Since I am heading off to mission camp in a few minutes, my mind is naturally draw to the importance of families regarding faith development. While I am thinking mostly of Moms, Dads and children, ―family‖ can include the church family — the Grace Congregation.

In Saturday’s Winston-Salem Journal, an article by Froma Harrop jumped out at me. (Since I read it at the counter at Leon’s, the jumping made it over a stack of yummy pancakes!)

I imagine a study of faith development would end up similarly. Congregations and families work together to provide fertile ground for our children’s faith development. I say fertile ground because we don’t actually ―own‖ our faith. While studying for a sermon recently, I realized that our faith, is

Christ residing in us, through which we are His! Therefore, the times we discuss in our ―families‖ the presence of God, ministry, mission, hear God’s Word read, attend fellowship times, etc., our faith then is nourished.

If you haven’t discussed the significance of the Mission Trip with your kids, this would be a great opportunity. If you don’t have a child in the church, take and opportunity to get to know one of our mission trip youth better. I know that I am looking forward to it! My last mission trip was a pivotal turning point in my spiritual journey.

When we serve God in whatever capacity, outreach, mission, or ministry in the congregation, all receive the blessings. Our Youth are a blessing we must not over look!