The Power of God's Word!

Today I was reminded once again why it is so important to teach children the Word of God. It truly transforms their lives, regardless of their age. God's Word has the power to renew a child's mind, awaken their soul and change their perspectives, values, and behaviors. There are former street boys in Kampala, Uganda proving this right now... HCI's Discipleship Director, Caleb Ives is currently with Pastor Nelson Kyasooka of Grace Fellowship Ministries in Kampala, Uganda. Today he spoke with the headmaster, Richard Lubega, at the school the former street boys currently attend. He shared that they are excellent students, trying very hard, changing in their performance and behaviors. They are becoming "really good children." What brought this change? God's Word! The Word of God shared with a practical demonstration of God's amazing love (education, food, shelter, clothes)combine to transform lives. It's so easy to make a difference! I remember the impact of God's Word on my own daughter, Nicole, who now writes most of the curriculum offered here. She had terrible fits of rage as a child, crying, kicking, shouting, screaming, "I can't stop!" It began when she was a young babe and continued until she was nearly 7 years old. We tried everything suggested in Christian books and teachings, as well as ideas shared by professionals. Nothing worked. One day I prayed, admitting my inability to help her and crying out to God for HIS plan for changing my daughter. She was so precious and loving most of the time, but these outbursts were increasing. God's answer? Buy her a Bible. I argued with God, thinking that this was rewarding Nicole's behavior. But eventually I determined to obey. I took her to the Christian bookstore and allowed her to pick an adult Bible like the one I read. I told her I believed that she really couldn't stop, though she wanted to and God's Word would make the difference. There was power in God's Word to wash all of the anger away and change her from the inside-out. She believed! She carried her Bible as if it was made of gold and showed it to her father saying, "Look daddy! Mama bought me a Bible and it's going to make me better!" From that time on, we read her Bible every single night. When she felt a fit of rage trying to come, she would run to her bedroom and open her Bible, reading aloud until peace came. She never had another outburst like that again. God's Word works! We must teach the children of this generation God's Word. He is their hope! God's Word can transform their thoughts, behaviors, values and heal their broken hearts. There IS power in God's Word. Rise up and teach!!!! Submitted by: Pastor Carla Ives; HCI Founder

Why We Are Here...

Over the years we have received hundreds of requests from pastors, parents and teachers around the world desiring training or assistance with their ministry to children.  Our hearts have longed been burdened by the lack of training offered to those raising the next generation.  We believe that the Word of God has the power to transform lives at any age!  We believe that if children are truly discipled in God's Word and KNOW Him, they will love Him.  They will also learn His ways and become excellent parents and quality people who will contribute much to the future of their nations.  They are the future!

Though we are unable to financially help with every ministry that approaches HCI, we CAN help you!  By joining our Children's Ministry Fellowship you will receive a monthly email report, prayer support, training opportunities and discipleship materials.  And you will have this meeting place - the HCI Children's Ministry Fellowship Blog - as a constant source of encouragement, lesson ideas and more!  Best of all, it's FREE!

Contributing authors for this blog will be:

Pastor Carla Ives, HCI Founder & CEO.  Pastor Carla began HCI nearly 20 years ago and has over 30 years of full-time ministry experience.

Pastor Caleb Ives, HCI Discipleship Director.  Pastor Caleb is the son of Pastors Ron & Carla Ives, married and the father of 4 beautiful girls.  He is a graduate of Lee University in Cleveland, TN and currently teaches at a Bible School in North Carolina.  Pastor Caleb leads the Discipleship Department of HCI.

Pastor Nicole Homan, daughter of Pastors Ron & Carla Ives, married with TEN children!  "Pastor Niki" serves in full-time ministry with her husband in the area of worship and student ministries at The Potter's House Family Worship Center in Mt. Pleasant, MI.  She and her husband, Pastor Matt Homan, served on staff with HCI in years past.

Pastor Matt Homan, husband of Pastor Nicole Homan and father of TEN!  Pastor Matt began serving with HCI at the age of 15 and is now a full-time pastor at The Potter's House Family Worship Center in Michigan overseeing all Student Ministries at the church.

Pastor Wole Akintaro, HCI African Director.  Pastor Wole oversees all HCI discipleship ministry in Africa and has been serving the ministry for over ten years. 

Will we ever meet?  Once each year, HCI will hold a Global Family Gathering in Michigan for those able to attend.  While all participants will be expected to make all of their own travel arrangements and cover their personal expenses, the cost of the gathering will be at a reduced rate for our CM Fellowship Members.  We understand that many of you will be unable to travel to join us for this annual event and encourage you to watch for HCI training and gatherings being held in your country or near you.  If nothing else, we can meet HERE to encourage our faith and ministry to children!

Be encouraged!  God sees what you are doing for His children and is WELL-PLEASED!

* Be sure to look at our Lesson page!!!