Sunday, March 27, 2011

Reaching Out: Open Doors

After seeing a post by Seven.org.za  about writing to missionaries, I did a search on the web and found an amazing organisation called Open Doors.  They help people who are Christians in countries where the gospel is forbidden or where Christians are persecuted for their beliefs.  

We also discovered that you can order a lovely game(free) which they have produced which allows you to explore and discover more about these countries and the individuals who live there, It includes a fun game with dice and miniature airplanes to fly around the world, some "did you know" questions and of course lots of funny moments.  Some of the cards suggest you pray for the nation as you play; others give you websites to go to to find out more, and even who you should write to.

All I had to do was email them and they included lots of fun activities to do with the children including information that guides children in how to write letters to persecuted Christians or children who have lost parents due to persecution.
Jesus Freaks: Martyrs: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus: The Ultimate Jesus FreaksJesus Freaks, Volume 2: Stories of Revolutionaries Who Changed Their World - Fearing God, Not Man

The fact that we are currently reading Jesus Freaks 1 and 2 (I have to be honest I don't like the titles of these books but in reality they are really very sincere short stories of martyrs past and present who have given up everything for the sake of the gospel) has made this a really meaningful activity.  Initially it can be quite challenging and alarming to read some of these stories (and of course one needs to be sensitive to the ages of your children) but we have found that it has really challenged us as a family.

Though this is part of our bible study, we included a little map work and geography (typical homeschoolers) and the children are encouraged to find the countries on our world map and we are all learning so much.  It makes our challenges in life look rather insignificant and unimportant.  We plan to start writing this week and look forward to reaching out and making a difference in the lives of others.

If you have any ideas of reaching out to missionaries or know of any missionary organisations that encourage letter writing as a way of supporting them, why not post it.

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