In his arms - Mission

God knew you and loved you as a little tiny baby, when you took your first steps, and on your first day of school. As you grow older, God’s love for you never changes.

God loves you so very much He wrote you a love letter so you could get to know Him.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (Jesus), that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. This Bible verse is found in the book of John, Chapter 3, Verse 16. The way a Bible address is written looks like this: John 3:16.

God loves all people, little children and grandparents, moms and dads, you and me!

All people have sinned, little children and grandparents, moms and dads, you and me. We have all done wrong, disobeyed God and chosen to do what we want to do instead of what God wants us to do.

(Jesus) Christ died for our sins,… He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures (the Bible) said. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Jesus Christ took all the wrong things you have ever done on Himself. He chose to die for you. Jesus was buried, and He came to life again.

The blood of Jesus, his (God’s) Son, cleanses us from every sin. If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him (God), he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 1 John 1:9

Jesus Christ died so his precious blood could save you from the punishment you should receive for the wrong things you have done. This is Good News! Jesus is a living Savior! You can be forgiven!

A father to the fatherless, is God… He sets the lonely in families. Psalms 68:5,6

I will be your father. You will be my sons and daughters says the Lord who rules over all. 2 Corinthians 6:18

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9,10

"Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord (Jesus) will be saved." Romans 10:13

Jesus is holding his arms open wide to you. He is asking you to trust Him with your life. Please think about what Jesus has done for you and consider asking Him to be your Savior today!

What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!
All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. 2 Corinthians 5:17,18

Our friend Harry the caterpillar is here to teach us more about what it means to begin a new life. (Meet Harry now.) (Harry's picture is under construction.)

Harry is a caterpillar who lives upon the leaves of bushes. He likes to eat lots and lots of leaves for breakfast. He has many feet with special suction cups that make him stick to the leaves. Harry is very hungry, so he eats and eats and eats.

Then one day he begins to build a home just big enough for himself. He wraps himself up inside a cocoon or chrysalis. Inside his protective covering Harry is growing. Harry will stay inside his new home for many days, living off all those yummy leaves he was eating.

Then one day Harry will poke a hole in his cocoon and appear as a beautiful butterfly. His special feet will be gone. Instead, Harry will have wings. Harry is a completely new creature. He was a caterpillar, now he is a butterfly. (See Harry now.) (the butterfly's picture is under construction.)

Harry changed! There is no doubt about it Harry is different. Harry the caterpillar became a brand new creature, a butterfly. Jesus promises to make us new, to take the old things, which hurt us and wash us clean.

When you ask Jesus to be your Savior you may not look any different on the outside, but you will became a new creature on the inside. You think and feel differently, you even do things differently. God promises to make you brand new from the inside out when you believe in Jesus.

If you want to become a new person with Jesus in your heart or if you want to ask Jesus to forgive you for something you have done tell God about it.

You can pray right now. To show God you respect Him you can close your eyes and bow your head as you say, “Jesus, thank you for loving me. Please forgive me for the things I have done which hurt you. Clean me and make me new. Be my Savior. Amen.”

If you prayed to receive Jesus Christ as Savior you are brand-new. You are beautiful like Harry the butterfly.

w Get a Bible. Read it every day. (A good place to start reading your Bible is in the book of John.)

“For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Cut several sheets of different colored tissue paper in the shape of an hourglass to make the wings. At least three pieces of tissue paper are needed for each set of wings. Glue sequins on to the wings. Once the wings are decorated scrunch the tissue paper into the clothespin. Next twist the pipe cleaner around the top of the clothespin to make antenna. Eyes may be drawn on the clothespin.

The beautiful butterfly you made today is a reminder of how beautiful you look when you let God make you brand new through believing and trusting Jesus.

Join us in praying daily for children both in our country and globally who have no one who prays for them. Use In His Arms prayer guide entitled, 31 Things to Pray for Children At-Risk to pray on your own, with your family or as part of a group. Bible studies, school classrooms, Sunday School classes, Awanas, missionary committees or any gathering of Christians you attend may want to include praying for needy children as a regular part of your time together .

31 Things to Pray for Children At-Risk

Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street. Lamentations 2:19.

1. Know God as their Heavenly Father – I will be your father. You will be my sons & daughters says the Lord who rules over all. 2 Corinthians 6:18 “Loving Heavenly Father, please place children who have known no father or only possess shattered dreams of a loving father into healthy relationships with Godly men who will introduce them to you.”

2. Experience Love – How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 “Father, move in the hearts of Christians to reach out in love to every child who has never known love. Let each child know how much God loves him or her.”

3. Come to Salvation – Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:9 “Lord, let wounded children know that out of love you sent your Son to die for them. Draw them close to you so they will call on Jesus and be saved.”

4. Gain Hope – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, …plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 “Lord, we are standing in the gap for needy and hurting children. Please give them a future and hope through Jesus Christ.”

5. Get Right with God – Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them. Matthew 19:14. I show love to all those who love me and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:6 “Oh Lord, please bring the Bible to children in need. Let them learn the truth, hide it in their hearts and obey it so they do not sin against you. Give them the desire to change and the strength to turn away from their sins. Set them free!”

6. Know Forgiveness and Learn How to Forgive – Forgive the things you are holding against one another. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 “Father, explain to the children the depth of your forgiveness for them. Replace their bitterness with forgiveness. Help them let go of their hurts & forgive as you have forgiven them.”

7. Enjoy Peace – I give my peace to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 “Lord Jesus, we ask for needy children to experience your wonderful peace. Let your peace guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

8. Experience Commitment and Learn to Trust – Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 “Lord, show children who have been hurt over and over that they can trust in Jesus. Bring into their lives Christians who are committed to help them grow in their faith, trust in God and turn away from their negative life experiences.”

9. Find Encouragement – The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit or have lost all hope. Psalm 34:18 “Please shower broken and discouraged children with encouragement. Let them know there is more to life than just survival. Give them the boldness to flee from drugs, suicide or other destructive lifestyles. Fill them with your hope.”

10. Gain Strength and Control Over Their Lives – He gives strength to the weary. Isaiah 40:29 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. “Strengthen weary children, Lord. Help them know that even though their situation looks impossible, you are there and can make all things possible – even changing impossible situations.”

11. Desire Purity - God is faithful and fair. If we admit that we have sinned, He will forgive every wrong thing we have done. He will make us pure. 1 John 1:9 “Let the children know that they can be forgiven. Help them know that you delight to forgive them and make them pure.”

12. Experience Compassion and Friendship – He’s a friend of sinners. Matthew 11:19 Our God is tender and caring. His kindness will…shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death. Luke 1:78 ”Heavenly Father, shower children facing death with your tender mercies. Bring friends to the friendless. Allow hurting children to experience a tender touch or a kind word today.”

13. Get to Know a Mentor – …Encourage the oppressed. Satisfy the needs of the crushed. Then my blessing will light up your darkness. Isaiah 1:17,58:10 “Lord please encourage Christians to satisfy the needs of children at risk. Strengthen and encourage all those who are serving you among needy children. Make them bold and wise.”

14. Make Good Choices – Love is the purpose of my command. Love comes from a pure heart. It comes from a good sense of what is right and wrong. It comes from faith that is honest and true. 1 Timothy 1:5, Romans 12:2 “Father provide loving Christians who can teach children the difference between right and wrong. Renew their thinking. Help them make good choices and provide a firm foundation for them to rest upon.”

15. Break the Cycle - Anyone who believes in Christ is a new creature. The old is gone! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Christ set us free. Galatians 5:1 “Lord, please break the destructive cycle of sin in the lives of children. Set them free. Give them a future.”

16. Receive Healing – Scripture is useful… for teaching us what is true and for making our lives whole again. 2 Timothy 3:16 ”Father, heal the wounded hearts and minds of millions of broken children. Heal their scars. Make them whole in their heart, mind, body and soul. Make them brand new.”

17. End Their Suffering – Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows… and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 “Please sooth the souls of children who are dying, Lord. Comfort those who are suffering. Provide food, clean water, medicine, health-care providers and a caring friend for needy children.”

18. Lose Their Fear – Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified,…the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 "Father, let the children know you are with them, even when they are scared and alone. Give them courage. Provide vulnerable children with a way out of danger.”

19. Be Released From Anger and Bitterness - The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will quiet you with His love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 “Lord, quiet the hearts of angry and bitter children with your love. Replace their bitterness with rejoicing.”

20. See Their Value and Worth – How you made me is amazing and wonderful. I know that very well. Psalm 139:14 “Show children who think they are worthless that they are amazing and wonderful! Let them realize that you see value in them.”

21. Be Free of Feelings of Shame – With your mouth you say that Jesus is Lord. And you are saved. The one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame. Romans 10:10-11 “Our Redeemer, be the Lifter of children’s heads. Have them call on your name and be saved. Replace their shame with your glory and grace.”

22. Learn and Work – Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. Psalm 25:5 “Lord, grant children who don’t have an opportunity to learn a chance to become educated. Make them teachable. Give them a safe means of support. Set free those who are forced to work.”

23. Receive Food – For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I was in prison and you came to visit me… whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me. Matthew 25:35-40 “Father move in the hearts of your people to provide for the needs of children who are among the least of these.”

24. Find Shelter – The Lord will be a shelter for His people. Joel 3:16 “Lord be a shelter for the 150 million children worldwide who may not have shelter tonight. Provide a safe, dry, comfortable place for them.”

25. Experience Family – A father to the fatherless, is God… He sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:5-6 ”Please reunite children and families who have been forcibly separated. For children without a family give them a place to fit in. Set the lonely in families. Provide loving Christians to reach out and care for abandoned and orphaned children.”

26. Be Protected from Loneliness – The Lord will be with you. He will never leave you. So don’t be afraid. Don’t loose hope. Deuteronomy 31:8 “Lord, let lonely children know they are not alone, that you are with them. Shout to them that you care. Don’t let them miss it. Whisper in their ears that you are near. Fill their emptiness with you. Give them strength to go on.”

27. Know Security – The Lord is my rock. I go to Him for safety. I go to Him for help. He saves me from those who want to hurt me. 2 Samuel 22:2,3 “Jesus, help children at risk to know you as a place of safety. Let them know they can come to you.”

28. Be Guarded Against Exploitation – …Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8 “Put a hedge of angels as a covering of protection over any child who is about to be exploited. Heal each child who has been wounded by exploitation.”

29. Be Protected from Violence and Crime – Turn away from evil, and do good. Psalm 34:14 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness... 2 Timothy 2:22 “Keep the little children from witnessing or experiencing violence. Prevent them from becoming victims of a criminal act or from perpetrating one. Protect them from those who want to cause them harm or use them.”

30. Acquire Advocates Who will Speak up for Them – Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute…defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9 Defend the cause of the fatherless. Isaiah 1:17 “God you have called your people to be advocates for homeless, abandoned and wounded children. Raise up an army of Christians who will speak up for them.”

31. Be Given Rest & Peaceful Sleep – God provides for those he loves even while they sleep Psalm 127:2 Come to Me, all of you who are tired and heavy laden. I will give you rest... Matthew 11:28,29 “Lord, please watch over vulnerable children in their sleep. Keep them safe. Allow them to wake refreshed. Lead them to find rest for their souls in your loving arms.”

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In His Arms has a team of prayer partners who faithfully minister hand-in-hand with us through prayer. Perhaps you or someone you know might be interested in becoming an In His Arms prayer partner!

God truly loves the children and continues to amaze us as He provides incredible opportunities to transform lives through prayer. It will be our privilege to share with you In His Arms prayer requests as well as praise reports of answered prayer.

The In His Arms electronic prayer letter comes out every other month throughout the year starting in January. You may sign up by sending an e-mail to prayerpartner@inhisarms.org

The International Day of Prayer for Children At Risk is the first Saturday in June, that might be a great time to consider launching a year round prayer ministry for children at risk. Viva Network’s website has information on the International Day of Prayer at www.viva.org

w Seek the support of your church (Share In His Arms Introductory Video with your Pastor, Bible study, church and future Club volunteers.)

w Lay a foundation of prayer. Pray for your leadership team and all aspects of your Club

w Impact the most children by choosing the best time and location to launch your Club

w Gather the children. The week before let the kids and parents know Bible Club is coming

w GO! Give children a future and hope at your Bible Club with In His Arms Straight Truth – 52 Bible-Based Lesson Plans to Help Kids in Crisis

Get equipped with step-by-step directions in, A Bible-Based Leadership Manual for Adults Working with Homeless Children

We are looking for very special volunteers to assist with this translation project. Translators must:

w Be creative, fun, like working as part of a team and believe in doing your best.

Please contact In His Arms today to learn more about how you can impact the lives of needy Spanish or Russian speaking children reachkids@inhisarms.org

Your church may already have a vision for how you can impact the lives of homeless and at risk children in your community and beyond.

Perhaps your church is active in sending short-term missionary teams around the world or to a particular location which you are committed. The next time you send out a team include a children's ministry component to the outreach. Here are some ways to prepare for a ministry to needy children overseas:

w Purchase curriculum targeting the needs of the children. Get an extra copy to leave with children's leaders in country (In the appropriate language if possible.)

w Gather the needed supplies so the children can make the crafts and participate in the games. (Plan to leave the supplies with children's leaders in country.)

w Be sure any donations you plan to give to the children are new and in excellent condition.

w Partner with children's leaders in country. Have them set up ministry locations if possible (orphanages, particularly needy neighborhoods, children in jail...)

w Teach all lessons in the children's first language, have all craft projects fit their culture (ie. if the children make puppets to look like themselves be sure the puppets have black hair and dark complexions if the kids do.)

When you return home. Turn the enthusiasm from the short-term missions trip into an on-going ministry at home. Give missions trip volunteers a place to plug into cross-cultural ministry by starting a Bible Club outreach to homeless or at risk children in your community

Maybe you'd rather start an outreach into your community by making it more like a local short-term missions outreach. Plan a one week or two week vacation Bible School in a location where homeless or at risk children may be found. Then consider launching a weekly Bible Club with the children who attended the VBS.

If you are ready to start volunteering today and are not quite ready to start with a Bible Club outreach consider volunteering with an existing ministry in your community. Become a tutor with an after-school program. Coach or sponsor an athletic team from a neighborhood from which children would normally not get to participate in sports. See what other churches are doing.

Most importantly get started doing something to share the love of Jesus with a child today! Research shows that if you wait more than 4 days to begin to follow through on a new commitment odds are that dream or desire will not be fulfilled.

Please prayerfully consider how you can impact the life of a child and start today!

You can help the over 1.2 million homeless children in America, children at risk and wounded and lonely children around the world by donating online to the ministry of In His Arms.

Let the little children come to Me, do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14

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