FAMILY PLUS Children's - July 8

Hey everyone!

I'm at CentriKid Camp this week with our 3rd-5th graders. We are having a blast! This is a great week where I am always amazed at the kids who step out of their comfort zone and transform into different kids. Kids excel in this environment. I can't wait to share pictures with you when we get back.

In Kidstuf this week we are back to covering the topic of missions. Here are your details:

Scripture: Acts 10:1-48
Life Application: I can respect and value people from all nationalities and backgrounds.
Memory Verse: Romans 2:11 "God does not show favoritism."
Prayer for the Nations: Guatemala

Wow! What a great topic of discussion for your kids this week. We talk about this with our kids constantly. Ultimately, kids have to learn that diversity in some areas of life (race, gender, backgrounds, socioeconomic status) do not matter to God. In fact, Scripture mentions every tribe, tongue, and nation worshipping God; however, diversity in other areas of life (views on Jesus Christ, values, principles) do matter to God. Even if others differ in values, principles, and their views on Jesus Christ, we are to still respect others to the point of loving them (Matt 22:36-40).

How do your kids get this point? I'm not going to lie...this is a tough one. I am a firm believer that a major part of teaching kids is showing them and letting them experience things. With that said, here is an option:

Go for a drive to an area that is out of your context- I was speaking with our parent chaperones here at camp about this. They agreed that some of the best time to converse intentionally with their kids is in the car. They continually said that their kids go way deeper in the car than anywhere else. While on your drive, point things out to kids. Show them a life that they don't have and talk about diversity and differences. This is easy and can be done at the drop of a hat and done in a way that seems very natural to your kids. Honestly, you may want to do this every now and then to continue to teach this point.

A drive and a conversation can be powerful...don't underestimate it! Every Sunday, my father and I used to go for a drive. We have tons of stories about things we experienced. We still talk about them years later.