Bringing Light to Children

It was mid-December, but a rush of cold air did not hit my face. Rather, it was the blush of summer sunshine bathing the countryside as I peered out the van window. I was in South Africa on a field trip to Soweto. The destination was Slovoville Child Development Center. As the van pulled onto the property, the look of desolation was in sharp contrast to the sun rays casting shadows under the few trees that provided minimal shade.

We disembarked from three vans and walked along the dusty, dirt road to a concrete slab that appeared to be the foundation of a structure in another time. Gathered on the slab, a group of children were ready to give the visitors a glimpse of their African cultural activities.

The plan was to join the children and youth for lunch, their one hot meal a day, provided by the Church of the Nazarene. After going through the lunch line, I stepped outside as the children filed by me with cereal-size bowls cupped in both hands waiting their turns. Their eyes were filled with longing. I slipped my apple to a young girl standing by me. Her eyes lit up immediately.

As we drove away, I looked out the van window, and my eyes locked with hers for a brief moment of recognition. That picture is forever burned into my heart and mind.

I saw the Church of the Nazarene bringing the light of the gospel into the dark world of children where 800--mostly mothers and children and some child-headed households--share one water faucet.

Part-time Pastor Bhembe preaches, but the children and youth lead the other parts of the services. Slovoville is connecting children and youth with Jesus Christ and giving them hope, wholeness, and opportunities for worship and service.

Some 20 years ago, Luis Bush introduced the term "10/40 Window." Recently, another of his terms, the 4/14 Window, captured the minds and hearts those who are dedicated to ministering with children. The 10/40 Window referenced a geographic frame. The 4/14 Window describes a demographic frame--the 10 ten years between the ages of 4 and 14. About 30 percent of the world's population is in this group. Nearly two-thirds of this group are in non-Christian homes and are unreached. In addition, there is concern for the one-third who attend church. The Church of the Nazarene accepted this challenge in 2002 with "Connecting a New Generation--Formation for a Lifetime"--seven years ahead of the September 2009 4/14 Summit.

The 2009 General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution to include a new section in the Manual. It gives the biblical perspective and the church's position on the value of children and youth. Holistic and transformational ministry to children and their families in every local church will be a priority evidenced by:

• Providing effective and empowering ministries to the whole child--physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually
• Articulating Christian positions on current social justice issues that affect children
• Connecting children to the heart of the mission and ministry of the faith community
• Discipling children and training them to disciple others
• Equipping parents to nurture the spiritual formation of their children

Around the world, the Church of the Nazarene is reaching, evangelizing, and discipling a new generation.

Lynda T. Boardman is director of Children's Ministries for the Church of the Nazarene.

Holiness Today, January/February 2010

Please note: This article was originally published in 2010. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.