Yesterday, Ryan had the privilege of meeting with the Dillsburg Ministerium, a great group of pastors and church leaders in the community where our US offices are located. You all know that Forgotten Voices is all about local people, local churches and that commitment extends to our own neighbors in ministry here in Pennsylvania as well. Thanks to Tom and everyone who welcomed Ryan and shared your hearts for ministry with us.

First day of preschool for daughter of Forgotten Voices volunteer Julie

Ryan’s focus at the meeting was to highlight resources developed by Forgotten Voices for kids and families here in the USA. That’s right – we’ve started to assemble quite a number of great ways for families, kids, children’s ministries etc to both engage with Forgotten Voices AND help children here learn about other cultures, expand their worldviews and see God’s heart for the vulnerable.

It’s back to school month and if you have kids, they’re now coming home with new knowledge on math, science, geography…. great stuff! The learning doesn’t have to stop there. Check out this list of resources you can use to teach your kids about their peers in other parts of the world and how God wants us to show His love. The first 4 can be downloaded for free on our website’s Downloads page.

Savannah Safari VBS Curriculum

This 5-day curriculum (designed by children’s ministry gurus who love Forgotten Voices) gives participants the chance to:

• Respond to the message of the Gospel by asking Jesus to forgive their sin and live in them
• Understand and apply Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan and his command to “love your neighbor”
• Comprehend that God desires for them to be a part of something much bigger than themselves – where they receive AND give help
• Discover how they can help others through Bible stories, puppet shows, hands-on crafts and projects
• Remember how they can help others through the “Love H.E.L.P.S. Others” slogan

VBS Missions Resource

Through interactive missions offerings, games, crafts and stories, this resource will teach your children about the lives and needs of kids in southern Africa. As they learn how God is at work in other parts of the world, your children will also gain a tangible understanding of how their VBS offering can help show God’s love to vulnerable children served by Forgotten Voices. This resource will complement any VBS program. 

Thanksgiving Cubes

These are a fun, simple craft designed to be a small centerpiece – and conversation piece – for your table. With four different designs to choose from, you can read about children assisted by Forgotten Voices, reflect on what you’re thankful for in your own life and explore ways to respond with gratefulness by helping others. These cubes are also a “piggy bank” to collect donations for Forgotten Voices in the months leading up to Thanksgiving.

Monthly Prayer Updates

At the start of each month we post prayer and praise updates from some of our partners in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Check out September’s update to guide you through a  time of prayer and praise for the church and children in southern Africa.

Orphan Sunday

This year Orphan Sunday will be held on November 4th, so now is the time to start planning. Check out the various resources and ideas to mark this day on the Orphan Sunday 2012 website. A great idea for families is the Orphan’s Table. Orphan’s Table is designed to bring together families, small groups and/or churches so you can share a unique experience from the life of an orphan. We hope you’ll be led to prayer, worship and stirring conversations around the table – sharing this meal served daily to thousands of orphans around the world. Make your order online by October 12 to receive the following:

• An easy-to-cook meal package—the same food to feed orphans worldwide.  (Prepared by boiling.  Instructions included.)
• An Orphan Sunday Prayer and Discussion Guide to help you make the most of this experience.
• Special Forgotten Voices Information.

The cost is simply a donation of any amount to cover expenses.  ($5.00 will cover the shipping costs of one order - which serves up to four people.)  

Tags: children, education, families, orphan Sunday, resources, VBS
Filed under: General Blog