In much of East Africa, there's a tendency to discourage children from making a personal commitment to following Christ until they're twelve or older. The fear is that they won't fully understand and might fall away and not recommit.
It has been a challenge to speak into this, looking at western statistics where we see that most committed adults became Christians in childhood.
A friend of ours in Canada has written, what I would consider to be one of the best books on learning how to hear God.
On its release, his son proudly took a copy to school and read some of it out for show and tell. Shortly after, he challenged his dad to write a version for kids, which he did. I have a copy of the kids' version here (Children - Can You Hear Me?) and used it in class with the tribal church planters. They loved it, so I asked Brad if we could do a Swahili version, along with African illustrations. It'll be great if we can do it, as it cuts through the religious veneer and presents Jesus in very approachable and real terms. I suspect adults will benefit as much, if not more than its intended audience!
Tomorrow I'll be teaching some CHE (Community Health Evangelism) material on parenting, addressing five areas - the Theologies of Suffering - suffering is normal (not new to most in these parts), Work (work is a privilege not a curse), Stewardship (managing one's life wisely), Holiness (making wise choices) and Grace (how to live grace-filled lives).
CHE does wonderful work in the area of teaching, training and development ... cutting-edge thinking and resources. Check them out (www.lifewind.org).
It has been a challenge to speak into this, looking at western statistics where we see that most committed adults became Christians in childhood.
A friend of ours in Canada has written, what I would consider to be one of the best books on learning how to hear God.
On its release, his son proudly took a copy to school and read some of it out for show and tell. Shortly after, he challenged his dad to write a version for kids, which he did. I have a copy of the kids' version here (Children - Can You Hear Me?) and used it in class with the tribal church planters. They loved it, so I asked Brad if we could do a Swahili version, along with African illustrations. It'll be great if we can do it, as it cuts through the religious veneer and presents Jesus in very approachable and real terms. I suspect adults will benefit as much, if not more than its intended audience!
Tomorrow I'll be teaching some CHE (Community Health Evangelism) material on parenting, addressing five areas - the Theologies of Suffering - suffering is normal (not new to most in these parts), Work (work is a privilege not a curse), Stewardship (managing one's life wisely), Holiness (making wise choices) and Grace (how to live grace-filled lives).
CHE does wonderful work in the area of teaching, training and development ... cutting-edge thinking and resources. Check them out (www.lifewind.org).
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