International (MNN) — According to the United Nations, last year was one of the worst for children living in conflict.
For example, the UN verified more child casualties of war in Ukraine during the first nine months of 2024 than in all of 2023 combined.
“The needs are unbelievable and astounding when you hear the stories of people on the ground in Ukraine,” Keys for Kids’ Greg Yoder says.
(Photo courtesy of Keys for Kids)
“Then, you go over to a place like Sudan, where there’s literally a genocide and even famine taking place; you can’t help but think, ‘Oh, my word. The kids in many of these areas are struggling. They’re looking for something to have hope in.’”
More than one in six children around the world live in a conflict zone, or they’ve been made homeless by war or violence, the UN reports.
“The need to reach out to children, and families too, is at an all-time high,” Yoder says.
“70% of people come to faith in Christ between four to 14 years old. We have a responsibility, as Christians, to reach out to those kids because it’s the most fertile ground.”
Keys for Kids devotionals point families to Jesus, the only source of lasting hope. More about that here. “Coupling our resources with physical aid, that’s really what will change hearts and lives,” Yoder says.
“Whole villages in northern Pakistan have come to faith in Christ because of the work that God has done through Keys for Kids.”
Connect with Keys for Kids here to learn how you can help. “We need to pray but then be actively involved somehow,” Yoder says.
“Maybe it’s to go and help, or maybe it’s to provide finances, or maybe it’s to be an ambassador for your favorite ministry to tell others about what God’s doing.”
Children play with discarded containers at a refugee camp. Photo courtesy of Salah Darwish/Unsplash.
