Book Review:One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda

After reading One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda a fire was lit inside of me. The main topic: raising your children to change the world. Psalm 127:3,4 says "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth."

There is powerful imagery in "raising an arrow". What is the goal of an arrow? To hit a target and make a deadly blow. In the same way, our goal as Christian parents should be to raise our children in such a God honoring way that when we release our arrow (our child) into the world they make a deadly blow to God's enemy! Are your children prepared to make deadly blows to the enemy?

In our culture we have so over entertained our children that helping them find a purpose is difficult. The children of America are broken, aimless, bored and crave significance. Many parents have left it up to the Sunday School teachers and youth pastors to train their children spiritually - when it is the role of the parents to "make disciples" of their children.

This books gives various examples of children whose parents were purposeful in their parenting and now their children are sacrificing much to see the kingdom of God advanced. They are making deadly blows. One father purchased a wide-margin Bible for each of his children. Then he took two years prayerfully reading the Bibles cover to cover. In the margin he wrote in notes, prayers, applications, and insights for his children. Another father picked mentors for his children to meet with them over a 2 year time period. Sometimes when a child doesn't want to listen to their parent - they are willing to listen to a mentor. The author, Julie, encourages parents to read the Bible daily at meal times, fast and pray for your children regularly and keep a prayer journal your children can have one day.

Julie says "This is our baby - literally - and we have to take the training years seriously...Will the world change our children...or will our children change the world? Time is short and lives are at stake. Right now, God is inviting our families to become part of a bigger story—a vision that will engage hearts to make a radical difference. One Million Arrows is an inspirational call to raise our kids to impact their culture, community, and world for Christ. If we want our kids to discover their purpose, if we want them to live with passion for the Kingdom, if we want our family to go down in His-Story, accept the mission...and leave a mark for eternity."

I had the honor of my family photo being included in the video promo of this book. We are after the word "Vision". I posted this a month ago on the blog so you may have already seen it - if not - check it out!

Walk with the King!