Kid's Happening July 2017
Hello Church Family,
Everybody say Ya, ya, ya, ya, yes, to the love of VBS! For those of you that were singing this while you read it… well, I would have to say that you are someone that has been heavily involved with our VBS this year or in years past. And for that, I want to say THANK YOU! Thank you for investing in our children and for giving of your time and energy. I know you must be exhausted but Oh how rewarding it is to see those faces light up as they sing, play, and hear of the love of Jesus. We are so very blessed to have the opportunity to host Vacation Bible School at our church. So many churches have declining numbers in attendance and have ended their programs. This isn’t the case at Oakhill! Thank you Jesus for parents that send their children and volunteers that invest in the young generation!
I read an article that spoke to me about this young generation and what our part needs to be for them. It was wrote by Tony Souder called Prayer Changes Generations and reads; Do you ever think about whether the kids in your church will still be following Jesus five years from now? How about 10? Some research indicates young people are steadily migrating away from God and the church. A study conducted by Sticky Faith shows that 40 to 50 percent of kids from healthy youth groups and families will drift away from God and the church after high school.
These statistics seem overwhelming. But there's good news, too. A recurring theme in research indicates that young people who do stay connected to church and flourish in their faith after high school have had multiple Christian adults intentionally investing in their lives. That means it's up to us to be brave and ask ourselves. “What is my role in God’s plan for the next generation?” Psalm 145:4: “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” Prayer is a way to initiate relationships across generational lines while also creating a bond that’s supernatural and lasting. One of the greatest benefits churches experience when they establish an intentional prayer plan is that they become stronger and more relationally connected.
This month I would like to ask our church to start praying for our children that are going to Kids Camp. I will have bracelets at the welcome desk with children and leaders names on them that are attending camp. When you commit to take a bracelet, be intentional with prayer. These people will need prayer for changed hearts, safety, healing, and so much more. Lets start to be a church that is intentional with changing this generation through prayer and relationships!
