because of caring people, these children are taken in, fed, clothed, and educated in “schools.” These schools are not part of the government. They receive no funding. Few of these schools have books, yet they have volunteer teachers and caregivers who do all they can to give these children an education.

We, guests sat on white plastic chairs as the children gave us a presentation. Because of Awana’s training in Kenya the children quoted Scripture, shared biblical stories, and gave personal testimonies of God’s work in their lives. It was amazing!

I walked away thinking of my kids and our homeschool.

Find out what I learned about homeschooling and read the rest of this post over at HEDUA.com

Passionate teachers are more valuable than curriculum! @TriciaGoyer

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September 22, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Family Volunteering: Tips & Tricks

Give back. Together.

You know the old saying, “It is better to give than receive.” For many families the best gifts they can give is the gift of themselves … through volunteering.

Family volunteering has been an interest to homeschooling advocates for years. Raymond and Dorothy Moore recommend an hour a day of home or community service. Can you imagine how your family (homeschooling or not) could impact the community by volunteering an hour a day? Even an hour a week would add up in the long run! Here’s how to start:

Fit the Activity to the Child

Expose your children to various volunteering opportunities then ask them, ‘What would you like to do?’ Give them resources, then empower them to do it. If your daughter has a lot of energy, or your son enjoys cooking, suggest an activity to match like mowing a neighbors lawn or making cookies for the family next door.

Work as a Team

“Through volunteer work, families spend quality time together, help others, have fun, communicate and develop family self-esteem,” says Lori Goudreau, manager of the Family Service Program. “Parents can reinforce family values, and kids can share their time and talents, and even acquire new skills.” A lot of what your kids can learn to do will take instruction time from you. All of that is time well spent together.

“Kids are more likely to stick with an avenue of service if they volunteer beside a parent or grandparent,” my friend Jan Johnson reminded me. Volunteering within the context of their family gives kids the security they need to reach out to others.

Be Prepared

When preparing for a volunteer activity it’s important to know what to expect.

Here are some questions to ask:

Where do we need to go?
When do we need to be there?
Who will we report to?
What are we expected to bring?
and … Why is our role important?

Knowing what to expect ahead of time will help children approach their tasks with confidence.

Having expectations will help children approach their tasks with confidence. @TriciaGoyer

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Give Feedback

Kids love to know when they’ve done a good job. After volunteering, talk to your child about the experience. Let her know how it makes you feel to see her acting in such a mature and giving nature. It will be just the thing that will make your child want to do it again.

Value the Lessons They Learn

I have discovered with my own kids that volunteering helped them establish their identity. When my daughter Leslie was 10-years-old, she used to baby-sit at our local crisis pregnancy center. In return, she discovered that her caring attitude and helping heart was valuable to many young moms in need. It’s a discovery that has impacted her as she’s grown into a young adult.

“Beyond citizenship, kids can learn so many other life-lessons from charity,” adds Kathy Saulitis, director of Kids Care, a national volunteer organization designed specifically for children. “They learn cooperation, tolerance, problem-solving, communication, self-awareness, confidence, respect for life and loyalty.”

And what mom doesn’t want that for her kids?

The same spirit that inspired President Kennedy to create the Peace Corps on a national level can be a very real part of the lives of you and your children. Your family can be a blessing to those in your community, and you’ll benefit as well!

Prayer

God, thank you for my family. Give us opportunities to give back to our community together. Give us a common love for the people and place nearby. Help us to value the lessons we learn as a team.

More Resources

Doing Good Together was founded in 2004 on the belief that when parents engage with their children in community service, they pass along the spirit of giving and goodness to their sons and daughters, strengthen their families, and create a new generation of volunteers, philanthropists, and kind, caring adults.

The Intentional Family: Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties by Willian J. Doherty

The Busy Family’s Guide to Volunteering: Do Good, Have Fun, Make a Difference as a Family! by Jenny Friedman

Wide-Open World: How Volunteering Around the Globe Changed One Family’s Lives Forever by John Marshall

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August 27, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

What I Learned About Homeschooling from the Kiberia Slums

Before I left for my summer trip to Nairobi with AWANA, I knew my heart was going to break seeing the children living in poverty in the slums of Nairobi’s Kibera

… but I never expected to learn so much about homeschooling from the teachers and students I met.

I never expected to learn so much about homeschooling from the Kiberia slums. @TriciaGoyer

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In Kibera most children can’t afford school.

In Kibera most children can’t afford school. @TriciaGoyer

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I walked away thinking of my kids and our homeschool.

Click here (HEDUA.com) to finish reading this post for a few things I recognized…

Prayer

Give me a teachable heart. Show me the value of your word. Grant me the compassion to see others around me, both near and far away, and all they have to teach me about your love.

Tricia Goyer Books On Sale! — click here for more info!

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August 14, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

3 Questions About Giving Every Parent Should Ask

This summer I was blessed to travel to Kenya to meet with some amazing men and women who are using AWANA clubs (www.awana.org) to disciple children to know Jesus and know His Word.

We visited six schools, each with 200+ students. My heart was drawn to the kids who praised God with smiling faces, even though many of them were orphans and had little or nothing of their own.

It was easy to be drawn to the kids. They were quick to jump onto my lap, to hug me, and to dance around, urging me to take their photos. But my attention also turned to the leaders, men and women who gave so much of themselves for the sake of these children.

I met pastors and their wives who lived in small houses and made beds for orphans in any available space.

I met teachers, many who taught without knowing if they’d receive an income that month. They had few books and materials, but their passion for learning was contagious. I met one school supervisor named Kennedy who oversaw one of the schools in the Kibera slums.

The school was neat and clean, especially in comparison to the conditions around it! It was a single room and four levels of students met in their respective levels in each of the corners. Most of the students had uniforms and all of them were polite, welcoming us visitors.

While meeting with us, Kennedy told us his story. He’d grown up in the slums but had managed to get out and attend high school and university. He’d graduated with a degree, but instead of finding a good job, he returned to the slums to help children. He hadn’t forgotten where he’d come from.

Over and over I heard the same thing from these dedicated adults, “God called me here. He called me to care for and teach these children.” These men and women are giving their lives for the sake of others, and their example is beautiful to me. They are beautiful to me.

The children I met knew the Word of God

…because someone took the time to teach them and train them.

The children I met loved Jesus

…because AWANA is doing what it can to reach children around the world.

The children I met are impacting their community. They are taking God’s Word to their families and friends who live in the slums. They are a light in a dark place with the help of men and women like you and me who support AWANA and the AWANA missionaries who reach communities around the world.

When I returned from Kenya my heart was forever changed, and I asked myself three questions…

Read the rest of this post on ForThe Family.org by clicking here.

When I returned from Kenya, I asked myself three questions. @TriciaGoyer

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August 1, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

July’s Instagram Round-Up!

I’m a pretty avid Instagram-er.

So I thought I’d share some photo highlights from the past month of summer travels and fun with the Goyer clan. If you’re on Instagram too, let’s connect!

Family Photo at the Dixie Stampede!

The Girls Love Exploring Iva’s Farm

Summer Days Swimming with Goggle Friends!

From Our Trip to The Living History Museum – Dress Up is So Much Fun!

I Loved Catching Up With Joanna Weaver!

A Beautiful Montana Rainbow!

From our visit to the Museum of the Rockies – Pumping Water!

These sweeties went to a different school, but they heard about us and wanted to come meet us.

See you on Instagram!

Speaking of Instagram… Let’s play a game!

My book The Kissing Bridge is a featured item in Barnes & Noble through August 18th! Next time you’re at Barnes & Noble, snap a photo of the book and post it on social media with the hashtag #iSpyTriciaG – You’ll be entered to win a $25 Starbucks gift-card and 5-book prize pack!

Only those in the US are eligible to win. Keep your eyes peeled for the winner announcement on August 19th!

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June 25, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

An Update from Kenya

At age 17, I became a teen mom…

During my pregnancy it seemed that wherever I went I felt labeled. People noticed my “mistake,” but they didn’t see my heart. Few noticed how I was seeking God, and trying to make changes. My large, round stomach was all that they noticed.

They are called slums because that’s why they are.

It’s easy to overlook what’s truly important. @TriciaGoyer

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It’s easy to overlook what’s truly important, to miss smiles and wide eyes filled with hope in a place like the Kibera slums in Nairobi, Kenya. They are called slums because that’s why they are. Small shacks are used as homes, businesses, and churches. Narrow muddy paths are lined with garbage and raw sewage runs in the ditch inches from the walking path. Yet down one narrow lane is a school. And inside the school are 200 children. It could be easy to look at the bare feet and scabbed heads, but these children didn’t give me a chance to notice.

When I pulled out my camera they were quick to pose, and then when I showed them the photo laughter erupted.

They forced me to look into their faces.

My eyes connected with theirs as I snapped photos. Wide brown eyes. Round cheeks. Shy smiles–well, at least at first.

And then a chorus of voices began to call out, “Look at me. Look at me. Look at me!” If I heard that phrase one time, I heard it one hundred. And as I left that day, I carried those faces in my mind. I carried their smiles in my heart.

In a place like Kibera it would be easy to focus on the mud, on the houses that are no more than shacks, or on the dirty sore-covered feet. But the children urged me to look at them, to see them, and to snap photos so I won’t forget.

Isn’t that they cry of all of us?

“Look at me!” We want to be seen. We want to be known. We want to be appreciated. We want to be loved.

We want to be seen. We want to be known. We want to be loved. @TriciaGoyer

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And I’m happy to saw that although these children had torn clothes, ragged shoes, and walked along these muddy, garbage-strewn paths, love was something they had in abundance. They not only had the love of their teachers, but because of Awana these children had the love of Jesus. They knew His Word, and recited it for us. They sang His praises.

When one of our team members Steve Greenwood asked the children if they knew Jesus 200 hands shot into the air. And as they laughed and play with the members of our group, their joy and love was contagious. In this world’s standards they have nothing, but because of the good news they cling to they have everything in Christ.

Romans 2:11 says, “For God shows no partiality.” His love is for those who have little, and those who have much.

I’m guilty of having much and wanting more. More clothes, more shoes, more books. But these children remind that the only thing that will truly make me happy is having more of Jesus.

I’ve crossed the globe and tonight I’m going to bed knowing that there are good people out there who are following God and going into horrific conditions to share the good news of Jesus. God hasn’t called me to move to Kibera. Instead, He’s simply called me to tell the story. He’s calling me to remember that the little I give can be multiplied into much.

The amazing thing is that there are tens of thousands of children who are involved in Awana in these slums. How is this possible? Because a dedicated Awana missionary name Bernar trains leaders, who train leaders, who train leaders. They don’t have student books or vests, but they have passionate adults who teach them Scripture and songs and share Jesus’ love.

There are some amazing organizations who feed bellies. Others put shoes on feet, and others provide clothes and medical care. Those are wonderful things, and Awana is the spiritual component to that. They focus on training up men and women who can lead and disciple children, yet it takes money to do that.

Today, you can make a difference and train a leader.

And in turn that leader can reach dozens and dozens of children. For only $10 you can impact one more child, offering them good news. That’s not $10 a month, but only $10.

Do you have $10 to share? I know I do. In fact, if I dig deep I have more than that I can share.

Consider giving to Awana today because in the end these children understand that they weren’t just seen by me. God sees them too. And this children know that and they can trust that for all the days to come.

A relationship with Jesus is the most valuable thing we own and I met hundreds of children who had that because of those of us who’ve given in the past.

And that is something to smile about!

Prayer Request…

I’m still in Africa right now! Please join me in praying for the children in slums around the world who have already accepted Christ. Pray that we would all persevere and make an impact in the locations God has placed us.

I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

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