Open Your Child's Eyes to the World

Sally Ferguson's worldview informs everything she does, including how she parents. In this Parenting UPGRADE, she notes the pull of the world and suggests some ways we might open our children's eyes to the world in a godly way.

“Our children are exposed to the world’s view of life through television and the internet," Sally says. "I wanted to find a way to help them see God’s view of the world."

I (Dawn) love this approach to parenting. The world wants to open our children's eyes, but not always in the way we appreciate! How much better that parents think proactively and give their children a view of the world from heaven's perspective, especially a view of missions.

Sally continues . . .

Every time I travel to Uganda, I marvel at the joy I see in believers. Our view of trials is vastly different and worthy of note.

We have a lot to learn from our brothers and sisters around the world—their view of possessions does not dominate their view of their wealth.

How can a mom translate that to her children and cultivate a Christian worldview?

Open Your Child's Eyes to the World

1. Explore, Don't Shelter.

My peacekeeper personality has always wanted to shelter my children from the dangers and drama of this world. Instead, the news infiltrates all of society.

If we let it, this becomes an opportunity to discuss a Christ-like response to the events of our day.

Explore ideas. What are some ways you can talk about school shootings and political character assassinations? How can a Christian respond with faith rather than fear?

• Research topics together with reputable organizations like Answers in Genesis and Focus on the Family. (1)
• Take a road trip and visit The Museum of the Bible for perspective. (2)

2. Grab Their Passion.

Missionaries on furlough travel to share their experiences. Contact them ahead of time to fit into their schedule. You have an opportunity to hear their stories over a meal or an outing. You’ll find contagious enthusiasm about the world from their vantage point. (3)

When our missionaries and their four children came to our home for a visit, my kids had a grand time playing and hearing about life in Africa.

We took them to a state park where they enjoyed the lush scenery and hiking paths. It was a win for all.

3. Encourage Their Questions.

Spark your child's curiosity by looking up the location of missionaries on the globe. (4)

• Talk about the details of traveling there, living there, and interacting with the culture.
• What do they eat?
• What language do they speak?
• How do they get to school?

My friend Dani hosts dinners for her children. They:

• research a country,
• wear costumes to imitate the local style,
• eat native foods,
• and practice some words in the language of that country.

Her children are learning to embrace other cultures.

4. Stamp your Passport.

The family that travels together celebrates life!

We are a part of an intricate human race. Open up a world of possibilities to your children by taking them on missions trips. Not only does a team invest in the culture, but it also invests in each other as a support system while together.

Your child will connect with adults who have a mindset to serve and learn.

When you immerse yourself in another culture, you experience it with all five senses on high alert.

People become more than names—they take on the warm flesh of humanity.

One of our church trips to Africa included three family units. They created a lifetime of memories in their travels and made room in their hearts for others. Thirteen years later, those families still talk about the adventure they had together.

5. Lead by Example.

Children imitate what they see us do.

Our involvement with global issues informs their willingness to get involved. Inspire them to think outside the box.

• Could they set up a lemonade stand or mow lawns to raise money for child sponsorship?
• Could they draw pictures or write to encourage a child across the globe?

My friend Debbie includes her granddaughters in visits to shut-ins. They make someone else’s day with their artwork while learning to serve.

As a country, America has been blessed with abundance. In Romans 15:27, Paul says it is right for us to share our material blessings with those who bless us spiritually.

I have seen a wealth of joy come from the most humble of circumstances and realized I am the impoverished one. We could never outgive that gift of joy.

Let your children experience the world with you—in tow.

Let faith inform your conversations and provide a solid foundation as they move toward adulthood.

Instead of raising worldly children, let’s raise world-class Christians.

How will you show your child the world?

Sally Ferguson is a teacher of God’s Word and a student of people. Whether leading retreats or small groups, she loves to see the light shine when hope abounds. Sally lives in western New York with her husband and her dad. Her current project is a Bible study for caregivers. Catch up with her at sallyferguson.net.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Alexa's Fotos at Pixabay.

References in the article:

(1) https://answersingenesis.org/,  https://www.focusonthefamily.com/culture/

(2) https://www.museumofthebible.org/k-12-programs

(3) http://upgradewithdawn.com/blog/2022/4/12/how-to-champion-your-missionaries.html

(4) http://upgradewithdawn.com/blog/2021/9/10/helping-your-children-dream.html

How to Champion Your Missionaries

Sally Ferguson helps people see the wonder in the simple moments of life when they are yielded to God and based in the truth of God's Word. In this Ministry UPGRADE, she gives us insight into missionaries' needs, and how we can help in practical ways.

"The young widow burst into happy shouts," Sally said.  

"Our team stared speechless as she showed us her empty jar. There was no food for her table tonight, but our bag of provisions became her sustenance."

As a missionary wife, I (Dawn) so appreciate Sally's heart for missions. I agree with her about the many ways Christians can bolster missionaries and their work for the Kingdom of God.

Sally continues . . .

I had the privilege of seeing an Elijah moment (1 Kings 17:7-16) in person. Not only did God answer her prayer for food, but He answered ours, "to be the hands and feet of Jesus."

This wasn’t my first trip to Uganda, but it was the first to see something like this—and we were in awe of what God had done.

Missionaries are often put into tough spots as they seek to balance the needs they see before them, and their own need for healthy boundaries.

How do they juggle a desire to help everyone they see, with the limited resources they manage?

Tim Stevenson* says,

"You can’t fix everything, but you can help someone. Focus on that which you can do and leave the rest."

Tim and Colleen* have certainly helped many in over thirty years of serving in Uganda, through construction, establishing schools, developing sponsorship programs, and training pastors. Their leadership is known and respected throughout the country.

Maybe you’re thinking you can’t be a missionary like Tim and Colleen? Did you know missionaries depend on folks back home to be their emotional support as well as for prayer backing?

Here are three ways we can partner with our missionaries from afar.

1. Go

Many missionaries welcome work teams to join in the work. The partnership enables a bigger return for the time investment, and, in linking arms together, lightens their load.

Visiting teams benefit from the experience of seeing the endeavor firsthand and leave more blessed because of the opportunity to serve.

Over the last twelve years, our church has sent work teams to Uganda and Alaska, and eye clinics, pastoral training, and grief counseling to Uganda. Each person returns home with a keen appreciation for the amenities we take for granted and for people who serve long-term in other cultures.

The trip enables people to take ownership in the calling of missions and puts a personal bent on what mission assignments look like.

The Holy Spriit equips us to go as God’s ambassadors (Acts 1:8).

2. Greet

When missionaries take a furlough, it is not a vacation.

The furlough usually involves extensive traveling to home base churches to stay in contact with financial and emotional support. Many times, these stops include speaking and recruiting new supporters.

It is an exhausting life and a place where you can step in to provide a reprieve.

Do you have . . .

• an extra car in the driveway?
• a spare bedroom where they can relax away from itineration?
• extra seats at your dining room table?

Missionaries need time away with their family, as well as time with your family.

Could you take them to see . . .

• a baseball game?
• a state park in your neck of the woods?
• a local wonder?

Hospitality is more than opening your home. It is opening your heart to welcome another in. Even a picnic can be the best medicine when the conversation is sweet.

Practice hospitality (Romans 12:13).

3. Give

All missionaries feel the sting of financial restrictions. They yearn to meet the needs they encounter every day and yet not have the resources to match their desire to help.

That’s where we come in.

We can give out of our excess, or we can give sacrificially, depending on our ability.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says God loves a cheerful giver, but what it doesn’t say is giving makes you cheerful.

The act of generosity is contagious and heart lifting.

Yes, a need is met, but your needs get met, too, because we’re all wired to serve. It’s like a release of endorphins that creates a party in your heart!

Ask your missionaries about their projects.

Ours have ministries to families of AIDS victims, sewing programs, shoe apprenticeships, hair dressing, and catering training, school construction, well drilling, health facilities, child sponsorships and widow visitation. Yours may have that or a myriad of other outlets.

Let your dollars and cents add up to treasures for the Kingdom.

Paul said, Your gifts are pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18).

Most of all, missionaries, like all people, need to be reminded they are cherished for who they are, and not for how much they can burn out. 

Encourage them in sickness and health, in poverty and wealth, and in their full pursuit of God. You will be blessed by their gift of friendship and have a front row seat to many more Elijah moments!

How will you bolster your missionaries?

Sally Ferguson loves to dive into God’s Word and splash His refreshing water onto others. She speaks and writes with a look at snapshots of life in the sunshine and in the storms. Sally plans women’s retreats and she’s working on a Bible study for caregivers. She lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, New York, with her husband and her dad. Visit Sally at her website.

* Learn more about the ministry of missionaries Tim & Colleen Stevenson — https://heartofourafrica.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Antoni Shkraba at Pexels.