There is a window of opportunity that exists when children and adolescents are most likely to be called to full-time ministry—between the ages of 4 and 14. Missiologists refer to this time period as the 4/14 Window. "What you believe at age 13 is pretty much what you're going to die believing," researcher George Barna said in a July 2004 Christianity Today report. The report further stated, "In a 2003 Barna Group nationwide survey of pastors, church staff, and lay leaders, four of five leaders said they participated in church children's programs for a number of years before they turned 13."

Nazarene Missions International (NMI) leaders have long been committed to involving children in missions. Therefore, NMI is cosponsoring with Children's Ministries "Kidz Passport to Missions" during the 2005 General Conventions. This event, which is being geared specifically for children grades 1-6, will be held Friday, June 24 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Children who attend Kidz Passport will enjoy interactive missions activities, such as crafts, games, puppets, giveaways, and more. They will also have the opportunity to interact with Nazarene missionaries and children's missions book authors.

Nina Gunter, general NMI director, said, "The involvement of our children in missions today will determine the effectiveness of the church in missions tomorrow."

To obtain children's registration forms or volunteer applications, visit http://cmga05.nazarene.org, E-mail Shirley Collins at scollins@nazarene.org, or call 888-644-4510 (toll-free).

--NMI