We teach our children how to tie their shoes, make a bed, and help clean up the kitchen after dinner. Often, however, we neglect teaching them (by example and words) the importance of giving to others. Part of our own spiritual journey as adults is teaching children and students to love giving.

The author of this article in Missions Mosaic suggests 4 ways to teach children about the joy of giving. Help them understand the needs boys and girls around the world have for food, water and safe housing

1. Teach children how to garden, explaining how missionaries help people learn to grow food for their families. Many hunger relief agencies provide opportunities to give money for seeds, hoes, and shovels. Contact www.gobgr.org for more information.

2. Use crafts to show children they can make things people need, such as sewing kits or decorating items for others to use. Similar kits may help someone begin a business making items to sell to give their family money needed for school supplies or food.

3. Baptist Global Response (BGR) has a catalog from which you and children can choose a food packet gift for someone who doesn’t have access to food. Help them understand many persons go to bed hungry and show them anyone can help.

4. Take a prayerwalk through your house thanking God for all He has given your family. There are many families who have no shelter. Millions of refugees live in cardboard boxes or under tarps. The BGR has a “new beginnings bundle” or blankets that can be purchased.

These suggestions are not things to be done by us as parents and teachers but avenues for teaching children about the biblical principle of giving. In order to do the projects listed above, there is a financial investment. Adults can help with funds, but the lesson will be best learned if the child or children work to earn the amount or contribute out of their own savings. A child learning to work with others to make a difference in the world is a good thing – a very good thing!

(* Missions Mosaic is a monthly magazine for adult women that can be ordered online at: wmustore.com. Telephone 1.800.968.7301