by Abram Kim

The start of the new year brings a lot of anticipation, change, and excitement. The start of the Sonlight year is no different. About half the staff from last year have stepped down for various reasons (i.e., moving away, other ministries, etc.). New staff will join soon, but will take some time for them to be trained. Two of our most faithful kids (Katie and Jordyn ) have moved on to the youth group, Lumos. Five kids (Melody, Tyrone, Noah, Abby, and Kasey) have moved up from the preschool group, Sparklers. Amidst all the change, the Sonlight ministry, which serves Kindergarten through 5th grade, remains steadfast because the Word of God remains steadfast and unchanging. Just like in every other ministry at church, the Bible is the final authority for Sonlight in all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

This year we have a new curriculum from Children Desiring God, called “To Be Like Jesus.” The curricula from Children Desiring God have been consistently faithful to the Scriptures, and for the most part aligned with the teaching at Lighthouse. We anticipate the same level of faithfulness this year, all the while remembering that the curriculum itself is not inspired, only the Bible is inspired.

This year’s curriculum will cover the biblical message of the gospel, and in particular, what it means to call yourself a Christian. This is an appropriate topic for our Sonlight kids who are growing in their knowledge of the God, Jesus, and the Bible. I can personally attest as one who has grown up going to church all my life that knowing the facts of the gospel and having those facts effect my life were two completely different, yet obviously connected, realities. As the stories and teachings of the Bible begin to formulate in the young minds of the children in Sonlight, we as a staff will challenge and encourage them this year to consider the fruit in their lives to really evaluate whether or not they have true saving faith. Our Lord said the world will know His own by their fruit and practice (Matthew 7:15-27). Being a Christian is so much more than assenting to a set of facts and ideas. Being a Christian includes a total life change. Once we were slaves to sin, which leads to death. Now we are slaves to Christ, who ransomed us with a very costly and precious price, His own blood. Only then can eternal life be assured and secured. Only a few find it. We pray all the children in Sonlight are part of that few.