When Your Kids Become Your Greatest Ministry Tool

I didn’t expect my preschooler to become my missionary teammate.

But that’s exactly what happened.

One day, while I was in our schoolroom and NikNick was in his office, he heard a stampede of little feet running through the house. He looked up and saw a dozen African boys, wide-eyed, giggling, led by our youngest son.

He had decided his village friends needed to see his room - —and his toys. So he left preschool, gathered the crew, and gave them a tour.

It’s funny now. (It wasn’t then.)

But it was also a holy moment.

Because in that act of childhood innocence, our neighbors saw something powerful: “This family trusts us with their child.”

When Your Kids Go First

As parents, we often think we are the ones leading the way in ministry. But what if it’s actually our children?

They learn the language faster. They aren’t afraid of making mistakes. They form friendships without the cultural baggage adults carry. They ask questions. They giggle. They play. And in doing so, —they disarm entire communities.

That little school experience didn’t just help our son learn. It made our neighbors feel seen. It gave us credibility. It opened homes and hearts in ways we never could have planned.

Your Kids Aren’t Holding You Back

One of the most heartbreaking things I hear from potential overseas workers is this:

“We feel called to go, but… we’re not sure what to do with the kids.”

I understand. I do. It’s a huge decision. There’s risk. There are unknowns. But may I gently ask you to consider this:

What if your kids are the very reason God is calling you?

What if the presence of your family is what makes the gospel real to a culture that only sees missionaries as distant or different?

What if God wants to reach someone’s heart through the hand of your 5-year-old?

Let Them Be Part of the Mission

Our kids were not obstacles. They were icebreakers. They were bridges. They were part of the reason the gospel advanced in our village.

Your child - —whether homeschooled, public schooled, or in a hybrid program - —is part of your calling. They are learning faith not just in theory, but in real life.

And that will shape them - —and your ministry - —for the rest of your lives.