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SEPTEMBER 2020 | Personal UPDATE
ARTICLE
Ron Matsen President, Koinonia House
F
or years I have explored the idea of creating material for kids that taught them critical thinking skills. While living in England in 1995, I was given a chance to make a Bible presentation to the local middle school students during one of their morning assemblies. That gave me the chance to try and create something that had been swirling around in my head for a long time. That opportunity birthed the first of a series of “You Decide” presentations. I began the presentation by telling the children, “You are a Scientist. You must decide which came first; The Chicken or the Egg.” The excitement that was generated in the hall that day sparked a passion in me to prepare this young generation of future adults with a skill that was not, in my estimation, being taught. Over the years of ministry partnership with Chuck Missler, I have witnessed the benefit of not just teaching people the Bible but also teaching them how to learn for themselves. The motto of Acts 17:11 stands as a core belief and practice within Koinonia House. Therefore, teaching people how to think is as important as teaching them what to think. Lessons from the Lockdown During the months of forced isolation during the first half of the year here in New Zealand, my wife and I had plenty of time for reflection and vision casting. The lingering desire to further develop materials for kids was once again rekindled. By the time we came out of lockdown, we were ready to get active within our local community. One of the first opportunities that presented itself was for us to start a regular Bible study at the River Lodge on Friday nights. After the first night’s study, VOLUME 30 | ISSUE 09 |
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