Children play an important role in the Bible. The Bible teaches stories of children making wise decisions and some unwise decisions. We read about the disobedience of Cain to his father Adam, and the obedience of Isaac to his father Abraham. There are stories of children reigning as kings, and kings seeking to destroy children.

We are told by King Solomon that “even a child is known by his actions,” and to “train up a child in the way he should go.” The prophet Isaiah foretells that a child shall be born to a virgin; that a “little child will lead them.” In Matthew’s gospel, we read about Jesus coming to earth as a child, and how later He beckoned the children to come to him. Finally Paul tells us in I Corinthians, 13:11, “When I was a child, I talked like a child. . .”

Each of these texts about children reminds us of the importance of children in our lives. They show us joy and happiness, sorrow and sadness. Jesus laughed with them, and He cried with them, and in His commission to “go into all the world,” He was not only talking about the adults—His commission is also for the children, our youth of today. They are also to go and help other children and young people and share what Jesus has done for them.

That’s what MP3 is all about—Mission Projects involving three entities: Jesus, The Quiet Hour and You(th), or anyone wishing for their “youth” to return.

From March 17 to 27, 2005, more than 100 young people barely out of childhood themselves, from Okanagan Adventist Academy, Fresno Adventist Academy, Blue Mountain Academy, and churches in California, Arizona, and Washington, answered God’s great commission to reach out to others (including hundreds of children) by sharing their love for God.

They worked for the Lord in Baguio City, more than six hours’ bus ride from Manila. Pastor Joedy Melashenko reports that the bus ride is “hairy” and a white-knuckle experience. That’s before the team even reaches their mission site!

These young people preached sermons in remote places, talked to mothers and fathers from remote mountain village tribes about health and family issues, assisted in the extraction of diseased teeth, sized up eye glasses with the assistance of the optometrists, and helped with various medical treatments and procedures. They visited with the native Filipino youth, conducted Vacation Bible Schools and puppet shows, and shared their musical talents.

Just as young Timothy accompanied Paul on numerous missionary trips, these young people were mentored by Pastor Joedy Melashenko, who led them into areas where some people have never heard about Jesus. Not only did they experience the thrill of seeing Filipino youth and children give their hearts to Jesus, but they themselves will came home rejuvenated for Christ. It was a life-changing experience!

As one young high school student reported from his experiences in Peru in March 2004, “Everyone needs to go on MP3. It has changed my life in so many ways. I’ll never be the same again!”

The MP3 slogan is “Kiss yourself goodbye,” and watch God change lives—and your heart. Over a hundred teens came back to the U.S. fundamentally changed: in love with Jesus, excited about the Holy Spirit working in them, and ready to give testimony of His saving power.

Help bring a child to Jesus. Support or join an MP3 team.