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This site features information for leaders, parents, and girls about the WMU® missions organization, Girls in Action®, for girls in grades 1 to 6.
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Choosing a Missions Project for Your Family
by Patti Williford When we include the whole family in a missions project, we teach the next generation the importance of missions. Teaching by example is a powerful way to help children understand. We can tell stories or talk about our experiences, but when they experience it themselves, they will be changed forever.
How do you choose a project for the whole family? First, pray as a family and talk about what kind of project you would like to do. There are many opportunities through local churches, associations, missions organizations, and community groups.
What do I need to think about when I plan a missions project with my children?
• Age of the children. Young children can have a part, but you should find something close to home. Long trips and having a lot to do can make children tired and unhappy. This can keep everyone from doing their best work.
• Ability. Helping to build a church is great for a family with teens, but probably not for younger children. Look for a project where everyone can help in some way.
• Talents and interests. Think about what you and your children do well. Think about things you already like to do. Helping in a resort ministry would be great if your family likes being outside. Helping at a food bank may be a better choice if you prefer being inside.
• Personality. Some children love to be around people. They do well in crowds. Passing out tracts and bottled water at the fair may be a wonderful project for them. Other children are quieter and do not like crowded places. A perfect project for them may be taking food to a needy family. They may like to clean the yard for a person who cannot do it himself. They can write letters to encourage missionaries.
• What they are able to do physically. Before you plan too much, find out what the work will include. It is important that children are successful in the work you are going to do.
Two special opportunities
• Every February, churches across North America celebrate Children’s Ministry Day. This is a day for children to do “hands-on” ministry. Many churches will work in missions activities to give children an opportunity to help people in their community. Please visit www.childrensmissions.com/childrensministryday.asp to learn more.
• FamilyFESTSM, a ministry of WMU®, is for families with children who are at least six years old. For information, please visit www.wmu.com/VolunteerConnection.
This article reprinted with permission from Missions Plan Book 2008–2009.
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