What is Kids of Courage?

The Voice of the Martyrs publishes Kids of Courage (formerly LINK) materials for children 5 to 13 so that families and schools can include children in learning about and serving the persecuted church. Kids of Courage publications are committed to:

1.     Educating students about courageous Christians and countries that restrict Christian worship.

2.     Encouraging students toward greater spiritual growth by giving them examples of those who are risking all for Christ.

3.     Providing practical opportunities for students to pray for and aid today’s heroes of the faith.

 

What is The Voice of the Martyrs?

Richard Wurmbrand, a pastor in Communist Romania, was imprisoned for a total of 14 years because of his Christian activities. When his wife, Sabina, was also imprisoned for three years, their 11-year-old son, Mihai, was left alone to take care of himself. A few kind Christians helped him.

After Pastor Wurmbrand and Sabina were released and left Romania, they started a ministry in 1967 to inform Christians about the needs of their persecuted brothers and sisters around the world, and to help persecuted Christians and their families. The ministry, Jesus to the Communist World, was later renamed The Voice of the Martyrs. Today VOM works in more than 50 countries through its International Christian Association of mission offices.


What Kids of Courage resources are available?

• The Kids of Courage free eight-page quarterly newsletter was launched in 1996 to inform children about Christians who stand firm in their faith even when it isn’t easy. The testimonies of struggling believers have strengthened the faith of thousands of kids and families. In turn, Kids of Courage readers have helped persecuted Christians through projects and prayers.
• Bold Believers activity books include 40+ pages of stories, photos, activities, and cultural information about one topic or country.
• The www.KidsofCourage.com updates supplement The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter for adults with activities and stories related to recent information in VOM publications.
• The VOM bookstore features additional publications for families and children.

Aren’t children too young to learn about such sensitive topics?

Kids of Courage materials convey the struggles endured by persecuted Christians without including graphic descriptions or photos, or age-inappropriate concepts. Nevertheless, parents and teachers are encouraged to preview the materials before sharing them with their own children, as they know their children best.

Feedback received from parents, teachers, and children since the children’s newsletter started in 1996 has indicated that Kids of Courage materials are educating and encouraging children in appropriate ways. Additional feedback about any of the materials is welcome.

Is it possible to subscribe to the Kids of Courage newsletter without also receiving the free monthly The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter?

VOM and Kids of Courage newsletters are not sent out as a separate subscription. VOM encourages parents and teachers to become fully informed about the persecution facing Christians around the world. Then they can in turn educate their children more effectively.

Can VOM provide my child with a pen pal in a persecuted country?

Children in countries served by The Voice of the Martyrs are in unique situations. Some are on the run and do not have mailboxes. Others live in secret safe houses or camps. In some countries, it is dangerous for Christians to receive personal mail from Christians in other countries. It can take two days’ work in the fields to earn enough money to buy one postage stamp in some poor countries.

However, children are encouraged to write letters to Christian prisoners through www.prisoneralert.com. Bibles Unbound also offers a way to bless people in other countries through the mail (www.BiblesUnbound.com).