Resource round up

Welcome to my first kids ministry Japan blog! Hoping to make a habit of it.

I want to draw your attention to a few resources I've found. The first two are for pre-school aged kids.

Never too little! is a book by Steph Williams that retells the story of Jesus welcoming the little children. Its encouraging for little kids to know the special place they have in Jesus' heart, which they don't have to earn. Its also encouraging to the adults reading that what they really need is to need God's help.

Access the book here and my translation here. I'm no ace translator but hopefully these can be useful to you. Feel free to send me edits!

Never too little.pdf

Download PDF • 229KB

Sorry God by Stephanie Carmichael does exactly what's on the cover. It teaches little ones about saying sorry to God. It uses age appropriate, concrete examples, assures kids of God's love for them and reminds them that saying sorry to God regularly is important.

Translating "Please help stop being grumpy" was tricky (I took a soft option.) God doesn't minde when we're feeling grumpy, just when we're acting grumpy and that impacts other people. That's a lot of nuance to fit into children's Japanese. What would you have said?

Sorry God.pdf

Download PDF • 198KB

Lastly I stumbled upon ちゃらーこどもさんびーwhile searching for themed songs to use in my kids ministry.

I love their songs because they're bible based, well recorded and listenable, available as videos and sheet music. I'd love to hear which ones you've used and how the kids have responded to them.

Often when I'm searching for kids songs I'm frustrated, either because the style is dated, the recording is hard on the ears, or the content is just the same themes again and again. Songs should teach kids from all of scripture, and they should be fun! I'm really pleased to find these and I hope they keep producing.

I've been on a quest for a new Japanese Christmas song with great dance moves. As a musician who has played every Christmas for almost my whole life, I am in danger of being bored of every Christmas song I know. If you know one I might not know, please help!