Treasure the Children

Posted by GatewayGrace on September 10, 2011 in From the Pastor, Whispers of God | 0 comments

As I write this, I am back in Singapore on a second trip this year.  This time it is to speak at a summit of 800 leaders from 91 nations who have gathered for the 4-14 Global Summit III.

4-14 stands for children from the ages of 4 to 14 (though we also include their older brothers and sisters) who are at risk all around the world.  Consider…

[] 600 million children (26%) live in extreme poverty,

which means no food, pure water or shelter.

[] 20% of babies around the world die due to

impure water, hunger and preventable diseases

at a rate of 21,000 precious lives per day.

[] Millions of children are sex slaves around the

world, and theUnited Statesis one of the top

perpetrators of the hidden scandal of human

trafficking.

I could stun you with even more staggering statistics regarding slum children, kidnapped child soldiers, rape, abuse, abandonment and more, but you get the picture.  We need to protect, rescue and treasure children!  That’s what the summit is about.  We gather to compare notes, marshal our resources, network with one another, and strategize how to inspire more people to join the cavalry with prayer, ministry, financial support, and active participation to rescue and treasure children physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The good news is that the Lord has been successful in using His people and sympathetic others to make headway.  While 26% of the world’s population live in extreme poverty, it is down from a staggering 52% as recent as 1981.  And it used to be that 40,000 children were dying per day, though it is still a heart-breaking 21,000 per day.

But more and more churches are becoming part of the 4-14 Movement to rescue children.  For example, in Latin America, the number of participating churches has grown from 300 in 2005, to 1000 in 2008, to 20,000 in 2010, to 32,000 as of September, 2011!  In short, we are in the middle of a global mighty move of God!!

And so, we continue the rescue!  My niche in this historic surge of holistic evangelism is to write, travel, and speak regarding the ultimate need of children – healing their shattered souls (StoryofGodandMan.org), even as we also meet their immediate needs by providing food, shelter, clothing, pure water, and medical care.

If you would like to know more and maybe even get in on what God is doing for kids, Google search Compassion International, World Vision, or 4-14 Window Initiative.  Or, if you prefer a local touch, call us at 561-2550 to join us in our efforts or contribute (just write “4-14 Movement” on the memo line).

One last thought: the 4-14 effort begins at home, my friends.  Engage with your children.  Mentor them in the ways of the Lord to keep them drug- proof and focused on what is good.  Our church is totally committed to help you do that very thing.  The fact is, we need each other.   Life is too dangerous to travel alone.  See you Sunday!

For the children with you,

Pastor Mark

Pastormark@gbcfm.com

StoryofGodandMan.org