INTRODUCTION:
The Word of God says in John 8:32, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” May I take a moment of liberty to phrase it this way, “(the truth that you know), will set you free. If you have not read the truth or spoken to the Author of truth, Jesus, to you, truth is formed from your own perspective and life experiences. That is why a personal testimony is so powerful in sharing the gospel. It is not only their truth because of personal life experiences, they have the living truth inside of them.
From the moment an individual gives their life to Jesus he or she is filled with the truth. The truth of the Word never changes, but throughout our lives as God speaks to us through his Word, the “truth” becomes more evident and more real in our lives. It is like a light bulb is finally turned on in that area of our lives. Upon receiving Christ the future is already planted within us because He has a destiny for each one of us. It is just waiting to be birthed in His perfect timing.
A dear friend of mine, Dr. Suuquina, a minister of reconciliation and leader among indiginous people groups, once said, “Truth is like a camera. You can look through the eye piece of a camera ready to take a picture, but if the cap is on the lens, you can’t see anything.” (I bet we have all done this at one time or another and felt like a fool.) “But when we take the cap off the picture becomes focused and clear.”
The truth is imparted into your heart and soul the moment that you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Truth is revealed and enlightened as you read and study His Word. You can say that the “lens cap” is removed. The picture was right in front of you all of the time, but the truth was not revealed until the light shined through.
It is important to have the Word memorized so that they know in their hearts why they believe what they believe, but they may find they never actually quote it in their personal testimony unless God prompts them too. A personal testimony telling of God’s faithfulness to them IS the truth of the word.
God is in the midst of raising up the “Joshua” and “Joel 2” generation that is deep in the heart of our children and youth. The Joshua generation will go forth and possess the land. They will take back everything the devil has tried to steal from them. Just like Joshua, they will crossover into the “promised land” filled with milk and honey and defeat every “giant” in the land.
Just like in Joel Chapter 2, God is about to repay what for years locusts have eaten among their generation. They will have plenty to eat until they are full, and they will praise the name of the Lord their God who is about to work wonders in their lives as they surrender to Him. And afterward, God will pour out His Spirit on all people. The youth will begin to prophesy and we will see our sons and daughters take the front lines in this spiritual war.
BUILD THEIR CONFIDENCE:
If they have received Christ in their hearts let them know…they have the goods! They are King’s kids and they have all the rights of princes and princesses.
The Kingdom of God is Within
Luke 17:20-21
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor, will people say, ‘Here it is, ‘ or ‘There it is,’ because the Kingdom of God is within you.
Explanation: The moment you give your heart to Jesus all that He is and all that He has is available to you. God loves expressing Himself and His power through you…his son and daughter. So teach, preach, prophecy, lay hands on the sick and see them recover. He is a supernatural God, so you are a supernatural son or daughter.
AN EASY FORMAT
You Must Have A Testimony! Don’t expect to teach something that you don’t already have in your own heart. You must be able to share a testimony in front of your students.
My Simple Testimony
The Simplest way for you to share your testimony is by simply sharing what Jesus has done for you. Here are two easy ways…
1. What Jesus has done for me
a. Today
b. Yesterday
c. A Month Ago
d. A Year Ago
e. Everyday
2. Salvation Experience
a. Who I use to be
b. Who I am now
Testimony Practice:
Children and youth love to share in front of the class and in front of their peers what God has done for them today, yesterday, a month ago, a year ago, or simply a moment ago. As it becomes evident to those around them that they are changing; they seem to do things differently, respond differently, maybe they dress differently, etc, that becomes a great open door to share what God has done in their lives. Even those that seem a bit shy or reserved at the beginning, from my experience with this program, will eventually be fighting to have their turn in front of their peers to share their testimony because the excitement of what God is doing is contagious. The more practice they get sharing their testimony in front of the class or peers, depending on the program venue you choose, the easier it gets to share with those they meet on a one on one basis wherever they go.
Roll Play:
Bring up two kids and give them an assignment.
Example:
One will be the Christian who is ready to share their testimony and the other someone they play football with who is not saved.
Do this in front of the class.
PRESENTATION SUGGESTIONS FOR CLASS
Military Theme, Raising up the Army of God:
Decorate the room in camouflage. The main theme revolves around the raising up of the army of God of children and youth across this nation.
Music for Military Theme:
As your young people enter the area where you hold class have military drumbeats or drumline music playing. You set the atmosphere before they even enter the area. They literally “walk into” an atmosphere that is exciting and shouts of FUN, yet speaks of discipline and a readiness to learn.
Powerpoint (PC) and Keynote (Mac):
We live in a high tech society and kids are use to it. If you have the tools to use powerpoint or keynote presentations it can be very beneficial. Take pictures of your class the first day and put them on the opening with drumline music in the background as your kids enter. They love seeing themselves. You can also use it to present a “Scripture Focus” for the day, announcements, etc.
Scripture Memorization:
You want to make this FUN! Pick some key scriptures that you feel will encourage them to share their faith and that will remind them of who THEY ARE in CHRIST. Some children have learning disabilities. Please be considerate of these things. Some children can not even read, but with help can still put the Word of God in their heart.
Scripture Chants:
You can take the scripture focus for the day and seit to military style music and turn it into a military chant. Get the kids up on their feet and marching. Teach them calls like “attention” and “at ease”. Have inspection. Give points for a sharp uniform, etc. Watch for leaders to rise up and give them a chance to lead. The leader will call out part of the scripture and the others will repeat it in military fashion.
SWAT Scripture Chants Examples
John 3:16
For God so loved the world he gave (repeat)
His one and only begotten son (repeat)
That whosoever believes in Him (repeat)
Will not perish but live with him
Sound off (John 3)
Sound off (16)
Sound off (John 3:16)
JESUS (Everyone)
John 8:36
Who the Son sets free is free indeed (repeat)
Free for you and free for me (repeat)
Sound off (John 8)
Sound off (36)
Sound off (John 8:36)
Freedom (everyone shouts and salutes)
Scripture “Rap”:
Some kids have trouble memorizing things that are structured, but yet they can memorize all of the words to songs or “raps”. Flow with their gifts. Let them take the scripture focus, set it to a rap and then perform it as an individual or as a
group.
Sign Language Memorization:
This is a great tool for handicap children. Please be sure and consider their needs. For example, we had success with autistic children using sign language. Let them come up in front of the class and show what they have learned through sign language at the end of class.
“Step” Memorization:
Let them set motion and beats to the words in the scripture. As they set motion and a beats to each word it helps some kids learn through association.
Games:
Create your own games to help in the memorization process. Kids love to play games. Provide rewards and or points.
COMMISSIONING:
They must be sent out. Have a commissioning service at the end of the week to encourage all young people who took part in this class and the overall camp so that they go forth with boldness and are surrounded by accountability partners.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
From the moment an individual gives their life to Jesus he or she is filled with the truth. The truth of the Word never changes, but throughout our lives as God speaks to us through his Word, the “truth” becomes more evident and more real in our lives. It is like a light bulb is finally turned on in that area of our lives. Upon receiving Christ the future is already planted within us because He has a destiny for each one of us. It is just waiting to be birthed in His perfect timing.
A dear friend of mine, Dr. Suuquina, a minister of reconciliation and leader among indiginous people groups, once said, “Truth is like a camera. You can look through the eye piece of a camera ready to take a picture, but if the cap is on the lens, you can’t see anything.” (I bet we have all done this at one time or another and felt like a fool.) “But when we take the cap off the picture becomes focused and clear.”
The truth is imparted into your heart and soul the moment that you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Truth is revealed and enlightened as you read and study His Word. You can say that the “lens cap” is removed. The picture was right in front of you all of the time, but the truth was not revealed until the light shined through.
It is important to have the Word memorized so that they know in their hearts why they believe what they believe, but they may find they never actually quote it in their personal testimony unless God prompts them too. A personal testimony telling of God’s faithfulness to them IS the truth of the word.
God is in the midst of raising up the “Joshua” and “Joel 2” generation that is deep in the heart of our children and youth. The Joshua generation will go forth and possess the land. They will take back everything the devil has tried to steal from them. Just like Joshua, they will crossover into the “promised land” filled with milk and honey and defeat every “giant” in the land.
Just like in Joel Chapter 2, God is about to repay what for years locusts have eaten among their generation. They will have plenty to eat until they are full, and they will praise the name of the Lord their God who is about to work wonders in their lives as they surrender to Him. And afterward, God will pour out His Spirit on all people. The youth will begin to prophesy and we will see our sons and daughters take the front lines in this spiritual war.
BUILD THEIR CONFIDENCE:
If they have received Christ in their hearts let them know…they have the goods! They are King’s kids and they have all the rights of princes and princesses.
The Kingdom of God is Within
Luke 17:20-21
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor, will people say, ‘Here it is, ‘ or ‘There it is,’ because the Kingdom of God is within you.
Explanation: The moment you give your heart to Jesus all that He is and all that He has is available to you. God loves expressing Himself and His power through you…his son and daughter. So teach, preach, prophecy, lay hands on the sick and see them recover. He is a supernatural God, so you are a supernatural son or daughter.
AN EASY FORMAT
You Must Have A Testimony! Don’t expect to teach something that you don’t already have in your own heart. You must be able to share a testimony in front of your students.
My Simple Testimony
The Simplest way for you to share your testimony is by simply sharing what Jesus has done for you. Here are two easy ways…
1. What Jesus has done for me
a. Today
b. Yesterday
c. A Month Ago
d. A Year Ago
e. Everyday
2. Salvation Experience
a. Who I use to be
b. Who I am now
Testimony Practice:
Children and youth love to share in front of the class and in front of their peers what God has done for them today, yesterday, a month ago, a year ago, or simply a moment ago. As it becomes evident to those around them that they are changing; they seem to do things differently, respond differently, maybe they dress differently, etc, that becomes a great open door to share what God has done in their lives. Even those that seem a bit shy or reserved at the beginning, from my experience with this program, will eventually be fighting to have their turn in front of their peers to share their testimony because the excitement of what God is doing is contagious. The more practice they get sharing their testimony in front of the class or peers, depending on the program venue you choose, the easier it gets to share with those they meet on a one on one basis wherever they go.
Roll Play:
Bring up two kids and give them an assignment.
Example:
One will be the Christian who is ready to share their testimony and the other someone they play football with who is not saved.
Do this in front of the class.
PRESENTATION SUGGESTIONS FOR CLASS
Military Theme, Raising up the Army of God:
Decorate the room in camouflage. The main theme revolves around the raising up of the army of God of children and youth across this nation.
Music for Military Theme:
As your young people enter the area where you hold class have military drumbeats or drumline music playing. You set the atmosphere before they even enter the area. They literally “walk into” an atmosphere that is exciting and shouts of FUN, yet speaks of discipline and a readiness to learn.
Powerpoint (PC) and Keynote (Mac):
We live in a high tech society and kids are use to it. If you have the tools to use powerpoint or keynote presentations it can be very beneficial. Take pictures of your class the first day and put them on the opening with drumline music in the background as your kids enter. They love seeing themselves. You can also use it to present a “Scripture Focus” for the day, announcements, etc.
Scripture Memorization:
You want to make this FUN! Pick some key scriptures that you feel will encourage them to share their faith and that will remind them of who THEY ARE in CHRIST. Some children have learning disabilities. Please be considerate of these things. Some children can not even read, but with help can still put the Word of God in their heart.
Scripture Chants:
You can take the scripture focus for the day and seit to military style music and turn it into a military chant. Get the kids up on their feet and marching. Teach them calls like “attention” and “at ease”. Have inspection. Give points for a sharp uniform, etc. Watch for leaders to rise up and give them a chance to lead. The leader will call out part of the scripture and the others will repeat it in military fashion.
SWAT Scripture Chants Examples
John 3:16
For God so loved the world he gave (repeat)
His one and only begotten son (repeat)
That whosoever believes in Him (repeat)
Will not perish but live with him
Sound off (John 3)
Sound off (16)
Sound off (John 3:16)
JESUS (Everyone)
John 8:36
Who the Son sets free is free indeed (repeat)
Free for you and free for me (repeat)
Sound off (John 8)
Sound off (36)
Sound off (John 8:36)
Freedom (everyone shouts and salutes)
Scripture “Rap”:
Some kids have trouble memorizing things that are structured, but yet they can memorize all of the words to songs or “raps”. Flow with their gifts. Let them take the scripture focus, set it to a rap and then perform it as an individual or as a
group.
Sign Language Memorization:
This is a great tool for handicap children. Please be sure and consider their needs. For example, we had success with autistic children using sign language. Let them come up in front of the class and show what they have learned through sign language at the end of class.
“Step” Memorization:
Let them set motion and beats to the words in the scripture. As they set motion and a beats to each word it helps some kids learn through association.
Games:
Create your own games to help in the memorization process. Kids love to play games. Provide rewards and or points.
COMMISSIONING:
They must be sent out. Have a commissioning service at the end of the week to encourage all young people who took part in this class and the overall camp so that they go forth with boldness and are surrounded by accountability partners.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
