New to the Space

by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr 

Missions Week

WEEK 8 DAY 2 — FORMED FOR MISSION

One of the most important things we can do for our kids
has nothing to do with what happens inside our church walls.

It’s helping them see the world the way God sees it.

From the very beginning, God has been on mission.
He crossed every distance to reach us.
And He invites us—all of us, including our children—
to be part of that same story.

But here’s what we’ve learned.
A heart for missions doesn’t just appear.
It’s formed.

It’s formed when a child learns that God loves every person on this planet.
That He created each one uniquely.
That He has a plan for every single life—
including ones they’ve never met.

It’s formed when a child prays for someone far away.
When they give something—even something small—toward reaching them.
When they begin to understand that God might one day call them to go.

That’s not just generosity.
That’s discipleship.

And it matters more than we realize.

Kids who learn to pray, give, and go now
grow into adults who pray, give, and go for the rest of their lives.

So how do we build that in them?

We do it together.

As families. As a church. And as a state—
joining with other churches to multiply what none of us could do alone.

Churches across New Jersey are coming together through Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge, BGMC
Together, we have the opportunity to fund a home and school for children through Project Rescue—
a place where kids can live, learn, and hear the Gospel.

And this is how we do our part.

Buddy Barrel is small. It fits in your kitchen. Your car. Your backpack.
And every coin, every bill that goes inside
becomes part of something that reaches around the world.

We’re sending one home with every family this week.

Here’s the challenge.
Fill it.

Not because we need a big number—
but because every time your child drops something in,
they’re practicing one of the most important habits a disciple can have.

Giving beyond themselves.

And here’s a little extra motivation.

At each campus, the family that brings back the most
is going to win this board game. It is a game, but also, an evangelism tool – discipleship continues BEYOND your home…

But honestly?
The real win is what happens in your home
when your kids realize their small act
is building something that changes a child’s life on the other side of the world.

That’s a win worth going after.

Here’s your action step.

Start at home.
Put the Buddy Barrel somewhere your family will see it every day.
Talk about it at dinner.
Let your kids be the ones who carry it.

And then—don’t stop there.

Think about the people just outside your front door.
Your neighbors. Your coworkers. The families your kids play with.
Invite them in.

Tell them what you’re doing and why.
Let them drop something in too.
You never know who’s been waiting for an invitation
to be part of something bigger than their everyday routine.

Missions doesn’t start on a plane.
It starts in your living room, your kitchen, your car.
And it ripples outward from there.