For more than a decade, the Lifewords team in Indonesia has been supporting hundreds of ministries bringing life to vulnerable children living in both urban and rural areas.

Markus from Medan, Sumatra, began a role as Life Kids Ministry coordinator and teacher in Cileungsi after graduating from Bible college.

Every Wednesday, he would teach maths, English, literacy, and science to children between the ages of 9 and 12. He would then join the rest of the team in the bigger weekend outreach event, often with 200 children. Soon Markus was ready to start his own Life Kids Ministry.

“A lady in our church had an empty rental house and said we could use it,” says Markus. “It has a good veranda area under cover, and we can fit around 150 children out of the rain. I was surprised how quickly word spread. We do not even give food parcels, but still the children and parents want to come. When we give the yellow t-shirts at Christmas, even the parents ask if they can have one! I think they want to be part of something special. And this is special.”

Lifewords helps coordinators like Markus by providing Bible resources and ongoing training, and by providing a network of encouragement and support.

As Lifewords connects with local churches and organisations, this kids’ ministry continues to grow. Most Life Kids groups have over 150 children attending and they follow a simple two-hour format: structured games and fun, learning through song and group activities, Bible stories and group discussion, prayer and nutrition.

Those running the ministries feel they are part of a network, which is so important as many are in rural places, or isolated from main centres. It’s a special way for young ministry leaders to stay connected, and for church leaders to be active in outreach.

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