When studying about the ministry of David Harding, one of CBF’s field personnel who helps bring clean water to people in Ethiopia, youth at First Baptist Church, Carrollton, Ga., discovered how easy it was to impact someone’s life.
By using CBF’s Ignite curriculum during Wednesday night Bible study, youth learned that for as little as $1, a person could provide access to clean water for one year. After their lesson, several youth broke off into small groups to discuss what they had learned.
“We were talking about it in our group, and I said ‘There’s a video game I’d like to buy that’s $70,” said Andrew Shackleford. “If I sent that money to Ethiopia instead, it would provide water for someone’s entire life.’”
Brian Edwards, who serves as associate pastor of students and education at First Baptist and a writer for CBF’s missions education resources, said the Ignite curriculum is material students can relate to and act upon.
“It gives them concrete examples of change they can make happen themselves,” he said. “It shows youth how they can actually help the ministry of CBF field personnel in tangible ways.”
Ways to involve youth in mission action:
• Start small – Look for opportunities to engage missionally in your local community. Choose activities that are on-going ministries, rather than one-time options.
• Involve everyone – Think about ways to involve the entire congregation and participate in mission experiences with people from all age groups.
• Get going – After local and small mission experiences, your youth may be ready to take a mission trip. Choose areas of ministry that relate to your church’s interests and passions.
• Be prepared – Help youth develop the skills they will need during their mission experience. Teach youth about listening to needs around them, working together as a team, and paying attention to God.
• Keep it going -After a mission experience, give youth multiple opportunities to discuss the challenges of the experience, what they learned about themselves, about the world and about God.
To learn more about Ignite or download a free sample visit www.cbfstore.info.