Mission strategist Luis Bush believes the church must now target this critical age group if it hopes to fulfil the Great Commission. Bush, who coined the “10/40 window” term more than 20 years ago, believes the key to advancing God’s kingdom today lies in capturing the hearts of those within the generation of children ages 4 to 14—widely known as the most formidable years. Though the native Argentine doesn’t believe Christians should abandon focusing on the geographical regions between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator (his ideal vision is to reach the demographic 4/14 window within the geographic 10/40 window), Bush says it is essential for the church to fully capture these future “agents of transformation” before they become part of the majority of 15- to 24-year-olds abandoning their childhood faith. [christianpost.com, 9/9/09]
“There is a recognition that we are losing the children of the world spiritually. … So this becomes a very critical moment to aim lower at the 4 to 14 [age] as the beginning place and come back to there with significant concentration. … God is calling us to radically change the way we view children and to respond to their strategic importance and rightful place in His Kingdom.”
The Church of God office of Youth and Discipleship understands this need and is doing everything possible to reach those within the 4/14 window. Ministry to children has been a priority in the department for many years! The annual Kidfest events is an example of the intent to reach and teach children. Kidfest 2010 has seen great spiritual experiences in the lives of kids. Hundreds were saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit! Kidfest 2010 will conclude with the first ever Emerald Coast Kidfest to be held in the Emerald Coast Convention Center at Ft. Walton Beach, Florida on October 22-24. Space still remains and registration continues for this exciting weekend near the beach! It’s a great opportunity for children’s ministry groups, middle school groups, or even families to enjoy together!
Kidfest 2011 will be bigger and better than ever before in the history of the event! With the theme, Great Commission Kids Follow Jesus, the focus in each of the five venues will be on the Great Commission mandate of discipleship. The guest speaker line-up includes a variety of people who love ministry to kids. They include Yancy, The Lads, Kevin McHann and His Word Studio, Marcus Abernethy and Kidz Dominion Ministry, Compel Puppet/Drama Ministry, Burnin’ Bush, and others yet to be announced. Smoky Mountain Kidfest will once again be convening the Gatlinburg Convention Center! For a brochure or for more information, call 423-478-7229 or go to www.mykidfest.com.
Don’t wait to take them to Winterfest when you can take them to Kidfest now and reach them before they have to be rescued!