“There are over 6 billion people in the world, and over 2 billion are children under the age of 15. They are arguably the largest unreached people group in the world.”

- Wendy Strachan
Scripture Union International Children's Ministry Coordinator
Convenor Children Issue Group, Lausanne Forum 2004

In this age of increased and extensive communication, we have no excuse to be ignorant to the situation of our brothers and sisters around the world, and especially those most at risk – children.

For over ten years, children have been the central issue for Logosdor, and as we enter the National Children's Week 22-30 October what better time to consider what we are doing for children, not only in our own backyard, but around the world. We want children on the agenda.

The statistics can be overwhelming in relation to child poverty, where children continue to go without the necessities of day to day life: food, water, medical supplies and shelter. Education is a luxury, and death and disease is a reality. We ask ourselves ‘what can we do' when we face, for instance, the 30 000 children under five dying each day*? While we feel unable to solve the world's problems, as Christians we do have something to offer – the hope of salvation in Christ.

Mission organisations around the world, such as Scripture Union and Bible Society as well as many others, are focusing on this often overlooked group. The Lausanne 2004 Forum discussed in detail the challenges facing children, and mission organisations reaching them. In the US, strategic financing groups are considering how to support the work of the organizations. Change is on the way, but that doesn't mean we can become complacent.

The way forward is to make use of partnerships between organisations, to be most effective in not simply exposing children to the Gospel, but looking long term to disciple and nurture them.

Logosdor is excited to be a part of this movement towards a coordinated strategy for reaching children globally, and are at present developing resources in conjunction with partnering groups to begin to address the spiritual needs of children. These will build on from their previous experience with the Oasis curriculum, and global sports and games programs to encourage children to walk with Jesus 7 days a week.

It's time to think big. It's time to think children.

To find out how to become involved, or for more information please contact Logosdor.

Lausanne Contributors Simon Hood (Logosdor Creative Director, Wendy Strachan (SU Children's Ministry Co-ordinator)  &  Daniel Willis (CEO Bible Society NSW) are available for comment on the findings of Lausanne. Please contact Logosdor for further information.

The Lausanne Document can be found at:

http://community.gospelcom.net/lcwe/assets/LOP47_IG18.pdf

*UNICEF 2005 State of the World's Children: http://www.unicef.org/publications/index.html

Kate Ison
Logosdor Media Officer
media@logosdor.com
(02) 9477 3961

Logosdor Ltd is a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee.