The Mailbox Club

Basic TrainingManual

to effectively disciple childrenusing interactive Bible Study

lessons.

www.themailboxclubafrica.co.za

1. Jesus commanded us to reach boys and girls!In Mark 10:14-15, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” If for no other reason, we should simply obey the Word of God and the clear command of Christ! As we obey Him, we find tremendous wisdom in His Words and understand just how strategic reaching children really is. (See Psalm 127:3-5; Matthew 21:15-16; Luke 8:49-56; Ephesians 6:1-4; Acts 2:38-39.)2. Children are the greatest harvest field in the world. Adults have great difficulty bending the knee and coming to Christ in simple, child-like faith. Adults often become proud from success or broken from the tragedies of life. But, children are pliable and simply take God at His Word! 85% of all decisions made for Christ is done before the age of 15.3. Children are the largest, most unreached people group in the world. While the surging population of children under 14 years in the world is approaching 2 billion, estimates are that 60-80% of the Church’s global resources go to everything but children’s ministries.4. Children, if won to Christ and properly discipled, can lead long, fruitful lives for the Lord.Pastor Charles H. Spurgeon, Bible commentator Matthew Henry, teacher John Calvin, preacher Jonathan Edwards, song writer Isaac Watts, missionary Robert Moffett, evangelist Paul Rader, writer Corrie ten Boom, pastor Oswald Chambers, missionary Jim Elliot,evangelist Leighton Ford, evangelist’s wife and writer Ruth Bell Graham, teach-er Stephen Olford, Dr. James Dobson, to name a few, were saved as children and each served the Lord for decades!5. Children make great missionaries – NOW! Childrenoverflow with excitement as they eagerly share the Good News of Jesus Christ with their family members and friends! The Mailbox Club has received many testimonies from around the world of adults who came to Christ because of the influence of newly converted children!Four Keys to bear fruit that remains1. Daily spend time in the Word.2. Daily love the Lord Jesus above all else - Mark 12:30.3. Daily die to SELF - 1 Corinthians 15:31; 2 Corinthians 4:104. Daily be filled with the Holy Spirit-Ephesians 5:18; John15

WHY CHILDREN?

The Mailbox Club Training ManualCopyright © 2011 The Mailbox Club® InternationalAll rights reserved including translations. Not to bereproduced in any form, except where specifically noted, without prior written permission.

By John Mark Eager, DirectorThe Mailbox Club®, International

NOTES

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●To introduce the ministry and materials of The Mailbox Club (TMC).●To explain the procedures and parameters of a Partnership with TMC● To facilitate the Basic Training Manual.● To demonstrate the Presentation of a Mailbox Club Lesson.● To explain procedures with regard to Reporting;● To set up a Communications Network; and most importantly● To put something in your hand that will enable you to train and mobilize others like yourself.

The Purpose of the Basic Training NOTES

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Colossians 1:28 - “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”THE STRATEGY1. Him we preach, warning every man = Evangelism2. and3. Teaching every man in all wisdom = Follow-up3. Presenting every man perfect in Christ Jesus = Discipleship

A Scriptural strategy for making disciples

To win the children and young people of the world to Christ andhelp nurture them into spiritual maturity through Bible StudyCourses and into local churches. This is accomplished through directministry, and by multiplying our efforts through key partnerships and the Body of Christ around the world.

Summary of The Mailbox Club

Mission Statement

The Mailbox Club facilitates translation, production and distribution of Mailbox Club Bible lessons around the world for people of all ages, with particular emphasis on children and young people. We reach many more children effectively by teaming up with strategic partners (which includes the local church). We support our ministry partners by adequately training them and sharing the best practices we have learned from nearly 50 years of follow-up ministry. Our vision is to reproduce thousands of“mailbox clubs” around the world, by way of the distribution of curriculum through key ministry partners who share our calling to reach and disciple the children of the world for Jesus Christ.

Vision

• Children and young people are the most fruitful harvest fields.• Follow-up is essential to producing fruit that remains.• The Body of Christ must work together to reach the next generation

with the Gospel.

Philosophy of the Ministry

What experience do you need?

• Training of the leaders and lay community, within local churches, is key to a successful follow-up program with children in each country.

• Nationals are essential to implementing in-country ministries.Additional Ministry Information

NOTES

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It is easy to start a Mailbox Club

A Mailbox Club is a weekly Bible club for children and young people to enjoy. All courses are Christ centred and true to the Bible.

What is a Mailbox Club?

Anyone can! (grownups, youth and children).Older people can have the joy of sharing what they have learnt in life through a Mailbox Club. It is thrilling to see how God uses a teen group to win children and teenagers to Christ and disciple them in God’s Word using Mailbox Club lessons. The Mailbox Club material will help your local church or ministry in winning children, teens and adults to Christ and teaching them the great truths of the Bible. Material can also be used as a take-home project to complete the lessons in the privacy of their home.

Who can present a Mailbox Club?

• Basic Bible Knowledge• Long-term commitment• Love for the Lord Jesus• Love for children and• Willingness to let God use you.

• Over 35 million lessons are printed annually.• Permissions for translation have been granted for The Mailbox

Club lessons into over 140 languages.• Statistics for the past 10 Years (2002 - 2012)* Lessons Printed - 301,725,512 * Lessons Distributed - 269,419,324* Students Taking Lessons - 22,118,263 * Salvations - 8,015,601* Certificates Awarded - 15,757,583

What are the benefits?• Children come to know the Lord Jesus as their Savior!• Churches are strengthened and Nations are changed!• You will reap eternal blessings!• A Mailbox Club is exciting to children! Being a member of a Mail-

box Club satisfies three deep longings in children: 1. They like to belong to a group or a club. 2. They like to receive material of their very own. 3. They like to learn about God.Children by the thousands are coming to know Christ as Savior through Mailbox Club lessons. You can have a part in this, too!

See and Do 1&2 - Grade 1, age 4-6An entry-level course introducing God and salvation, designed for beginning readers of ages 4-6. There are 7 lessons of pictogram text illustrated through stories of children. Lessons contain an activity page, memory verse and question page. See and Do 1 enables a child to understand the need for salvation and how to receive Christ. See and Do 2 explains the importance of Christian growth through prayer, confession and trusting in God.Storytime 1&2 - Grade 2, age 6-7An entry-level course introducing Jesus Christ as Savior, designed for young readers ages 6-7. The 7 lessons include simple Bible teaching with an ongoing story of children, an activity page, memory verse and question page. Storytime 1 enables children to know of God’s love through a personal Savior. Storytime 2 explains five necessary steps in receiving and sharing Jesus.Best Friends 1&2 - Grade 3 and 4, age 7-9An entry-level course of Bible truths for evangelism and discipleship, designed for elementary readers ages 7-9. There are 8 lessons of topical text with Biblical truths, a memory verse and a continuing story of children growing in faith in Best Friends 1. There are 12 lessons of topical texts with Biblical truths, a memory verse and continuing story in Best Friends 2. The question page features multiple choice questions, word puzzle and/or “what do you think” life application questions. Best Friends 1 introduces children to the opportunity of having Jesus as their Special Best Friend. Best Friends 2 builds upon the Biblical truths in Course 1Explorers 1&2 - Grade 5 and 6, age 9-12An entry-level course of basic Bible truths for evangelism and discipleship, designed for elementary readers ages 9-12. There are 10 lessons of topical text with a memory verse, word puzzle page and question page in Explorers 1. There are 12 lessons of topical texts with a memory verse, continuing story of children growing in Christian faith and a question page in Explorers 2. Explorers 1 introduces children to God, Jesus Christ, and the need for salva-tion. Explorers 2 builds upon the Biblical truths in Explorers 1.Overcomers 1 - Grade 7, age 12-13An advanced course for children who have completed 2 other courses, designed for children ages 12 and older desiring a deeper Christian experience. There are 12 lessons with Biblical instruction, truth summary, prayer of commitment and question page. Overcomers confirms a child’s understanding of the position of a believer in Christ and the Christian’s place within the local church.Understanding True Love: - Grade 7 upwards, age 13+This course is designed for older teens and adults of dating age. There are 8 half–page booklets containing 2 lessons each, with question pages. Understanding Love and Sex defines what love really is, distinguishes between true love and infatuation, gives an understanding of purity before marriage, and provides helps for choosing life’s partner.Winners 1&2 - Grade 8-10 - Age 14-17An entry-level course for teenagers, especially designed to catch and hold the attention of unsaved teens. The first two lessons of Winners 1 are titled, “Left Behind!” and “The Antichrist.” There is a spe cial section in each lesson about “God’s Heroes of Faith.” Winners 2 builds on the truths in Winners 1, beginning with the lesson entitled “Forgiven and Loved!” Teens will love this course.

See & Do 17 Lessons

See & Do 27 Lessons

Best Friends 18 Lessons

Best Friends 212 Lessons

Explorers 112 LessonsExplorers 212 Lessons

Overcomers 112 Lessons

Understand-ing True Love

16 Lessons

Winners 112 LessonsWinners 220 Lessons

LESSON CURRICULUM

Storytime 17 Lessons

Storytime 27 Lessons

Description of available courses

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Step 2. Identify and invite children to be part of your Mailbox Club.

GETTING STARTED NOTES

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1. You receive Basic Mailbox Club Training2. You identify and invite children to be part of your Mailbox Club.3. You present the Mailbox Club lessons during the club.4. You keep record of the club members’ progress and award certificates upon completion.5. You submit a Leaders’ report plus testimonies and photos of the children.6. You keep your club growing.

Six steps to start and grow a Mailbox Club

The only way we will reach the millions of children in this world for Christ is by multiplying our efforts. We train you - to train others - that will train others.“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2).● Practical Training● Printed Resources● Conditions of the partnership.

Step 1. Receive Basic Mailbox Club Training

1. Identify● What is the age group you will focus on?______________________● Where will your club be held? (a) in a school, (b) in a church, or (c) at a residence in the community________________________________● When will the club gather?_________________________________2. Launch● Create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.● We suggest that you do not start with the lessons on day 1. Ratherintroduce the Bible Study Course and how the club will function. Eachcourse has a specific and unique theme. Use this in introducing the course you will be doing. Mention the fun things they will be doing: doctrinal truths they will learn, memory verse, Activity, Question Page and Certificate. See page 19-20 for guidelines.3. Outreach● In a situation where there is no existing ministry program in the school, church or neighbourhood, you have to Initiate the entire program.● Start small. Share Jesus with a few children and invite them to your club. Ask permission from your local school or church to present a Mailbox Club to one of their classes.

Method 1. One lesson taught per week.

NOTES

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The goal of each lesson is for the children to absorb the material. Do not feel rushed to complete the material. The lessons are very doctrinal and it is important for the children to spend time meditating on the material. Each lesson should be taught over one or two class periods. Because of the limited attention span of the children you should try to limit each class period to one hour.

Step 3. Present the Mailbox Club lessons to the children.

Allow yourself enough time to prepare for the following week’s lesson. These steps are in line with what was discussed in previous sessions.● Take a few minutes and Pray before you start with the preparation for the following week’s lesson.● Take the lesson you must present and read through it 2 times.● Read through it a third time, and this time determine the Central Truth/Goal of the lesson and write it down.● As you read through the lesson, write down one question per para-graph that you will ask during the class to highlight the doctrinal truth being presented. You can write it on your lesson next to the paragraph so that you do not to forget it as you work through the lesson with the children, or in a separate book, whichever works best for you.● Choose songs and activities to support the Central Truth/goal.● Decide how you are going to present the Memory Verse and pre-pare the material you are going to need (if necessary).● Complete the Activity Page and make sure you know the answer (ifapplicable) that must be found during the activity.● Do the Question Page and make sure you know what is the correct answers to each question.● Pray for the club and the children and do revision of the lesson a few times before the day of the Club.

1. Welcome the children.Warmly welcome each child and let them know how glad you are that they are attending the club.2. Complete the Register or Student Attendance RecordSee example of the Register on page 14 of this manual.3. Prayer, Praise and Song.Pray as you prepare to teach and give opportunity for children to pray. Ask for testimonies and praise God for what He has done in their lives. Sing two or three songs that will reinforce the lesson truths.4. Review the previous lesson truths.Each lesson provides review questions to ask the children which will help to reinforce the previous lessons.

Practical steps to take before presenting the lesson

Method 2. One lesson taught over two weeks.

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5. Present the Mailbox Club truths.Introduce the truths in the lesson to the children. You should read the lesson with the help of the children and discuss the material present-ed in the lesson. Have the children look up the Bible references in the lessons and read them out loud. 6. Review the Memory Verse.Introduce it; find it in Scriptures; read it aloud; repeat it at least 6 times; apply it to their lives.7. Complete the Activity Page.Have the children complete the puzzle together. Be sure to use this time to reinforce the truths of the lesson.8. Complete the Question Page.Give the children time to complete the Question Page found on the last page of the lesson. The children should turn in the workbooks for grading or an alternate grading method can be used. (See page 10)9.Complete ‘My Journey with Jesus’ or ‘I will..,’ StatementGuide the children to apply the lesson truths to their lives and be able to verbalise it. Children must be held accountable for what they learn.10. Prayer and PraiseClose in prayer at the end of each club meeting.

Follow the same directions for preparation as in Method 1 for both Week 1 & 2.Week 1: lesson 1 1. Welcome the children. 2. Complete the Attendance Register. 3. Prayer, Praise, Songs. 4. Review with the children (this is done from Week 2 onwards). 5. Present the first half of the lesson. 6. Teach the Memory Verse to the children. 7. Do the activity. 8. Complete ‘My journey with Jesus’ or ‘I will…’ statement. 9. End with prayer and song.Week 2: lesson 1 1. Welcome the children. 2. Complete the Attendance Register. 3. Prayer, Praise, Songs. 4. Review with the children. 5. Present the second half of the lesson. 6. Review the Memory Verse with the children. 7. Complete the Answer Page. 8. Complete ‘My journey with Jesus’ or ‘I will…’ statement. 9. End with prayer and song.

Alternative gradingOccasionally, you may have the children exchange workbooks and mark the Question Pages correct and incorrect. This may be of help if you do not have time to mark it your-self. After you have graded the lesson, the children should be allowed to take the lesson to their homes. Others family members will be blessed tremendously by reading these Bible lessons.

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Be sure you first study the lessons yourself and understand the an-swers to the Question Pages. You grade or mark each Question Page by gathering the lessons from the children at the end of each club. You would then have until the following meeting to grade the lessons. Sometimes the answer given by the child is not wrong, but it is not the answer required in the lesson. Write the correct answer above the student’s answer.

Step 4. Keep record of your Club members’ progress and award certificates.

For correct answers

mark through the wrong

answeraRememberto pray for

your students.

Put the child’s score at the top of the page. You can also place a sticker, or draw a smiley face

to encourage the students.

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Write out this lesson’sMemory Verse here:

1. What is God like?a. God is a “force” for good in the universe.b. God is a personal God who knows and loves us.

2. We cannot see God becausea. God is spirit and we cannot see that which is spirit.b. God is so far away that we cannot see Him.

3. When the Bible says that God is holy, it means thata. God is very good.b. God is pure and perfect and without any sin at all.

4. I know that God loves me becausea. He gave His Son to die for my sins.b. I feel like He does.

5. What does God want me to do most of all?a. God wants me to love Him with all my heart.b. God wants me to do a lot of good things for Him.

Write out the answer tothe Treasure Hunt puzzle:

Example: Heaven is a place where there is

a. little sin.b. no sin.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the better answer—a or b. Write it in the box provided.

Name Birthday / / Age Grade

Parent/Guardian

Mailing address

City

State/Province ZIP/Postal Code

(PLEASE PRINT)

(OMIT IF ADULT)

(MONTH/DAY/YEAR) (OMIT IF ADULT)

Excellent,

Libby!

I’m so glad you are studying these lessons!

b

a

a

b

b

Perfect (all correct)Excellent (1 missed)Very Good (2 missed)Good (3 missed)

3 or more missed: If the student does not seem to be trying, give the same lesson again and write a note tell ing them you think they can do better.

We suggest:•“Keep up the good work!”•“I’m so glad you’re enjoying these lessons.”•“Thank you for doing your lessons so faithfully!”•“I am praying for you!”• “It is so good to have you as our student!”• “We thank the Lord for you!”Personalize your note by enclosing orhanding out:•A birthday bookmark, card, or other greeting.

Never disappoint yourstudents!

If for any reason you areunable to teach the lessons, get

someone to help you or find someone to teach your

students.

It is a great encouragement to the children to have notes of praise written on their question pages. Loving notes from the

teacher often excite the children to improve their performance. These notes can also grow a

bond between the mentor and the child.

Include an encouraging note too!

Studentnumber

Age orBirthdate

Explorers 1lesson 1

Explorers 1lesson 2

Explorers 1lesson 8

Child issaved?

CertificateAwarded

EXPLORERS CLUBStudent name

PeterMaryRoseDavid

1234

8997

-898

5 / 53 / 55 / 55 / 5

3 / 55 / 55 / 54 / 5

5 / 54 / 55 / 55 / 5x

Step 5. Submit a Report plus Testimonies and Photos

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Make sure you update your Student Record Sheet after each class. Pay special attention to the lesson where the student indicate whether he/she accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior or not. We want to know which students did so while studying the Bible Lessons. Mark the column in the Student Record sheet under column “Child is saved” Make sure you receive written testimonies from your students! Be sure to collect these and send at least four with the Student Record Sheet to your Mailbox Club Coordinator.(page 14 for example).

4.1 Update the Student Record Sheet

Award a certificate when the child completes each Course. We strongly suggest that you hold a major celebration when the children havecompleted their Bible Study Course. Invite the parents of the children and hold a Special service in your church. The children need to be recognized and honoured for their accomplishments. A party or time of celebration can be a part of an award ceremony. Whatever you do, make it special! If available, you might consider encouraging your students by giving New T estament Gospels or New T estaments to those who have finished a course. Check with your local Bible Society or The Gideons organization to obtain New T estaments.

At the conclusion of the Mailbox Club program, submit the followingto your Mailbox Club Coordinator: ● Completed Student Record Sheet● Four to Ten testimonies from your students● Photographs, if possible.We are depending on you to submit this information to your Mailbox Club Coordinator. We must report to our ministry partners and donors and your report is the means through which it will happen. We need to know how well you are doing, or if there are difficulties so we can help you where needed. Thank you for your effort. We are depending on your diligence! God bless you! See page 16 forthe Mailbox Club Communications Network.

4.2 Award a certificate

Step 6. Keep your club growing.1. At the start of your club (Week 1)Identify at least one child in thegroup with the potential to become afacilitator. Prayerfully look for anopportunity to challenge him or her for theprocess. Remember the only qualification isthat the child must be able to read, becausewe are not training up teachers butfacilitators. If such a child has been identifiedand agrees to become a facilitator theprocess is as follow:2. The child [F(b)] continues tobe part of your Bible Study for theremainder of the time it takes to completeall the Lessons. In this way the child learnsthe different steps that are followed when presenting a club and also get to learn more about God.3. Meet with the child on a regular basis during the time of theBible Study Course and explain the methodology of a club and what to consider when presenting a club. Make use of what has been experienced during the club in order for the child to better understand the process.4. If you are satisfied that the child understands the different steps to present a lesson and would be able to follow them, arrange a date and time when he/she will start with a new group. The child, with your help, will get some children to form part of the new group. The child will receive his/her own set of lessons and, if applicable, Flash Cards for every child in the group or sets of lessons for each child in the group.5. On the day of the new Bible Club you meet with the child before the time and go through lesson 1, making sure he/she understands the main points, as well as the steps to be followed as set out on page 9 and 10. You pray together and you encourage him/her to not be afraid.6. When the Bible Club begins the child presents the lesson and you only attend the lesson. During the lesson your role is to observe and not to take over the role of the new facilitator.7. After the meeting you meet with the child again and review the lesson.Rectifying any mistakes, give advice and encourage. This process repeats itself forthe remainder of the time it takes to complete the set of lessons, or until you aresure the child can continue on his/her own.Note! It will take extra effort from you as facilitator, but the result will be worthit. You will have duplicated yourself; more children will have been reached; and achild will have answered the call of God.8. At the conclussion of the Bible Study Course encourage your childrento sign up for the next level or course. (See Curriculum on page 5)

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Leader’s Report FormMinistry:____________________________________________________Country:_________________________Language____________________1 How many children have been enrolled in Mailbox Club lessons

this year?2 How many Mailbox Club lessons (in total) have you distributed

this year?3 How many of the children that participated in the club com-

pleted all the lessons?4 How many children have indicated that they received Christ as

Savior through taking the Mailbox Club lessons?5 How many volunteers assist you with your Mailbox Club Pro-

gram?6 How many churches/schools are involved in your Mailbox Club

program?7 On a separate page, please share at least 4 testimonies and photos (if

possible) from your Mailbox Club children that would encourage us! (Please send testimonies in English.)

Report submitted by Date

LESSON INVENTORYNAME OF COURSE:Lesson123456789101112Total

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ANSWER PAGE

PAGE 2Why children?1. Commanded2. Harvest field3. Un-reached4. Long, fruitful5. Missionaries4 Keys to bear fruit that remains1. Daily2. Daily3. Daily4. Daily

PAGE 31. THE STRATEGY1. Evangelism2. Follow up3. Discipleship

Mission StatementWinNurturedirect ministryPartnershipsVisionTranslationProductionDistributionChildrenkey ministry partnersReachdisciple

PAGE 4What is a Mailbox Club?WeeklyChrist centredWho can present a Mailbox Club?AnyoneWhat experience do you need?Bible KnowledgeCommitmentLoveLoveWillingness

PAGE 6Step 1. Receive Basic Mailbox Club TrainingMultiplying

Step 2. Identify and invite childrento be part of your Mailbox Club1. Identify2. Launch* Excitement* Anticipation3. Outreach* Initiate* Small

PAGE 7Step 3. Present the Mailbox Clublesson to the childrenAbsorbDoctrinalMeditating

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Method 1. One lesson taught per week1. Welcome2. Register3. Prayer, Praise and Song4. ReviewPAGE 85. Present6. Memory Verse7. Activity Page8. Question Page9. ‘I will…’10. Prayer and Praise

PAGE 11Step 6. Keep your club growing1. Identify2. Continues3. Regular4. Arrange5. Before6. Child…..attend7. Recap8. conclusion

ANSWER PAGE