Put Feet to Their Faith With a Project Through Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus!

I am happy to announce our new "Put Feet to Their Faith" Ministry focus for the month of April - Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus! You have likely been more familiar with my previous "Put Feet to Their Faith" ministries, but I'd like to encourage you to take a moment to learn about this ministry . . . you'll discover a ministry with a strong focus on helping the children and families of Belize and three unique opportunities for your children to become involved! Since the Rhodes and their ministry may be unfamiliar to many of you, I'm going to quote from their website to introduce them to you.


Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus is the vision of David and Karen Rhodes from Florence, SC.  "Karen is the Director of Children’s Ministries at Cornerstone Baptist Church and David owns his own consulting company. In 2005 they felt led to do international mission work in a third world country.  After much prayer, God led them to a small country in Central America – Belize.  That spring they were able to join a short term mission team which immediately transformed their lives.  In addition to the traditional construction and VBS activities, they were able to spend considerable time at one of the few children’s homes in the country.  It was during this time at the children’s home they both realized this would not be their only trip to Belize. This two week trip confirmed the following:  their love for and desire to serve the Lord in this country, the foundational lack of biblically based churches led by trained pastors, lack of any organized children’s ministry, lack of availability of affordable secondary (high school) education and the need for the most basic of health care.  The Lord laid a heavy burden on their hearts about these issues.  Without the church, the people are eternally lost.  Without a basic education, the people cannot be productive and support themselves and without basic health care, children die from the simplest illnesses.  They returned from this second trip and immediately began praying for direction and next steps. The Rhodes were led to establish a non-profit foundation, Coastal Christian Missions of Belize. During the past three years they have been able to return twice a year, always spending time at the children’s home and school along with providing supplies and financial support, including scholarships at the school.  They have also been able to establish a network with local missionaries and pastors, to assist them in working together for a common cause and to support each other instead of being individual silos."


A few facts about Belize -

• Belize is a beautiful, diverse country bordering Mexico to the north and Guatemala to west and south.  
• English is the official language; though Spanish, Mayan and Creole dialects are common. 
• Government sponsored education is only offered to grade 8 (4^th/5^th grade US education equal) thus putting most  14 and 15 year olds out on the streets.  
• The traditional family structure is minimal and almost 50% of the total population is under the age of 18 (literally, “babies” are having babies).
• Living conditions in most areas are well below poverty levels.
• Health care for most (especially children) is non existent. 

There are three specific ways you could involve the children in your ministry and "Put Feet to Their Faith" by helping the children of Belize. I'll tell you about two of them today and then share the other with you tomorrow! First,          Kidz Change Can Change Kidz "provides a ministry opportunity for children’s small groups to have a consistent focus and impact on missions and other kids.  The first Sunday of each month kids will bring their change to small group and drop it into a Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus"change can".  Each church is partnered with a specific Belizean church or school or both.  The change cans permit the allocation of computers, large screens, curriculum, training, and supplies for each ministry and the continued maintenance.  Change cans, envelopes and ALL supplies needed to implement this vital ministry are provided." This is a project you "can" involve the children in your ministry with - a very "hands-on" project the children will understand and be able to participate in! You could even plan special "work" days the children could help with to raise the money to put in their cans, such as car washes, spring clean-up or cookie bake sales.


Secondly, if you have ever wanted to involve the children and families of your church in actually going on and participating on a real mission trip, Family Mission Impact Journeys may be exactly what you have been looking for! "It is the Rhodes' belief that children are called to be on mission.  Belize is an English speaking country which is easily traveled to.  Families are assigned to specific villages where American and Belizean families develop relationships which will encourage and provide opportunities for them to do life together.   Belize has much to offer in the way of relaxation and fun while being affordable.  Families will find an ideal balance of ministering, fun, and relaxation. Family Impact Journey packages are available upon requests."


I am looking forward to sharing more about the Rhodes' ministry tomorrow and all month and sincerely hope you will give serious consideration to how your church and your ministry may become involved with this ministry which is making a real difference in the lives of the children of Belize!