Bible Marathon

Back in October I posted a blog about Bible reading, and making it a part of our kids lives. Over the last week or so I have been developing a Bible reading plan for our Children's Ministry. Here's the idea:

• All kids who attend Bethel are going to be encouraged to make reading God's Word part of their daily lives.
• We, together, are going to read the New Testament all the way through from January to December, 2010.
• Parents of kids that aren't able to read yet are encouraged to read TO their children, allowing the kids to still follow the plan. Even if your kids are babies and toddlers, read to them!
• All of our kids can earn rewards every 2 months for bringing in their completed Bible reading plans. I'm saving a really awesome reward for those who stick to it all the way until December!

As I have been going through the New Testament, preparing this plan, I realized, once again, that there is some things weaved throughout God's Word that are hard for kids to grasp. There are things that will provoke conversations with your kids and move you out of your comfort zone a little. Even if your kids aren't understanding every word, imagine the impact reading God's Word every single day will have in their lives!

Over the next two weeks, I am going to be talking about this plan to your kids at church. It will make it's debut on December 20th, and will be available throughout the year. I do want to encourage you to grab a copy before January 1st so you can start with the group. I imagine the starting line of a marathon; we are all there ready to take on this challenge. Remember that it's not a sprint. It will take endurance and encouragement.

I believe by our kids reading or hearing the Word every single day, it will begin to transform their lives. Our Bethel kids are going to be growing in their relationships with Christ in exciting ways.

What do you say? Will you and your kids meet me at the starting line?