4/14 Window

The 4/14 Window refers to the world of children between the ages of 4 and 14. The term was introduced in a 1996 publication by Dan Brewster, then program director for Compassion International. Brewster’s article was based on research by Bryant Myers, who showed that “85% of those who become Christians do so between the ages of 4 and 14 years old.” The sad thing is that although children and teenagers make up half of the world’s population, as little as 10% of mission efforts are currently directed toward them. Children are worthy because they are close to the heart of Jesus. Mark 10:14
says, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Children are the most receptive to the gospel, and positioned to be a mighty force to bring others to faith in Christ. Children have their whole lives ahead of them to live out and share their faith, and they also have time to be long-term agents of change. It is
vital to reach children while they are young and equip them to make an impact throughout their lives.
Children are important recipients of the gospel, they have tremendous capacity to minister to others.

Questions to Ponder:
Do you and your family, church, or ministry place a high value on children and see them as worthy of ministry?
What steps might you take to ensure that children between the ages of 4 and 14 hear the gospel of Christ and are equipped to be Christ’s ambassadors?
What other ways might you respond to this urgent appeal for a new missions focus on the 4/14 Window?

(Information by Tami Snowden)