A year ago my family was blessed to meet the Erkmann family when we attended a World Vision walk to raise money for clean water. As we drove up to the race, we were delighted to find a family of smiling kids passing out necklaces and race bibs as others prepared for the walk.  The Erkmanns have SUCH a heart for the poor around the world and involving others to make a difference.  Our family was touched by their servant hearts and the overall mission of the walk!

I recently met a wonderful lady named Victoria who is part of a refugee ministry.  Her family ministers to refugees from countries all over the world.  I was amazed by her heart for serving others and how she and her husband, Sergrey,  have involved their whole family in sharing God’s love with others.  

I have had the privilege of knowing the McMullen family for many years and hearing first hand their stories of bringing children into their home through foster care and adoption.  I know the road has not always been easy for them, but seeing their beautiful children become part of their family and watching how God uses them to impact other families by their ministry is inspirational.

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the spirit of love and generosity that embraces our hearts this time of year…We tend to look for ways to bless others by serving together as a family, and by doing so we are blessings Jesus in the process.  Serving others with our kids not only demonstrates the heart of God and shares His love with His people in the process, but it is a great way to develop meaningful family traditions and foster a strong family identity.  

Hurricane Harvey brought devastation to much of the Houston area with flooded homes, buildings, and loss of basic resources.  An abundance of help was needed, and many felt led to go out and serve those in need.  One of those families was the Ming family.  With eight kids and a new baby, they had every excuse NOT to help, but because they are a family that prioritizes serving others, they put their kids to work and found ways to bless those who needed assistance.

This month I am highlighting the Brown family.  Amy Brown has a special story of how God gave her a vision to do something special that no one had ever thought of at her church to reach children with the gospel.  The idea is so amazing, that I believe it needs to be replicated at other churches with food and/or clothing pantries.

I have always dreamed of taking a family short-term mission trip one day.  Family vacations are so great, but getting to serve others, be a part of the great commission, and experience another country and culture as a family would be an unforgettable experience!   While we have yet to do this with our children, I wanted to find a family that has for my next family highlight. I was introduced to the Jordan family of Houston who went on a family mission trip this year.

I have had the privilege of knowing and serving with the Jaimez family for several years now and have been so blessed by them and their heart to serve the Lord. Even though Carmen is a single mom, she does not let the difficulties of life hold her back from all that God has for her and her family. She not only serves with her immediate family, but she also serves with several of her sisters and their families too!

Each month at Growing Kids for the Kingdom, we are highlighting a family that teaches their children ways to share God’s love with others by serving together as a family. I hope this will be both inspiring and encouraging; providing ideas of how we can be intentional to serve with our children and raise the next generation to be intentional about sharing the love of Jesus!