30 March 2010

This year the twelve, grade 5 and 6, girls in our dorm come from six different nationalities! But growing up in Africa as MKs (missionary kids) gives them a common bond, and butter-fried and salted flying ants for evening snack is something they all got excited about! There’s rarely a dull moment as we teach them, care for them, play with them, and pray with them, and we need your prayers to remain full of the fruits of God’s Spirit as we carry out this weighty responsibility! - The Battermanns, serving at Rift Valley Academy, Kenya

Though this statement comes from the Battermanns who are serving children and their parents in east Africa, it is a comment that could be echoed by any of the SIM workers who have dedicated their lives to give SIMers children and many others a chance to receive a quality education all around the world. Whether they are teaching and mentoring children in Asia, Africa, or South America, it is not an easy job, and they certainly need the Spirit of God to help them with the task at hand.

But they have another need as well—they need people to join them in accomplishing the work! SIM is active in more than 50 countries around the world and among its priorities has taken up the rewarding task of educating thousands of children. Perhaps Hannelore Zimmermann, SIM's Champion for Children's Ministry, explains the need best:

SIM has made children’s ministry one of its priorities. I’m personally convinced of the importance of children’s ministry and know that many feel the same. Certainly in heaven there’s joy over every person who “comes home,” whether child or adult. But if we want to think strategically as a mission, we need to make a strong effort to reach out to the next generation—the generation that will impact churches over the next 50 years. If you want to change the world of tomorrow, you need to reach the children of today.

Get Involved

If you are passionate about educating children, teens, or adults, SIM invites you to join in one of the many opportunities we have for you to exercise that passion! Engage with students at one of our Community Schools, or serve MK and International Students, or if you prefer join our team of professors who concentrate on Theological Education. We look forward to serving in mission with you!