"We need to pray for the boy who punched Stephen in the nose," observed a first grader. This comment came during a chapel session I was teaching on persecution. I'd just shown a clip from the beginning of Stephen's Test of Faith, a DVD for children that explains how believers in Jesus have been persecuted for their faith throughout history. Though only six years old, this chapel student got it! God wants us to pray for Christians who are persecuted. God also wants us to intercede on behalf of the perpetrators.
Lessons to Share
This year, International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is Sunday, November 8. Elementary-aged children can learn about this topic if it is presented in a sensitive manner. Here are two lessons that I've created and used in Sunday school and Christian school chapel settings. Both include real-life examples of persecution, a biblical perspective on persecution, and an opportunity for children to pray. The lesson for ages 6-10 takes about 30 minutes. The lesson for ages 8-12, which includes four s word signs, is one hour in length. Please use these activities and pass them on to others. Have you created your own lessons on this topic? I'd love to see them.
Your Partner in Children's Ministry,
Karen Hardin
