Service & Justice with Your Kids

On Thursday, I was reading Sticky Faith again and was reminded about another option for you during the Lenten season.  Powell & Clark share some research about helping develop a heart of service and justice in our kids.  They also talk about the growing number of youth going on mission trips, but not seeing any change long term.  They suggest it is important for service and justice to "hit close to home . . . literally, thematically, personally, and relationally."  In other words, service and justice cannot be occasional events, but instead must become part of our family's lifestyle.

As I reflect on Lent and the sacrifices that Jesus has done for me, it seems natural that part of our growth during Lent can be experienced as we as families serve others and/or seek justice on their behalf. 

So, what can you do?  There are so many opportunities for service and justice in your community and in our world.  Check out organizations like Compassion International, Samaritan's Purse, or World Vision.  Each of these have many opportunities for you as family to impact others throughout the world.  What about making cards for orphans around the world?  Or consider helping provide clean water to families around the world?  Check out Dean Dahlsten's site here.

But rather than just give money, what can you do as family?  For those in the Hesston area, consider these options:

• Local Schools
• Hesston Resource Center
• MCC in North Newton (make school or health kits-great for all ages)
• Schowalter Villa (visit, play games with or make cards for residents)
• Neighbors (who could you bless in your own neighborhood?)

I hope that as we make sacrifices personally, we better understand the greatest sacrifice of all that Jesus made for us!  I look forward to what each of us can do as families to serve and seek justice for others.