International (MNN) — Yesterday we reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on mental health, and the same applies to children.
The disruption of normal life, change in schedules, boredom, parental stress, and increased risk of domestic abuse all combine to leave a mark on many children.
Even as COVID-19 cases gradually drop in the United States, these mental health concerns won’t simply go away. That’s why it’s important to connect kids with the Gospel of Jesus Christ now and going forward.
Empty class romm due to COVID-19. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
Greg Yoder of Keys for Kids Ministries says, “One of the things that has sprung up over all this is that families are home. Kids need stuff to do. And there’s lots of fear and anxiety. Where do people turn? Well, they typically turn where there’s spiritual significance. And because [people remember] Keys for Kids, we have seen a serious uptick in the number of requests, both [for] our Unlocked devotional and our Keys for Kids devotional.”
Yoder says audio downloads have jumped 300% for Keys for Kids and 150% for Unlocked. “We’re very excited about the fact that people are digging into God’s word, finding answers that can be found in Christ alone.”
Yoder shares the story of a man from Australia who found Keys for Kids through the Parent Minute program. He and his wife soon began using Keys for Kids with his daughter and sharing Unlocked with teens in his life. “He says he can’t get this kind of material in Australia,” Yoder says.
COVID-19’s effect on Keys for Kids
The pandemic has proven a tough time for many non-profits, but Christians have stepped up to support Keys for Kids, Yoder says. “It’s just been amazing how God has provided for every need that we’ve had over the last eight weeks or so.”
(Photo courtesy of Keys for Kids ministries on Facebook)
Yoder says they welcome financial support, but he would love to see support of a different kind as well. “We would love people to just become like ambassadors for Keys for Kids, getting a booklet and sharing it with others or downloading some of the material in PDF form and sharing it with your churches and kids in your life.”
The Keys for Kids and Unlocked devotionals present the historic Christian faith to kids and teens, and Yoder says the enemy hates that. He asks for prayer that the work will continue unhindered.
He encourages Christians to share Keys for Kids and Unlocked with the kids and teens in their lives, especially as lockdowns continue and the stress on children remains high.
Kids all over the world have had their daily lives and normal routines disrupted by fear and isolation. (Photo courtesy of Queven from Pixabay)
