God cares deeply about each person living in spiritual and material poverty—and He calls us to love and serve them. Many of you are already responding to that call, but you might also be wondering: How can I help the next generation care about these same things?
Maybe you have kids, grandkids, nieces, or nephews who love Jesus and love others, but haven’t yet encountered the realities of global poverty. Inviting them into this conversation can feel daunting. How do you share honestly without overwhelming them?
Questions are a fantastic place to start. They create space for kids to wonder, process, and respond in their own way.
Here are a few questions to initiate those conversations in everyday moments, whether on a walk, in the car, or around the dinner table.
Start with their own experience
Often, we can be tempted to think of people living in poverty as more different from us than alike. But when we start with what we have, want, and need, it helps kids begin to understand and recognize the needs of others—which aren’t that different than their own.
- What are some things that you need to live a happy and healthy life?
- When was a time someone shared something with you? How did that make you feel?
- How would you feel if you were hungry and you couldn’t eat right away?
- How would you feel if you couldn’t go to church or talk about Jesus?
Root the conversation in Jesus’ teachings
Once kids have an idea of the needs in our world, invite them to consider how Jesus talks about them and responds—and invites us to do the same.
- What are some words God uses to describe His people in the Bible?
- What does it mean to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31)?
- Read the story of the boy who had five loaves and two fish (John 6:1-13). What happens when the boy shares his lunch? What does this teach us about Jesus, and about the people who say “yes” to His instructions?
Bring in real people’s stories
Stories make these ideas real, relatable, and memorable. Consider reading through one of the below stories of people we serve and then discuss it with your kids.
- For visual learners, explore some of the video stories of people we serve.
- To meet a 13-year-old who bought a goat to chase his dreams, read Eric’s story!
- If you could talk to this person, what would you ask?
Invite them to respond
Kids may not be able to give a portion of their salary, but there are plenty of other things they can do to be generous right now. Invite them to look at their classmates, their neighborhoods, and their own skills—and use what they have to bless others.
- What are some ways you can practice being kind to someone who is lonely or feeling sad this week?
- Is there anything you have that you could share with someone else who needs it? (Hint: your time, encouragement, or a handmade gift all count!)
You don’t need to have all the answers. When kids can talk openly about difficult topics, they learn to notice the needs around them—and respond with compassion.
We hope these questions help you and your family grow in awareness, compassion, and generosity together. Thank you for being part of helping families around the world overcome poverty!
Pictured in header image: Susan Cabanela (center, back row) and members of her family in the Philippines (served by partner the Center for Community Transformation.)
