The Land of the Front Seat: Keeping children safe in a world that pressures them to grow up fast.
There is a coveted land fought over every day. A craved for territory that allows you to see for miles around. A prime piece of real estate that says, ‘You’ve arrived.’ It is the land of the front seat.
Sitting with my five year old granddaughter but only half watching the movie on TV, she suddenly turned to me, her little face filled with part outrage, part envy and concern. ‘That little boy is sitting in the front seat!’ I looked up and sure enough a boy roughly her age and size was in the front seat of a car. In fairness, it was a movie from the nineties and he was buckled into a booster seat, but all I could think of to say was, ‘Oh, that’s in America.’ With widened eyes she said, ‘I want to live in America!’
I remembered squabbles with my siblings on whose turn it was to ride in the front seat. Here in Australia, we used to simply say, ‘I bags the front seat!’ But now I understand it’s ‘calling shotgun’ and strict rules apply, like the shotgunner must be in clear sight of the car, shotgun can’t be called in advance, and the shotgunner must be wearing shoes! Obviously, the land of the front seat is still highly sought after.
What is it about the front seat? Why do children long to sit there? It’s because it’s where a grown up sits. Unfortunately, the world today is irresponsibly determined to offer our kids a ride up front before it is safe for them. Children are under pressure to grow up fast. So, from an ever younger age, they are exposed to adult behaviours and concepts through marketing, media and peer pressure.
Children need safety and security. Their childhood, the foundation for a healthy adulthood, needs to be valued and therefore protected. As Christians we have a great appreciation for this because of the teachings of Jesus. Jesus values children.
Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and so not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’(Matthew 19:14)
He (Jesus) called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:2-4)
It’s just like Jesus to turn things on their head. Adults need to become child-like. Children do not need to be adult-like. Innocence needs protecting.
If you’re looking for funny, exciting and safe stories for your children or your Children’s Ministry, Cooee Kid’s Ministry can provide them.
The Twins at Sunshine Cove
Twins Jesse and Erin spend school holidays with their Grandma who manages the Sunshine Cove Post Office. The seaside town is a place of adventure, especially when Grandma tells Jesse and Erin about Daniel. They learn important life lessons as they comb the beach, visit caves and make a delivery to the mysterious Captain who lives in the lighthouse.
Visit: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/the-twins-at-sunshine-cove/
Spud and the Figs
A series about three close friends whose comfortable world is turned upside down by the intrusion of the school outcast, Spud. The boys learn God’s love is available to everyone, even those they think don’t deserve it. Church kids are challenged to look beyond their Kid’s Church or Club to see the kids God wants in His family.
Visit: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/spud-and-the-figs/
Moon Base Genesis 2
Ryan, Tristram, Leala, Stella aand Pip don’t escape school even if they do live on the moon! With their parents they are part of the Earth colony: Moon Base Genesis 2. Their teacher, Lunar, may be the latest in AI, but it doesn’t know a thing about the real story of Creation or other historical events from the book of Genesis.
Visit: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/moon-base-genesis-2/
A Matter of Time
Time travel never gets old! Join Lucinda and her friend Professor Ninnyhammer, the inventor of the Time Slip Machine, as they journey through the book of John. Watching Jesus, Lucinda leans how the miraculous power of God can be applied to her life, right now!
Visit: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/short-stories/a-matter-of-time/
Clowning Around!
Roll up! Roll up! This sweet circus series about the Fruit of the Spirit will make an energetic, fun and fruitful addition to your family devotion time or Kid’s Church program. The Durand Brothers travel across Europe by caravan and clowns Fizz, Jingles and Ko-Ko provide entertainment in and out of the ring as they have many adventures and daily choose to listen to the Holy Spirit.
Visit: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/clowning-around/
Strawback and Crow
Strawback the Scarecrow isn’t very good at scaring anybody…just ask his friend Crow and the field mice that lived in his trousers all winter long! Placed in the farmer’s vegetable patch close to the house, Scarecrow is able to listen in on Mr. Farmer’s devotions with his family, and enjoys retelling them to Crow. The unlikely friends endure the seasons together and learn about God’s ways.
Visit: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/strawback-and-crow/
The Fossicker’s Way
A brand new series I’m currently writing and so excited about. Lesson 1: What is Wisdom? is available now. Barry and Beryl Fossicker, and their children Jasper, Amber, Garnet, Opal and Pearl travel the gem and gold fields of Australia. Every evening around the campfire, Mr. Fossicker teaches his children from the Book of Proverbs, to instill God’s wisdom in their lives.
Visit: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/the-fossickers-way/