Editor's Note
This article is presented by the Lausanne Children and Family (CnF) Network in Collaboration with networks and organisations focused on children, young people, families, prayer and missions. To connect with the Lausanne Children and Family Network, email cnfnetwork@lausanne.org.
As we soon approach The Holy Week 2024 from March 24th to March 31st, a unique global collaboration is unfolding. Ministries, Movements, and Networks, across the world, including the Lausanne Children and Family Network, 2BC, Pebbles and Stones, JC2033, Global Children’s Forum, Kids Pray for Zero, World Shapers, OneHope, GACX, Lord’s Home, Children in Prayer, International Prayer Connect and others, are joining forces and coming together for children and families.
The ultimate goal is to see children and families everywhere flourish, draw closer to God and fulfil their calling.
This collaboration isn’t just for a momentary observance but it is part of a broader, multi-year initiative leading up to 2033—the 2000th anniversary of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the commissioning of His disciples. This period marks a significant chapter in Christian history, emphasising collaboration, friendship, partnership, and leadership in global missions. It has the potential to serve as a vibrant platform for empowering children and families to deepen their relationship with God and actively reach out to others. The ultimate goal is to see children and families everywhere flourish, draw closer to God and fulfil their calling.
Introducing THE Week: A Family-Centric Devotional
Central to this initiative is ‘THE Week’, an eight-day intergenerational devotional, designed to engage not just individuals but entire families, small groups, schools, and churches. This intergenerational tool is tailored to guide participants through the profound events of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday, fostering a collective exploration of faith.
By reflecting on God’s Word together, families and communities are empowered to grow in faith and extend their hands in service to others, embodying the love and teachings of Jesus in tangible ways. Personally, too, it is a great opportunity to engage in these events by listening to how God is speaking to you through the Biblical narrative and sharing those reflections with others.
A Journey of Shared Faith and Service
Each day of THE Week offers a structured pathway to nurturing a deeper connection with God and one another, comprising:
- An Introductory Question to provoke thought and discussion,
- The Biblical Story, laying the foundation for the day’s reflection,
- Listening Prayer & Journaling, inviting participants to discern God’s guidance, and
- Sharing & Praying, encouraging communal support and outreach.
The devotional is accessible as a PDF and Flipbook digitally on the website, theweek.life. This digital resource aims to unite believers globally, inspiring prayer, reflection, and communal action, and hence enriching the spiritual journey of families and communities during one of Christianity’s most sacred observances. For those desiring to explore the lessons in-depth, a comprehensive curriculum is available at pebblesandstones.com.
Empowering Generational Faith and Outreach
Each day’s narrative during Holy Week serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected ways in which Jesus fulfils the promise of salvation. These stories are vital tools for parents and leaders in nurturing the faith of children and encouraging families to live out their faith actively, reaching out to their communities with love and compassion.
Here is an excerpt from the Palm Sunday devotional:
Over 2000 years ago, the Jewish people were expecting a Messiah (an anointed one) to come and save them. They thought he would be an earthly king; they were hoping that he would come, set up his kingdom, and overthrow the Romans who were ruling over them. But when Jesus the Messiah came, he was different from what they expected . . .
Transformation in Action: Testimonies
Pathway Church in the U.S.A. shares a heartfelt reflection: ‘By the end of the eight lessons, my family was more open to additional spiritual discussions.’
Another participant notes, ‘It opened up the Easter story for me in new ways.’
A Global Call to Faith and Outreach
As we prepare to embark on Holy Week 2024, let us embrace this opportunity for generational collaboration and spiritual growth. By engaging with THE Week, we are invited to not only reflect on the central events of our faith but also to empower our children and families to develop a closer relationship with God. Together, we can extend the message of Jesus’ love and resurrection to our communities, fostering a global network of faith, service, and celebration.
Through this collective journey, we are reminded of the strength and beauty in unity—across ages, cultures, and geographies— as we strive to live out the teachings of Christ in our daily lives and missions.
Through this collective journey, we are reminded of the strength and beauty in unity—across ages, cultures, and geographies— as we strive to live out the teachings of Christ in our daily lives and missions. Let us proceed hand in hand, enriching our faith and reaching out with compassion, as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus in our families, churches, and communities worldwide.
We invite you to join this journey year after year for the next decade with your families and the organisations you represent. You can email cnfnetwork@lausanne.org for more details.
Together for Children and Families
—A collective and collaborative journey of global networks and organisations focused on children, young people, families, prayer and missions.
