As Christians, we all know how important it is to equip kids with a sense of joy in reading God’s Word and the confidence to freely express their faith in Jesus. But that goal is becoming more difficult in today’s culture. Consider these news headlines:
A seven-year-old California boy received a visit at home from a police officer. His crime? Sharing Bible verses with his friends during lunch or after school.
Several high school students nationwide have been warned not to include references to God in their graduation speeches.
Elementary-school students have been told they can’t read their Bibles during a free-reading period.
What kind of message do these actions send our kids? It seems like mentions of God or the Bible are seen as the equivalent of a bad word.
The good news is, Focus on the Family is sponsoring an event that sends the opposite message—the Bible is something to celebrate, not ban! Bring Your Bible to School Day (October 5) empowers students to take their Bibles to school as a visual way to share God’s hope with friends and celebrate religious freedoms. Last year, more than 356,000 students participated.
Do you want to be part of the movement? Here are some easy ways to help:
Share the guide with youth in your life: At FocusontheFamily.com/BringYourBible, sign up to download free elementary and teen editions of the participation guides. Each guide has age-appropriate activities for students, including coloring sheets, Bible puzzles, videos and quizzes—as well as explanations of students’ rights and step-by-step suggestions on how to participate.
Make announcements at your church: A parent-pastor guide (available at the same link) provides access to sample church-bulletin inserts and announcements. You can also do something as simple as asking your pastor to share a video featuring the story of a student who participated. (Access videos at BringYourBible.org/videos.)
Share on social media: Make plans in advance to share pictures of your kids with their Bibles on October 5. (Let older teens know they can share selfies.) Remember to use #BringYourBible so you can be part of the national representation. Also help build the buzz beforehand by using the Bring Your Bible to School Day “Tell a Friend” social graphics available on the site.
Make it a family event: Although Bring Your Bible to School Day is a student-led event, families and older siblings can find fun ways to lend moral support. For instance, can give your children’s bus driver a Bible as a special gift. Consider including a thank-you note from your whole family for his or her service and efforts to keep kids safe. Or take your Bible to work, and then discuss what the day was like for each of you over dinner.
For More Information: Focus on the Family has more information and resources at BringYourBible.org.
This article originally appeared here.
