Kids Helping Kids

For a good solid month, my daughter asked every day to go to Five Below to get another Squishy Dumpling toy. She had gotten her first one and knew how hard it was to find them. She was set on a mission to find more before they sold out again. It made me think of my obsession with Amazon, and the ease of getting anything I need (or don’t need) with the click of a button, and sometimes it’s at my door within hours! 

This “I want more” mentality that both my daughter and I were displaying reminded me of Jesus’ warnings about the abundance  of possessions in Luke 12:15. He says, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Living generously brings a deep-rooted joy, and draws us closer to the heart of God.

Our friends at The Humanity Share (THS)  have introduced us to girls in Kenya who dream of becoming doctors, teachers, and journalists, among others. Right now, tough circumstances and unfair expectations often close the school doors before those dreams get a fair shot. THS is helping keep those doors open — covering school fees, uniforms, and mentorship — so a girl who's determined to learn gets the chance to become who she's meant to be.

This Sunday is our next Giving Sunday, and this week is a great time to prepare your kids by talking about why we give — it's a conversation that can become a simple discipleship moment, helping them see that they get to give freely, just as Jesus gave freely to us (see 1 John 3:16). Ask them what they want to give, and watch how God leads their young, eager hearts.

Our kids will be praying for three of our friends in Kenya— Faith, Deborah, and Joliet. They can bring something from home, and no gift is too small — money is just one option. These girls love getting mail, too, so your kids can draw pictures or write letters to go in the giving box alongside any monetary gifts.

——

Written by Rachel Shoemaker, Minister for Family Discipleship