The most effective on mission Christian to yourneighbor may be the one gazing backat your child in the mirror

By Tricia Goyer

When many kids hear the phrase “on mission Christian” they think of adults who work at soup kitchens or travel to the inner city to tell others about God. What kids need to realize is that we don’t have to travel out of our town to share Jesus with others—or even out of our neighborhood. Being on mission is a lifestyle, not a one-time event. In fact, when we give our lives to Jesus, He wants to use us wherever we are to spread His love with others and at whatever age. Sharing our faith in Jesus shouldn’t begin when we’re older.

Of course, it’s up to us as parents to teach and model this concept. Moms and dads can stress that the most effective on mission Christian to your neighbor can be the one gazing back at your child when he or she looks into the mirror!

One of the things my husband, John, and I have attempted to do with our children is to build within them a sense of community—connecting with people around us to share Christ. We volunteer weekly at church and in our town. We open our home to neighbors, and unchurched friends.

We’ve also reached out to John’s coworkers in numerous ways, such as creating special Christmas gifts or inviting his coworkers to a homemade lunch. We’re training our children to be on mission in our sphere of influence with hopes that as they grow older they’ll also feel more comfortable sharing Christ in their state, throughout North America, and the world.

LEARNING

Many churches have mission education programs such as Mission Friends, RAs, GAs and Acteens, but it’s also important for parents to capture teachable moments to bring the point home.

“The first thing parents must do is create an awareness,” says Jim Burton, team leader for Mission Education at the North American Mission Board. “We need to help our kids understand our world’s need for Christ and model our desire to share the good news.”

When children hear stuff on CNN, or read about a specific area, we can help them think “missions” by forming connecting points. Ask questions like, “How do you think this recent event will affect what the missionaries in that area are doing?” Or “What needs do you think those people have that missionaries can help with?”

PRAYING

It can be overwhelming to see these huge needs and feel as if there is so little we can do. There always will be neighbors, friends, and even family members who need Christ. Prayer helps children to understand we can take every need before God and trust He has the perfect answer.

The second half of praying, of course, is listening and being aware of God’s desire for us to obey in following through in reaching out to the people He places on our hearts. We tell our children that if God continues to place someone on our mind it’s time to take action, whether it means inviting that family over for dinner or even calling them up to see how they’re doing. As we model this, we see our kids doing the same. Recently my daughter asked if we could go by the bookstore to buy a Bible for her friend who was going through a hard time.

Teach your children to pray for missionaries and their needs. Go for a walk around your neighborhood and pray for each household you pass.

GIVING

In a world where spending on ourselves is the norm, giving our money to others is a good way to get our kids’ attention.

An easy way to teach your kids about giving is to start a missions fund at home. Collect loose change that you find around the house or in the laundry and store it in a jar. You can give the money you collect from January to June to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering®, and July to December to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Or have a yard sale and give the proceeds to your church’s missions fund.

GOING

Once your kids are primed to meet a need, it’s important for parents to help with the going—actually putting feet to their faith. Some families do this through summer mission trips. Many families have found this to open their kids’ awareness to those who have great needs, especially spiritual ones. Check out Families on Mission at www.namb.net/fom.

Of course, there are always other opportunities closer to home. At Christmas involve your kids in making cookies to give to neighbors with the Jesus video. Teach your kids that they can be a physical example of Jesus wherever they go. It’s important to see every moment as an opportunity to reach someone God brings into our lives. OM

Tricia Goyer is a writer living in Colorado.