If you are ready to involve the children in your Lutheran school or Sunday school in a project that will change lives for eternity, read on.

BACKGROUND: Over twenty years ago, Dr. Ben Eggers initiated the first Hearts for Jesus project in our district as a way for children to participate in ministry to others in a meaningful way.  Over the years, Hearts for Jesus projects have supported missionary pilots, purchased cows for widowed mothers of young children, aided victims of natural disasters, sent Bibles to children in foreign countries, built an early childhood center at an orphanage in Cambodia and much, much more.  Last year’s project raised over $60,000 that is being used to support Bible study groups among young people in India.  It is simply amazing how God has blessed the gifts that His children have given.

THIS YEAR’S PROJECT: The 2008 Hearts for Jesus project is titled “The Story of Jesus for Children.”  It is quite different from any project that we have undertaken in the past.  This year’s project is linked to the LCMS Ablaze! emphasis which has set a goal of sharing the Gospel with 100 million people by the year 2017.  The Story of Jesus for Children will give children in our churches and schools a wonderful opportunity to participate directly in that effort.

The Story of Jesus for Children is a 64 minute feature motion picture on DVD that is distributed in partnership with Tobias Communications.  It is the story of Jesus seen and told through the eyes of young people.  The format is captivating to audiences of all ages.  Teacher should preview the movie to determine how to use it most effectively in the classroom.

THE GOAL: The offerings from the 2008 Hearts for Jesus project will be used to purchase a DVD for every student in Lutheran early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools as well as every child in congregations whose Sunday schools participate.  Our goal is to distribute over 10,000 DVD’s.

THE REALLY IMPORTANT PART IS MOVIE NIGHT!  The plan is for every child who receives a DVD to take it home to watch it with family members and then as a family decide who to give it to.  You see, the whole idea is for children to give the DVD to someone who does not know much about Jesus or to someone who is uncertain of their salvation.  So the really important part is to give it away!   Encourage Movie Night!

RESOURCES: Age appropriate resources have been developed by classroom teachers in the Florida-Georgia District to assist your teachers.  However, teachers are encouraged to take a look at all of the resources as they may wish to revise one grade level’s materials for use with another age group.  Most of the resources are downloadable from this website and can all be duplicated for classroom use.  Also, we will provide each student with a popcorn box (Get it? Popcorn boxes…movies?) that will be used to collect coins for their chapel offerings.

TIMELINE: Timing is very important with this year’s project, so please observe the following deadlines carefully.

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POST PROJECT REPORT:  I am convinced that some powerful stories will be told as a result of this project.  We want you ask you to help wrap the project up by submitting a final report.  The report simply asks you to indicate how many children participated in the project, as well as how many children reported that they gave the DVD to someone else to watch.  The report can be submitted online in a breeze.  A student writing project page is included in the resource packet that has been prepared for teachers to use.  Use it to tell the stories that are waiting to be told.  You may want to share them with members of your congregation so that they see what a difference young people make in the ministry of the church.

THRIVENT: Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a strong partner in this project, committing up to $10,000 in matching funds.  We are thankful for their determination to support the young people in our congregations and schools as they seek to share the good news of the saving grace of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know Him.

I am hopeful that you will plan to participate in Hearts for Jesus 2008, and I look forward to sharing some wonderful stories about lives that have been touched for eternity as a result.  May God bless our efforts beyond our expectations. 

Mark A. Brink

Executive Director for School Ministries

Florida-Georgia District, LCMS