September 2009
Making Children's Sabbath Sunday Last All Year Long
By David Webb
Children's Sabbath Sunday, which will be observed on October 19, 2009, gives many United Methodist churches the chance to unite with congregations of other Christian denominations to share a simple but important message: Jesus still welcomes all children.
Some churches may have an elaborate service. Youth leaders may read Biblical lessons or offer their perspective on how Jesus still welcomes them. Other churches may have a simpler observance. They may offer a special prayer for young people throughout the world.
But why stop with one service? United Methodist congregations can make the message of Children's Sabbath Sunday last all year long. One way to do so is to support Global Ministries' missionaries working with children throughout the world. Youth and adult groups can find a missionary or project to sponsor together, or consider starting a friendly competition to see who can offer the most support.
Either way, 100% of gifts to mission through The Advance go to their designated purpose! Visit www.advancinghope.org to find more information about any of the following, as well as other missionaries and projects:
- Jennifer Battiest, Advance #3019703
Director of the Clinton Indian Church and Community Center in Clinton, Oklahoma. The center works with children of the Cheyenne/Arapaho Nation. - Children Poverty and Violence, Advance #14680A
More than a billion children survive on less than $1 per day, and millions die of preventable diseases each year. The project assists children harmed by poverty and exploitation. - Randy Hilderbrandt, Advance #982961
Director of Youth Ministries and Workcamp Director for the Jubilee Project in Sneedville, Tennessee.
Courtesy: Rachael Barnett
Advocate of the Month
Eleanor Sams
Eleanor Sams is eight years old and has a heart of empathy and wisdom that surpasses her age. After learning about Ethiopia in school, she decided she could help and sent a gift to mission. Read Eleanor's letter (PDF: 1pp, 320K).
The vast majority of Ethiopia's population suffers from poor health and limited education. Eleanor's gift went to the Kambata-Tambaro Family Preservation Project, through which parents and caregivers gain skills that enable them to keep, or be reunited with, their children.
In this time of global economic challenge, God's abundance remains. With your gifts, combined with gifts such as Eleanor's, mission takes place in Ethiopia and around the globe. At such a young age, Eleanor has begun early, already offering gifts to those in need.
--Reprinted from Stewardship in Mission, Summer 2009
Photo: Eleanor Sams
Courtesy: Jennifer Cerven
Did You Know? 
Missionaries Who Work with Children in Africa
- Elmira Sellu, Advance #14019Z
- Hyung Ran Song, Advance #13933Z
- Shimba Mulunda, Advance #13963Z
- Kenya Project for Education and Spiritual Growth, Advance #3020436
To find out more about missionaries who work with children around the world, please go to: www.advancinghope.org
Photo: Global Ministries missionary Shimba Mulunda
Courtesy: Paul Jeffrey
Featured Resources
Covenant Relationship Brochures
Congregations or individuals can enter into a Covenant Relationship with a missionary. The brochures provide additional information and forms to complete.
Thank you for giving generously through The Advance. Your gifts truly make a difference!
Send This to Someone Else
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