Children’s Ministry
Children’s Missions Project 2025-26 - Oasis of Grace
UPDATE: D & K, WPA IWs involved with this years Children’s Missions Project recently came home due to unrest overseas. But their project that we are supporting through the Children’s Missions Project continues. Here is an update from K:
While D and I are now home unexpectedly, Oasis of Grace is still running strong in partnership with the local church. They have a great group that has dedicated the first and last Saturday of each month for this ministry. They have combined several of the ages together for this ongoing outreach. Music, Bible lessons, games, food, and even a little gift are provided at each outreach. We have been thrilled to hear of WPA VBS’ that have already begun raising money for this ministry! Our local church friends are so encouraged to know you all are supporting them this way! They have continuing needs for this outreach as they do it two Saturdays every month. Please continue to pray for this project- for the kids as they are ministered to and for the leaders as they serve! We are grateful for you all in WPA!
Every year, a special project is chosen to ignite hearts in Western PA — educating children about the Great Commission and inspiring them to play a part in God’s global mission! This exciting initiative not only teaches kids the importance of sharing the Gospel but also empowers them to support the vital work of our International Workers around the world.
This year’s project will be Oasis of Grace, bringing hope to children in Western Asia! Through Oasis of Grace, International Workers D&K are launching a vibrant weekly program designed especially for children who have lost one or both parents — offering them joy, love, and the hope of Jesus in the midst of deep pain.
They will minister to these children through crafts, games, music lessons, Bible stories, and so much more! For many, this will be the first time they hear about the love of Jesus!
Let’s bring light to a dark place. Will you join us? The program will run from June 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026. Give online here or mail checks to WPA District Of C&MA, P.O. Box 395, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Make the check payable to WPA District of C&MA and designate that it is for “Oasis of Grace”.
We have many resources to help you promote this project in your church. There is a craft that you can do with the children in your church and get them excited, plus a video, PowerPoint, and brochure. For more information on any of these, including the password for the video, please contact Meredith Bratton at brattonm@cmawpa.org. This video cannot be livestreamed or posted online for the safety of our International Workers and to not compromise their ministry.
Children’s Missions Project 2026-27 - Casa De Alegría
Every year, a special missions project is selected to help children across Western Pennsylvania discover the heart of the Great Commission and learn how they can be part of God’s work around the world. Through this initiative, kids are encouraged to grow in their understanding of missions while supporting the ministry of our International Workers serving globally.
This year’s project supports Casa de Alegría (“House of Joy”) in El Salvador. Our WPA International Workers, Rocky and Shaina Higgins, are partnering with a local Salvadoran missionary to build a community center on Isla La Calzada. Casa de Alegría will provide a safe and welcoming place where children can learn about the Bible, receive educational support, participate in fun activities, and experience the love of Christ. This ministry is especially important because many families on the island live in poverty and face limited access to resources and opportunities. Casa de Alegría will serve as a place of hope, encouragement, and practical support for the community.
Our theme verse for this project is Jeremiah 31:13:
“Then young women will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”
This verse reflects our prayer for Isla La Calzada—that God would bring comfort, hope, and joy to children and families through Casa de Alegría. In addition to serving children, the project will create jobs and provide valuable skills training, strengthening the community for years to come.
We believe this “House of Joy” will be a shining light in El Salvador, sharing the hope of Jesus with future generations.
Will you join us? The program will run from June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027. Give online here or mail checks to WPA District Of C&MA, P.O. Box 395, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Make the check payable to WPA District of C&MA and designate that it is for “Casa De Alegria”.
For more information on any of the resources available to help you promote the project, please contact Meredith Bratton at brattonm@cmawpa.org.
Why Children's Ministry Matters
Christ modeled the importance of Children's ministry as stated in Mark 10:13-16...Let the children come to me and do not hinder them..
What if the Church began to see kids as people - not just the "littles" who run around and steal cookies off the fellowship table - but people who desire God and can facilitate change?
At the Alliance we're passionate about people and reaching them with the love of Jesus - and kids are some of God's most precious people. Why is it important to reach kids?
We've know for a number of years that statistically speaking people are most receptive to the gospel as children. By the age of 5 a child's life long concept of God has been formed. That's right, 5. And before the age of 12 they are at their most receptive to God. The window of opportunity to reach kids is now.
We exist to equip, empower, and encourage Alliance churches worldwide to reach the kids and their families with the love of Jesus. With videos, curriculum, and leader helps, we want to help you succeed as you minister to these precious people with Jesus' love. (Refer to cmalliance.org.)
Our Team...
As children try to understand this complex world they seek role models and security. What better place to find these than in the local church and its outreach programs! In order to meet these needs of children, the Children's Disciplemaking Team endeavors to equip ministry workers with the strategies needed to reach the unique needs of this age group. We realize they are not miniature adults. However, their learning capacity at this stage of life is tremendous. The desire to learn of God will never be greater. Time and resources must not be spared lest we miss this opportunity to see boys and girls won to Jesus Christ, become disciples, and be integral part of our local churches.
We Desire To...
Provide information, encouragement, training, networking and resources to children's coordinators, workers and pastors by...
Networking with district children's coordinators
Encouraging local children's workers and leaders
Sponsoring area training events
Recommending quality children's Disciplemaking curriculum
Training:
Training is offered at the District and National level. Seminars and workshops will be announced on the District website (www.cmawpa.org), The Heartbeat (monthly enewsletter) and by District emails. If you would like to be added to the District Children's email list, send a request to cowmanm@cmawpa.org.
Resources:
Alliance Kids Website
Alliance Kids Facebook Page
Alliance Kids Instagram Page
WPAalliancekids Facebook Group
Kim Greenleaf
Head of Children’s Ministry Commission
724-705-0019 ext.13
ksgreenleaf@gmail.com
Jerry Wages
Children’s Ministry Commission
pastorjerry@murrysvillealliancechurch.org