Colossians 3:17

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Lessons in Thankfulness


Last week Adel traveled with a team from church to serve the people of Honduras.  
Here are 2 links to 2 slideshows that show what he did there:

While he was gone, the kids and I (along with some very dear friends) spent a week learning about life for the poverty-stricken kids there.  

The kids were impressed with the trunks of soccer balls and medical supplies that Adel would be delivering to Honduras.


Those family members who do not go on a mission trip can still participate in the  mission experience.  Our kids have no idea that the things they take for granted are often things that most of the world does without.  Here are some ideas for how to use the Honduran mission as a launch-pad for awareness and heart-change in our own children (and us).  

Feel free to use and adapt any of the ideas here.  They are intended as a starting point for your own family experiences and discussions.  As you lead these activities and discussions, keep in mind that the purpose is not to incite guilt in our kids for their attitudes or for their blessings.  Rather, the purpose is to open their eyes to how truly blessed they are (something all of us in this culture easily lose sight of) and to ask the question of how can we use these blessings for God’s glory.  Also remember that while parents can and should provide opportunities for growth, heart-change is God’s business.  Pray during this week that God will change your heart and your kids’ hearts as you support your family member on mission, and learn about how blessed you truly are.  

These lessons are organized for families to do one each day during the week when a family member is on a mission trip.  However, they could be done at any time and in any way.  Some other ideas are:
  • Plan ahead and combine all the elements (stuff, housing, food, electricity, and water) in one day.  Spend the rest of the week selling toys or earning money (car wash? yard work?) to donate to World Vision.  Through World Vision, you can purchase clean water or an animal for an impoverished family that will help bring them food and a livelihood. 
  • Calculate how much money you spend per week on food, entertainment, and electricity.  For a week, turn up the temperature on your AC, eat much more simply, and only choose no-cost entertainment.  Donate the money you save to World Vision or another charity.
  • Check out Hope For Honduras and see if there is another way your family can get involved.
  • Find or create a ministry where you and your kids can serve together.

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