Remember, You are God’s Kids and He Loves You So Much!

Who am I?

The quintessential question of identity. If we know who we are, then we can have vision and purpose in life. And more importantly, if we know who we are, we can have confidence and dignity despite what may happen in life or what anyone tells us.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus speaks of the word being like seeds. Children were encouraged to continue to learn God’s word, which would help them to grow strong in the Lord and in wisdom. We coupled that lesson with some flower planting!

One of the goals of “God’s Kids Bible Camp” this summer was to help establish that identity from Scripture. Psalm 24:1 says “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it…” (Psalm 24:1).

Many people find their identity over time, but for our Immigrant and Refugee friends who lack a “citizenship” status, it can be even more elusive. Being a stranger in a foreign land is filled with insecurities. Children of immigrants/refugees are a vulnerable demographic who will have to wrestle with identity as they navigate the various cultures presented at home, at school, and various other venues

Pictured here is a brother and sister playing with origami birds and fish from a lesson on creation and God ordering the world (putting things exactly where they belong). It was wonderful to offer the opportunities for kids to grow together with their siblings.

This summer, 24 kids from 17 Burmese refugee families participated in a weekly Zoom meeting with volunteers of G.O.D. International to introduce lessons and activities for the virtual camp. They then were provided with a video playlist of Bible stories, songs, activities, and crafts for that week. Families helped facilitate those learning times for the kids at home.

We are thankful for the help of Lulu Nhkum, a community leader, who helped organize families and deliver supplies each week. We also had teachers and mothers volunteer their time to create content for each week. Families had access to biblically-based, quality content, and children had the opportunity to see each other virtually, sing worship songs, and play games (Some children have been out of school since March because of the current pandemic).

With a world that seems so polarized and everyone wanting to focus more on what makes us different than what unites us, it has been a blessing to have been able to have served these children this summer. To remind them that they are created in the image of God and that learning his word will allow them to make wise decisions in their lives. And that no matter what anyone says, they are God’s kids.

In the final video of every week I would remind the kids of that simple truth and I hope it can encourage you today as well. “Remember, you are God’s kids and He loves you so much!”

Adding physical actions is a great way to help with memorization. Coupled with sign language, kids were able to memorize scripture, recorded by Corey Foster (BA in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education) who volunteered her time for the VBS this summer. "Remember you are God's kids and represent him to others. Make him proud!"