Meeting Plans

How can a child make a difference? The needs of the world are so big, and the individual effort is so small that it is very easy to wonder if there is any point in trying to help.

Thanks to the media, children are aware of some of the problems that are faced by many people of the world, and when it is bought to their attention they are anxious to get involved. Blue Peter over the years raised thousands of pounds for their various appeals, and schools also encourage children to take part in fund raising –especially for specific projects such as “love in a box”.

However, as a general rule most children are concerned with their own lives and don't really realise how widespread poverty or disease are. This is not surprising, as most adults are also concerned with their own lives! A recent report showed that the majority of people who give to charity are elderly, and there is a real concern that unless young people are motivated to give there could be real problems sustaining charities in the future.

This session aims to help the children become aware of the needs of other people – to think about the types of people that need our help and why. For instance, what are the needs of elderly people? How does it feel to be a poor person in Niger, and to have to watch your children die of hunger?

Why should we be concerned about the lives of other people? Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan to show that anyone who needs our help is our neighbour, and we should be willing to give practical support. God cares for the poor and needy and his followers, if they are going to claim His name, need to care as well. As James says, I show my faith by what I do.

But what can we do? We can give – that is easy! We may not have a lot to give, but if everyone gives something, it all adds up – there is a game that highlights this at the start of the session.

Charity is not all about people dying in South America – we can begin to make a difference right here and right now! Your group can arrange to get involved in local charities – support Love in a Box, run a stall to raise money for a local hospice, litter pick a local park.

There is an activity that encourages the children to think of a way that they can make a difference in their own home – a way that they can help a family member.

Making a difference is an attitude. Once we know that we want to help other people it is easy to find ways to do so. So what we need to do is to encourage our young people – and ourselves – to look outside our own concerns and to see what is going on in other people's lives so that we can be salt and light.

Or, as the old CSSM chorus puts it:

“Jesus wants me for a sunbeam to shine for Him each day –
In every way try to please Him: at home, at school, at play.”

Crusaders are supporting CSV (Community Service Volunteers) Make A Difference Day. The aim of the day is to encourage people across the UK to spend time helping others or improving their area, as well as remembering that they themselves can develop their skills and knowledge through the experience. 

If you haven't read the article about this in LINK magazine or on the Energize website please do so and consider getting your group involved. Click here to go to the article.

If you are able to organise a practical project for your group to get involved with, then this meeting plan and the meeting plan on Service (go to www.energize.uk.net/service) should provide a useful background for the young people.

The website article, Make A Difference In Your World meeting plans and Service meeting plans are all available through the website without subscription.

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