The Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) has created a children’s offering device based on a similar resource shared by the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) to teach children about stewardship. We recognize that God has trusted us with many treasures – our abilities, time and the treasure of money–a treasure that we can share with God and others.
When children learn from as young as 2 years-old to share what they have, the sin of selfishness can be banished, and a spirit of generosity nurtured in these disciples of Jesus. Our goal is to help our children establish a life-long habit of following God’s commands, thinking unselfishly of others, caring for those who are less fortunate and being a compassionate disciple of Jesus Christ. The rewards are tremendous just as He has promised in Malachi 3:10.
This device, funded jointly by the NSD Children’s Ministries Department, and Stewardship Department, was introduced at our NSD mid-quinquennial meeting for Children’s, Family and Women’s Ministries directors held on Jeju Island on September 1-2, 2013. It has four pockets with four flaps – the first one contains instructions to the parents how to use the device.
Into this first flap, users can insert the name or picture of the child with the title, "My Love Offering to God." The second pocket is meant for tithe; the third for offerings, and the fourth for a special mission contribution towards a specific project of the local church. The versatility of the see-through flaps allows for our leaders to print their own labels in whichever language they choose.
As soon as our Children’s and Women’s Ministries Director, Purevdulam from Mongolia, received samples of the device, she very promptly started with her own children at home. She also shared the device with another mission director, and they taught their children about stewardship. Since she had only a few of the devices, she decided to begin with her own family, and as God blesses, they can testify to His goodness.
The offering devices are still being prepared for shipment to every union in the NSD, and I am certain that once they arrive at the churches, the children and families will be blessed many times over as promised in Malachi! Do pray for our children that in giving, they may overcome the basic sin of selfishness; that in generosity, they can become like their Father in Heaven.
Article by Dr. Sally Phoon