No doubt about it: ministry changes in summer. New possibilities open up. Catherine the Great once said, “There’s a fresh wind blowing and that gives one either imagination—or a headache!” Ignite the fireworks of imagination as you think about ways your children, youth, and adults might tie these inexpensive gifts to a powerful message to make a lasting difference.
Outreach Opportunity #1: VBS Closing
You’ve invested lots of time and effort in creating a life-changing experience for the children who will attend your VBS this summer, especially the visitors. What will they remember? Who will remind them about Jesus’ love for them after VBS ends? And how will they share the Good News of Jesus with their family members and friends?
“Gospel color” products answer this need in a meaningful, powerful way.
Send home a Gospel Silicone Bracelet as a reminder of our need and God’s goodness in the Savior.
Or consider the Gospel Cloth Bracelet
or the Gospel Story by Colors Glass Bead Bracelet . All come with a card that reviews the meaning of the colors, and all are affordable—even in large quantities. Most come in a Spanish version, too.
Or give away Good News Clues Super Sleuth Detective Kits to everyone. They will help kids remember to search the Scriptures for the answers to life’s most important questions! Kits come with free downloadable parent resources. All this is ready when you are and will grab and hold the attention of kids who respond to active learning approaches.
Outreach Opportunity #2: Mission Trips
Don’t forget the short-term mission trips your youth and adults plan to make in Central America or in Spanish-speaking communities in North America this summer. While they’re gone, how will those back home remember to pray faithfully for them? When they return, what kind of witness will they leave behind?
The “Gospel Color” products can make these events, too, much more meaningful. Order two, three, or four bracelets or bag tags and cards in English for each missionary. Encourage the missionaries to wear one bracelet and give the extras as reminders to the prayer partners who have promised to intercede for them while they’re away.
Then send a dozen Spanish versions of the bracelets/cards with each missionary with the challenge to give away all the cards and bracelets before they return, praying all the while for each person who receives a bracelet and card.
Outreach Opportunity #3: Summer Sunday School
This summer as you consider a change of pace for children’s church or your other Sunday morning children’s ministries, think about using one or more of the Christ-centered events CTA has developed. Each includes a free event guide chock-full of Bible story activity ideas, games, food, and other fun, plus downloadable postcards, door hanger invitations, and other free helps to make planning quick and easy:
- The J-Team
- Good News Clues
- G.L.O.W. (God Lights Our Way)
Outreach Opportunity #4: Children’s Day
This spring you’ve celebrated Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. So why not plan a Children’s Day, too? There’s no official date for this. It’s celebrated on various days in different places, but you can’t go wrong observing it in June or July.
One CTA customer recently called to order the J-Team flying disk , a ton of Gospel color products , and Jelly Bean Prayer goodie bags the kids will use to take it all home. (The flying disk and other J-Team items also make great give-aways for VBS closing events.)
New Life in Jesus items will remind children of all ages about the transforming power of our Savior’s cross and empty tomb. If you missed the chance to give away the book or best-selling kite at Easter time, here’s a chance to get in on the fun now!
Or keep it simple with Gospel Color or Power of the Cross pencils. Both come with free devotions you can download.
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As we move into the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, don’t pass up the new doors for sharing the Gospel our Lord is opening for you. Instead, imagine the possibilities and step out in faith as you share Jesus’ love in new, proven, and exciting ways! Just as surely as you send the Gospel home this summer, Jesus will use the power of that Gospel one day to bring his people home forever!
