Growing Faith

Children in Mission for Jesus

Have you ever been told you can’t do something because you are too young or too little? Sometimes being told that is for your own good—to protect you from hurting yourself or getting involved in something that you might not be ready for. In time you will grow and learn and be able to do those things (provided they are good things) without anyone telling you anything different. But did you know that children are just as capable as grown-ups of doing amazing things for Jesus? In fact, Jesus has a special place in His heart for kids. If you have a special desire in your heart to tell others about Jesus and be part of His mission for us, you certainly don’t have to wait until you are a grown-up! Need some ideas and inspiration? Look no further than this roundup of kids from around the world who are doing big things for Jesus right now.

Joatham Tigley, age 8, is from the Philippines, and he is passionate about preaching. Whenever he gets a chance, he joins an evangelistic meeting. When the pandemic started in 2020, the Philippines was under lockdown too, with no large meetings or events taking place. However, when the Southern Asia-Pacific Division organized the first digital evangelism, Joatham was eager to participate in doing what he loves—preaching! In his spare time he has been doing his own personal ministry with his sister, with the support of their mother. Joatham loves to preach the Word of God to his friends and neighbors!

Joie Mattias is 9 years old and also from the Philippines. She is a dynamite at speaking and sharing messages of hope with many who watch her on YouTube. In 2021 Joie helped the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s Children’s Ministries Department by participating in video programs to promote such important initiatives as Enditnow, Stop Child Abuse, Global Children’s Day, and Prayer for At-Risk Children. She also raises funds to help lower-income families with school

Joie Mattias

Mia Allysandra Joatham Tigley

Rhoda Pau

supplies for their children. Look at Joie’s personal ministry Facebook page when you visit: https://www. facebook.com/dearjoie.

Rhoda Pau, age 13, is from Myanmar. She is using her talents in singing and preaching in evangelistic meetings and small-group meetings. You can learn more about Rhoda through her personal ministry Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/RhodaPau/.

Mia Allysandra, 8 years old, is from Malaysia and loves to tell Bible stories. She conducts Sabbath School storytimes every Sabbath with her family through their online ministry called Double Blessing Home Ministry. Look at Mia’s YouTube channel and see for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=5S3GRE-YJHI.

LET’S MAKE SOME PLANS!

Get a sheet of paper and pen or use a computer or iPad to create this list.

List the talents/gifts you think you have. Singing, storytelling, art, preaching, service, etc.

Think of places in the community where your talents could be used. Can you sing at a home for elderly people? Are there neighborhood kids you can tell stories to? Are there community art shows you can participate in?

With Jesus as your focus, how can you use your gifts to tell others about Him?

With your parents’ help, come up with a plan for what you will do.

With your parents as account managers, perhaps you can set up your own YouTube channel or pages on other social media platforms to share what you are doing. This is the way that your unique message about Jesus can go throughout all the world, faster than you could imagine.

Bible Treasure

“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”

Mark 10:13-16, ESV*

* Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.