I love entering a new year!

Even though nothing physically changes, the start of a new year symbolizes a fresh start and a fresh outlook. And that is why we chose January to announce the new name for the children’s ministry at Champion Christian Center. The name “Ultra Kids” comes from a study of ultra marathoners--people who run 50-100 mile races!

When I was in college, my roommate liked to run half-marathons, and I decided I wanted to run one with her. She sent me a training schedule and we trained together, running three times a week. As I ran, I saw my strength improve! Ultimately, I never ran the race because I got nervous when it came time to register. But she did! She kept pressing toward the prize.

Now it’s one thing to run 13 miles. It’s another to run 100! Runners who compete in these multi-day races train almost every single day. They don’t train begrudgingly; they train because they love to run!

When I started asking God for vision for Ultra Kids, I considered what I wanted a child who completed our program to know. The Lord revealed to me that when Paul writes about each man running his race, it did not exempt our children!

Just like runners must have a training plan when they train for these marathons, we must have a training plan for raising our up our children. When we train our children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), they will continue to train themselves as adults being led by the Holy Spirit! And, not because they have to, but because they love to follow God!

There are three main components to our vision as Ultra Kids. First and foremost, we want to equip your child to run their race. That means that we want to teach your child Biblical truths on which they can build their lives! There is no Holy Spirit Jr., and we believe anyone who has received salvation can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14)!

Secondly, we believe the parents are the proper spiritual leaders of their homes and have the primary responsibility for training their children. God commands children numerous times to obey their parents and listen to their instructions (Proverbs 1:8, Ephesians 6:1-4). We want to equip you, as parents, to teach your child about Jesus! Children naturally follow their parents’ examples. When we make training our children to be God-fearing a priority, we ensure they have a positive example to follow. Throughout the coming weeks, we will be continuing our family devotional series, designed to help you lead your child through the Bible, and starting a new series of online blog posts to give you encouragement and direction in your journey as a parent.

Lastly, we want to engage culture. No one was given the gift of salvation to keep it to themselves!

“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16

Your whole family has the ability to shine for all to see! We pray that as your child is equipped and trained in the faith that your whole family will begin to lead people to Christ in a way you have never experienced before!

 “So I run with purpose in every step.” 1 Corinthians 9:26

We are so excited to join you and encourage you and your child to run your races with purpose!

Rejoice that the Lord has done good things and greater things will come in 2017!