In part three of this series, we continue to reflect on God's power at work within us and countless others to pursue a vision for the next generation beyond one church, beyond mere curriculum, and beyond borders. The Lord has seen fit "to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20, NASB) for 25 years. We look forward with confidence in the praiseworthy work of God and strive to accelerate Truth78’s mission to reach more homes and churches for the comprehensive discipleship of the next generation.
God is doing abundantly beyond all we ask or think.
“You are just going to have to write the curriculum,” was David’s response after seeing me search through a large amount of Sunday school material, only to find nothing that resonated with our desire to give children a big view of God and a comprehensive understanding of the Bible. In spite of the fact that I had a degree in Christian education and many years of homeschool experience, I felt ill-equipped. So my reply was, "I think I will keep looking." After many trips, several armloads of curriculum, much discouragement, and the repeated comment that I should write the material, I objected, "I don't know how to write Bible curriculum.” David came back with the zinger: “Well, God knows how. Just ask Him.” How could I argue with that?
With fear and trepidation, constant prayer, and a used laptop from a garage sale (It’s true!), I started writing. Jill soon became a faithful, like-minded partner and began writing with me. That was 25 years ago, when we simply had a burden to provide a discipleship ministry to the children and parents in our church. We knew little about how God in His sovereignty would use this step of faith for global reach and impact. What we have experienced since has been a true Ephesians 3:20-21 reality!
My Purpose Will Stand
If I had to choose a favorite, My Purpose Will Stand: A Study for Children on the Providence of God stands out as a key curriculum I’ve had the privilege of writing. This study explains both the nature and the extent of God’s providence, which is one of the most critical doctrines of our faith. Children learn that God has the right, power, wisdom, and goodness to rule this world well and that He is actively involved in governing all things to fulfill His purposes—for His glory and the good of His children. If a child understands God’s sovereign and purposeful control over all things as well as His goodness, it puts everything else in life in proper perspective. This is one of the most comforting and faith-strengthening theological concepts we can teach our children.
Reaching the Nations
God’s purposes do indeed stand, and His plans extend beyond our corner of the world to every nation, tribe, and tongue—to the ends of the earth! What many people don’t know is that I was a missionary kid for a few years and entered college as a missions major with the desire to return to a South American village. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I changed my major to Christian education, thinking it would be better to have a skill to bring with me. I started dating David soon after and, as the relationship became more serious, I knew that he was God’s intended spouse for me. However, I also knew he was planning to be in urban ministry and assumed that God would change his heart—ha! As a wife does well to follow her husband, I entered urban ministry with David.
It wasn’t until Children Desiring God (now Truth78) had been well established that it struck me that I had planned to be a missionary in South America to a small group of people, but God had a much bigger plan. The ministry leaders attending our conferences were not limited to the United States. In fact, more and more people from other countries and language groups began asking for help to get our resources into their native languages. God, in His marvelous providence connected us with Partners in Discipleship International and Gary Brewer.
Gary, who now is part of the Truth78 staff (another amazing Ephesians 3:20-21 reality), began overseeing our translation efforts. Now, with curricula and books in 33 languages, we are having a global reach far greater than we could have ever anticipated. Instead of reaching a small group of people in a South American village, through my writing, I am able to minister to people I will never know this side of heaven. The reach is staggering, and the grace of God has multiplied my small dream into a global reality. Our God is a great God, and His purposes are far beyond our imagination!
Looking to the Future
As with many things in life, we must be flexible to grow and change with the changing needs of those we serve. Our convictions and zeal for the next generation, expressed in Zealous: 7 Commitments for the Discipleship of the Next Generations will never change. As we begin to change to a new way of distributing our resources to churches and homes, I am grateful to God for the many ways He has been faithful to our ministry and look forward with anticipation to how He will continue to work through Truth78+. This is what excites me the most about the subscription option:
- Resources will be more readily and widely available with the ability to update them quickly and easily. This will be especially helpful to those who are overseas.
- Churches will be able to access the whole scope and sequence immediately instead of having to wait to build their library over time.
- Ministry leaders will have fewer administrative duties, allowing them to easily and quickly access the materials, disseminate them among their volunteers, and seamlessly receive updates.
- Parents will be encouraged with companion resources for use at home.
- There will be more focus on training opportunities and support for ministry leaders, teachers, and parents.
I reflect back on these years with amazement and gratitude to God for what He has done… and look forward to the continuing story of His abundant grace, beyond all we could ask or think.
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