Acclaimed author of children’s books, Glenys Nellist,  shares a Children’s Message for Advent.

Bishop David Bard has called congregations to partner with the Michigan Area Haiti Task Force in bringing relief to those suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. The storm hit Haiti on October 4 leaving homes wrecked, schools leveled and crops destroyed. The 2016 Michigan Area Advent Offering has been designated to assist in recovery efforts underway through UMCOR and Haitian partners.

Here are two resources that will help promote the offering in your congregation. Click here for a bulletin insert for your immediate use in worship.

Glenys Nellist is the Coordinator of Children’s Ministries for the West Michigan Conference. She lives in Grand Rapids, MI and is in ministry at Trinity United

Methodist Church. Glenys is the author of Love Letters from God and the Snuggle Time series.

In an effort to make the Haitian Advent Appeal multi-generational, Glenys was asked to write a Children’s Message for MIConnect. Pastors and teachers may share this story with children to interact with them, at their level, about the disaster that continues to unfold in Haiti.

Glenys tells the story of Fanaika, a ten-year-old girl who lives in Mizak, Haiti. She includes images, questions, Fanaika’s own words and a prayer, all aimed at helping children feel into and think about this girl and her family and all others like them.

Advent starts Sunday, November 27 and runs through December 24. Click here for a detailed script that can be used in worship, Sunday school or some other Advent setting to engage children in praying for and caring for Haitians like Fanaika.

Last Updated on January 9, 2023