Regardless of how much we own, Jesus teaches us to be poor — or humble — in spirit. World Vision’s work is motivated by our shared desire for others to know God’s grace and experience the fullness of life He offers. Whether it’s giving children’s faith a solid foundation or supporting parents and churches, we do it out of thankfulness for Christ’s saving love and a desire to reflect His light to the world.
Our goal when we leave communities is that families and faith leaders are thriving and engaged to continue spiritual and physical transformation. Join us in prayer for children’s faith.
Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.—Jesus, Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
In Honduras, World Vision’s Christian discipleship programs focus on children. Through the Raising Children with Tenderness program, World Vision staff help parents discover new techniques to rear their children with love and tenderness.
Jenery started attending the Raising Children with Tenderness workshops first as a volunteer. But she started listening to the talks and wanted to join.
Maritza Valladares is the coordinator for the workshops. She says the program seeks to tackle the root causes of poverty in Honduras with love. “We want to see our children feeling affection since they are in the womb. From that moment, they need to feel valued in order for their physiological, sociological, emotional and psychological development to be complete. For them to be free with their emotions, [to] be loved, and [to] be able to express love and divorce themselves from violence,” she says.
After hearing the teaching, Jenery began to analyze her own life and question why she acted the way she did. Her 3-year-old daughter, Janie, gets to reap the benefits. She wanted to share her learnings with others and would encourage them to attend the classes themselves. “I tell people give yourself that gift,” Jenery says.
Pray for godly teachers and leaders.
Teachers have a tremendous ability to influence the direction in which a child goes as they grow. When they are equipped with the proper tools, they can work alongside parents to provide children with a strong foundation in faith.
Lord, inspire more leaders to step forward and teach the next generation how to lead and love others in Your name. Strengthen and equip them to show Your love to the precious children in their communities.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach.” —Romans 12:6–7 (NIV)
Pray that children will encounter Jesus in tangible ways.
Faith in action is a powerful lesson for children. World Vision’s Channels of Hope curriculum equips faith leaders to enable a Christian response in addressing vital community issues that affect children.
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing people with strong faith to reach the hearts of children as they seek direction and purpose. May children recognize Your power in their lives and choose to follow You like the first disciples did.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” —Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Pray for children to integrate biblical values into their daily lives.
World Vision equips parents through its Celebrating Families program to be loving guides in their children’s faith, applying biblical principles of raising children, forgiveness, and healthy relationships. This helps to create a strong family foundation where children can grow up feeling nurtured and understanding their value in God’s eyes.
Lord, sanctify those who commit their hearts to Your lordship. Counsel them as they seek direction from Your Word. Transform their minds so they may become contagious followers of You.
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” —Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)
Tom Costanza and Laura Reinhardt of World Vision’s U.S. staff contributed to this article.
