11 ways to help kids share their love for Jesus at
school.
Summer's over and kids are back at school. On the heels of a
fantastic summer of vacation Bible school, day camp, and retreats,
kids are more excited than ever about their faith in Jesus. How can
you keep their sizzle from fizzling at school?
It can be scary for children to share their faith at school with
friends -- no matter how on fire they are. What do they say? When
do they say it? How do they say it?
There are many fun and inexpensive ways you can empower kids to
let their light shine at school. These resources capture friends'
attention, generate conversation, and provide opportunities for
kids to share their faith.
Student Folders
Pocket folders are indispensable for preteens, and they're as
different as kids are. These folders help kids express their
commitment, and they'll love the cool designs.
Point: Be proud of your relationship with Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 9:26
Price: $1 each in packs of 24
Available from: Kerusso, 800-424-0943; www.kerusso.com
(available in Christian stores)
Inspirational Buttons
These inspirational buttons are a hot item with preteens who are
proud to express their heart for God. The powerful, hip designs
will grab attention and spark conversation.
Point: Be proud of your relationship
with Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 9:26
Price: $.50 each, minimum order of 100
Available from: Kerusso, 800-424-0943; www.kerusso.com
(available in Christian stores)
Christian T-Shirts
T-shirts that are more than just clothes. They're a symbol of what
we believe and how we want to be perceived. Let kids wear their
convictions.
Some companies offer discounted prices for quantity orders, and
Living Epistles will also imprint your church name or logo on the
shirts you order.
Consider selecting a shirt that represents your children's
ministry or the challenge you want to present to kids this
year.
Point: Express your thanks to God by sharing his message.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:12-13
Price: $8.99-$16.99
Available from: www.kerusso.com; www.onetruth.com; www.livingepistles.com; www.tshirtsforchristians.com
Evangecube Key Chain
These interactive storytelling cubes are a hit with kids. Kids can
demonstrate Jesus' message in a few quick motions, and then let
friends try. The Evangecube conveys this powerful message without
words, but it's the perfect opening for kids to vocalize their love
of Jesus.
Point: Share the message of Jesus.
Scripture: John 3:16
Price: $6
Available from: Evangecube,
888-354-9411; www.evangecube.org
Summer Time Walk With Jesus Wristbands
Consider having a wristband commitment signing party when you
present kids with the challenge of walking with Jesus. Have kids
sign one another's bands with bright permanent markers to show
their commitment to walk with Jesus and to pray for one
another.
Point: Walk with Jesus.
Scripture: 1 John 1:7
Price: (package of 10) $5.99
Available from: Gospel Light, 800-446-7735; www.gospellight.com
Fruit of the Spirit Bracelets
These stretchy bracelets are perfect for girls. Each bracelet
reflects a fruit of the spirit quality, and they're sure to pique
friends' interest.
Point: Share the qualities God values above all others.
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-8
Price: $1.49
Available from: Bob Siemon Designs, 800-854-8358; www.bobsiemon.com
Glass Cross Necklace
Girls love these colorful glass crosses, and their meaning is
unmistakable. So let the cross do the work (sparking others'
interest) and let kids do the talking.
Point: Reminds kids of Jesus'
sacrifice.
Scripture: John 3:16
Price: (per dozen) $9.95
Available from: Oriental
Trading Company, 800-228-2269;
www.orientaltrading.com
Back to SCUBA Follow-Up Kit
Whether you used SCUBA VBS or not, this all-in-one resource gives
you a complete two-hour party to challenge kids to follow God and
share their faith! Folders, bookmarks, pencils, and zipper pulls
are available.
Point: Follow Jesus.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:3
Price: $14.99, other items
priced separately
Available from: Group Publishing, 800-447-1070; www.grouppublishing.com
My Ticket to Heaven
Give kids a constant reminder of Jesus' great love and sacrifice
for us. This ticket-shaped pewter pendant comes with a bookmark
that's perforated so kids can tear off sections of their "tickets"
to share with others.
Point: God loves all of us-share the good news!
Scripture: John 3:16
Price: $2.99
Available from: Christian Teacher's Aid, 800-999-1874; www.CTAinc.com
I Am Loved Pins
These pins are available at no cost, and they come in a number of
different languages. They'll inspire talks with kids about how much
God loves us and how we can share that love with others. Give kids
pins in a couple languages, then challenge them to pass the pins on
to their friends at school.
Point: God loves me!
Scripture: 1 John 4:11
Price: Free
Available from: www.iamloved.org
One Truth Vinyl Stickers
Stickers have a universal appeal to kids of all ages-even some of
us older kids! These hip, stylized expressions of Jesus' sacrifice
send an unforgettable message. Stickers come in black, white, red,
blue, or yellow.
Point: Jesus is the only way to eternal life.
Scripture: John 14:6
Price: $2 each
Available from: One Truth, 800-799-4383; www.onetruth.com
Lynda Freeman is the editor for 'Round About the Church in
Comstock Park, Michigan.
