It's a David-sized tool facing a Goliath-sized target: helping introduce the Son of God to one of the world's largest - and often ignored - groups. Appropriately, it's named "The Story of Jesus for Children."

The new 62-minute video includes segments of the feature film "JESUS," which, over the past 20 years has been viewed by more than 3.3 billion people of all ages. But this version of "JESUS" is seen through the eyes of children, as they encounter and interact with the life and message of Jesus.

Paul Eshleman, director of The JESUS Film Project®, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International, comments, "There has been much talk about the '10/40' Window - those countries between latitude 10 degrees to 40 degrees north, with the least access to Jesus' message. We are now aiming this children's edition of the 'JESUS' film at the '4/14 Window'--children between 4 and 14 years old. Although research reveals their spiritual openness, it also indicates a great need to do more."

In no way does Eshleman claim that "The Story of Jesus for Children" will accomplish the task alone, but he does feel that the video addresses the need in a unique way.

Through the Eyes of Children

This children's version of the internationally known "JESUS" film tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of six children, who encounter Jesus in the culture and events of the first century.

"The children struggle to make sense of it all--some from families who believe Jesus is the Son of God, others from families who do not," Eshleman says. "They watch Jesus from the crowds. They follow Him to see what this incredible man, who loves children, will do next. They see Him betrayed, wrongly accused, crucified and buried. But, they remember the promise of Jesus and believe they will see Him again."

Long-time Christian educator Vernie Schorr, who had the original vision for "The Story of Jesus for Children," says, "We believe this video provides a much-needed solution to the challenge of teaching the truth about God and His Son Jesus. Children will always seek answers to their spiritual questions, and we need to provide them with the truth of Jesus in clear and concrete terms, along with compelling action in the story."

Vonette Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, comments, "I think we all are concerned about moral problems all over the world, and if children can see 'JESUS' and the power that [Jesus] can give them, to live His life in and through them, their behavior will change... They will be more eager to please God and allow God's power to be known through them. In this film, children are teaching children and they are leading others to Christ. It's powerful not only for children, but also adults."

A Day of Commitment

Although "The Story of Jesus for Children" is easy for individuals to use, Eshleman also urges denominations and churches to use "The Story of Jesus for Children" to "take inventory" of the spiritual lives of their children.

"My prayer," he explains, "is that every denomination in America, and spreading around the world, will begin to initiate within that denomination an annual day of commitment, so that every year a spiritual inventory is taken of the faith of the children in their church or denomination.

"We've got computers, we've got databases of everything," he pointed out, "but in most of the evangelical churches of the world, nobody knows how many of their children have yet received Christ. At the most open time in their life, we don't care enough to keep track. I think that is an indictment of us.

"We ought to have something that every church looks forward to every fall or spring: an annual day of commitment, where they find out which children have received Christ, and which ones would like someone to talk further with them."

Eshleman also envisions "The Story of Jesus for Children" as useful for Sunday school classes, at gatherings such as the Good News Clubs® of Child Evangelism Fellowship, summer camps, and vacation Bible schools. Parents could sponsor an evangelistic movie night, inviting neighborhood children for refreshments and to watch the film.

Beyond that, he appeals to parents and grandparents: "If raising godly children who understand the importance of recognizing Christ as Lord is your ultimate goal, 'The Story of Jesus for Children' is for you," he says. "It entertains, educates and, best of all, introduces young people to Jesus Christ in a compelling way they can understand. If you've been looking for a way to clearly communicate the gospel to your children, grandchildren, or their friends, this video is for you."

Hope for a "Lost and Abused Generation"

April 20, 2000, the first anniversary of the Columbine murders in Littleton, Colorado, provided grim reminders of what Dr. Bill Bright calls a "lost and abused generation" that needs to encounter the message and love of Jesus Christ. "The Story of Jesus for Children," he believes, is a tool that can effectively help accomplish that.

"God has used the 'JESUS' film all over the world, and almost 3.4 billion people have viewed it," comments Bright, founder and president of Campus Crusade for Christ, "but in my opinion, the children's version is going to be far superior. I believe we can go right back to the same villages and cities--wherever we have shown the original film--and see a far greater response because it will reach not only children, but their parents.

"This new millennium is very symbolic," he adds, "because it's a new beginning for our young people who have been lost and abused... Their lives are filled with discord and conflict and we need to reach out in love to them and give them hope."

In his book, Generation Next, pollster George Barna observes that between ages 8 and 13, "roughly half of all Americans made their decisions to become true Christians" (page 79). A related study showed a sharp decrease in spiritual response to Christ after age 13. "The study clearly demonstrates that the greatest evangelistic window currently available is among young children" ("The Barna Report," December 1999).

Children in Need

Repeatedly, reports such as those given by Robert L. Maginnis [*numbers refer to resources he cited] present statistics that indicate the need of America's children, such as:

• "In 1995, among adolescents, suicide was the third leading cause of death after accidents and homicide." [11. "Statistical Abstract of the United States: 1998," op. cit., p. 103.]

• Among children aged 14 and younger, suicide has risen 75 percent over the past decade. [12. Michael D. Resnick, et al., "Protecting Adolescents from Harm," JAMA 278, No. 10 ]

• "In 1950, for every 100 children born, 12 entered a broken family. Today, for every 100 children born, 60 will enter a broken family. In other words, the proportion of children entering broken families has more than quadrupled since 1950." [24. Patrick F. Fagan, "The Breakdown of the Family," Issues '98: The Candidate's Briefing Book; Washington, D.C.: The Heritage Foundation, 1998.]

• "Children are six times more likely to be abused in blended (divorced and remarried) families than in traditional, intact, married families." [41. Fagan, op.cit.]

• "Abuse is 20 times more likely in families where the natural parents cohabit." [43. Ibid.]

• "Abuse is 33 times more likely when the mother cohabits with a boyfriend." [44. Ibid.]

"Obviously," comments Vernie Schorr, "today's children face deep and complex problems that are not easily solved. But one thing we are able to do for the children of America is to tell them the truth about Jesus: His love for them, His power to help them make right choices, and that they can know Him personally. Our prayer is that the Lord will use 'The Story of Jesus for Children' video to help accomplish exactly that."

*Footnoted quotes from: Robert L. Maginnis, "Challenges to Children's Well-being: Fathers and Parental Time," a message delivered November 14-17, 1999 to the World Congress of Families II, in Geneva, Switzerland. Additional excerpts in Addendum.