Will the world change our children...or will our children change the world? Time is short and lives are at stake. Right now, God is inviting our families to become part of a bigger story—a vision that will engage hearts to make a radical difference. One Million Arrows is an inspirational call to raise our kids to impact their culture, community, and world for Christ. If we want our kids to discover their purpose, if we want them to live with passion for the Kingdom, if we want our family to go down in His-Story, accept the mission...and leave a mark for eternity.
Recently I read this book, One Million Arrows, after the author, Julie Ferwerda, contacted me and asked me if I was interested in joining her book blog tour. After learning what the book was about, I knew this was something I wanted to do.
So one day, I looked in my mailbox and found a package containing this book, which I immediately began to read. I discovered that Julie doesn't focus on just one international ministry, but writes of many different families, couples, organizations, and people who are all making a vital difference in reaching the lost children of this world.
The book is divided into three parts: Gather, Sharpen, and Launch. Recognizing that the time is short, and the need great, Julie exhorts all parents to disciple their children to impact the world instead of the world impacting their children. In her section on gathering, she lays out a plan for the parents to chart their own course with their families, and to hop on board the one million arrows campaign. She challenges each family to own the mission of discipling their children.
Part two guides the parents in gathering the arrows (children) to sharpen them. She helps the reader to understand how to shape your arrows in your home and beyond. In so doing, you will ultimately be able to send your arrows off into the world to impact the kingdom of God.
The final part of the book is how to launch your arrows. This can be a difficult process for all parents while also being perhaps one of the most rewarding times in a parent’s life.
While I do not think I would feel peace in my heart about sending out my own 15-year-old daughter to start an orphanage, as in one of the stories in the book, I do agree with the heart of Julie's message. (My family and I have always had a soft spot for lost orphans, and have supported a little boy in Thailand for many years.)
Throughout the book, you get to know Papa–Dr. M.A. Thomas. He was the inspiration behind the book and the movement, One Million Arrows.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the chapter in which Julie wrote about the Tebow family, and some of the principles they followed when raising their children, including:
*Start training them when they're young
*Teach them to give thanks to the Lord in everything
*Get them outside of themselves from an early age, caring about the needs and problems of others.
(F.Y.I, if you haven't checked out the Tim Tebow foundation, I suggest you go take a look.)
I would encourage you to go check out Julie's website, onemillionarrows.com, for more information about the book, the ministry, and how you can help.
If you want to cut to the chase and purchase the book, you can buy it online.
Blessings!
Julie Ferwerda is recognized for making the Bible exciting and relevant to everyday life through her writing and speaking. Her articles are featured in many Christian magazines and websites for both adults and teens, and she frequently volunteers her time and talents to international orphan ministry. Learn more at OneMillionArrows.com.
Julie has a special place in her heart for orphans and has designated that all proceeds from the sale of One Million Arrows be used for international orphan ministry.