Hi kids!
A few months ago, I started learning a new hobby—making bread! It’s a long process that starts with yeast, an organism that helps the bread rise. At first, yeast doesn’t seem like much. It’s so small you can barely see it. But when you mix it with warm water and flour, it starts to transform. It creates dough that begins to stretch and rise, becoming soft, fluffy and perfect for baking.
Jesus once told a story—a parable— that reminded His followers that the kingdom of heaven is like the yeast in bread. It starts small but it spreads and grows.
Sometimes we feel like our faith is small and doesn’t make a difference. A prayer before bed or doing something kind for someone else might not feel like a lot, but God can use it in big ways.
Your friend, Abby
Jesus told the crowd another story. He said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. Someone took the seed and planted it in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds. But when it grows, it is the largest of all garden plants. It becomes a tree. Birds come and rest in its branches.”
—Matthew 13:31-32
What does this mean?
Jesus also used a mustard seed as an example of faith because it is tiny until it is planted and grows into a much bigger plant. What started out small becomes something strong and full of life. No matter how small your faith feels, God can use it to grow into amazing.something
Tic Tac Toe
27-07/04/26
Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6153; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@salvationarmy.ca. Lyndon Buckingham, General; Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Abbigail Oliver, editor; Rivonny Luchas, designer. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. Illustrations: stock.Adobe.com and gettyimages.ca unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368- 626X
Match each item to its shadow.
Three kids are enrolled as junior soldiers at Woodstock Community Church, Ont. Congratulations to Eden Ivany, Bronwyn Ryerse and Sarefina Aref!
Hi kids!
Have you ever lost something important to you? It can be very upsetting. When I was younger, I had many toys I liked to play with. But one day, I lost my favourite toy—a stuffed green tree frog named Ribbet. It took three days to find Ribbet, who had been lost in my school bag over the weekend. When I found him, I was so excited and happy, and I put him in a safe place on my bed with the rest of my stuffed animals.
This reminds me of a story that Jesus once told about a shepherd and his lost sheep. Read this issue of Just for Kids to learn what the story means.
Your friend, Abby
The Lost Sheep
Jesus often told stories to help people understand God’s love. One day, many tax collectors and sinners came to listen to Jesus. But some teachers of the law were whispering to each other. They said, “This man is spending time with sinners.”
Then Jesus told them a story about a shepherd who had 100 sheep. But one day, the shepherd realized one of his sheep was missing. So, he left the 99 safe sheep in the field and went looking for the lost one. When he found it, he was overjoyed. He picked it up, put it on his shoulders and carried it home. Then he called out to his friends and neighbours, “Be joyful with me, I have found my lost sheep!”
“It will be the same in heaven,” Jesus said to them. “There will be great joy when one sinner turns away from sin.”
Jesus explained that God is like that shepherd. He cares about everybody, just like the shepherd cared about his sheep. When someone makes a mistake or goes the wrong way, God doesn’t give up on them. He searches for them and when He finds them, He is happy.
Find these words from the Bible story.
Counting Sheep (And Pigs)
Hi kids!
Do you have siblings? I have an older sister and sometimes we have arguments. Even though we love each other, we don’t always get along. After an argument, it is important to say sorry and ask forgiveness. God always forgives us, even when our siblings don’t! In this issue of Just for Kids, you will read a story that Jesus told about two fighting brothers, and how important it is that we forgive one another.
Your friend, Abby
I’m
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The Story of the Lost Son
Riddle Time!
Luke 15:11-32
Jesus once told a story about a man who had two sons. The younger son asked his father to give him a share of the family property. So, the father divided up the land. Not long after, the younger son packed up all he had and left to live far away. There, he wasted all his money and spent everything he had. When the country ran low on food, he became hungry. Then, one day, he said to
himself, “My father’s servants back home have more than enough food, and here I am starving! I will go back to my father and ask for forgiveness. I will ask him to make me like one of his servants.”
When his father saw him again, he was filled with love for his son. He ran to him and hugged him.
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer fit to be your son,” the younger son said.
But the father told his servants to fetch his son the finest robe, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. “Let’s have a feast and celebrate!” he said.
When the older brother saw this, he was angry.
“I have always obeyed your orders.
I’ve been here the whole time.
But your other son left and wasted your money. Now he comes home, and you celebrate.”
“You are always with me. Everything I have is yours,” the father said to his oldest son. “But we had to celebrate and be glad. Your brother came back to us. He was lost and now he is found.”
“Anyone who does what My Father in heaven wants is My brother or sister or mother.” —Matthew 12:50 What does this mean?
This is a quote from Jesus. It means that even if we are not related, people who obey God are similar because we all believe in and love Him. 29-07/18/26
Just for Kids is a Ready to Explore resource, published weekly by The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4. Phone: (416) 422-6153; fax: (416) 422-6217; email: justforkids@salvationarmy.ca. Lyndon Buckingham General; Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander; Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief; Abbigail Oliver, editor; Rivonny Luchas, designer. International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, England, EC4P 4EP. Subscription for one year, Canada $12 (includes GST/HST); USA $15; foreign $17. Agreement No 40064794. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version, unless otherwise stated. Illustrations: stock.Adobe.com and gettyimages.ca unless otherwise stated. ISSN 2368- 626X
Hi kids!
What would you do if you found hidden treasure in your backyard? Would you dig it up and spend it right away? Would you tell everyone you know? Or would you keep it secret, so that only you know where to find it?
In the Bible, Jesus tells a story about a man who discovers hidden treasure in a field. He is so excited about it! But he doesn’t tell anyone. Instead, he hides it again, sells everything that he owns and buys the whole field—including the treasure! That was a big sacrifice. Imagine giving up everything you have for one thing. But to him, it was worth it.
Jesus says this is what the kingdom of heaven is like. Being a part of God’s kingdom is more valuable than money, treasure or anything we could own. But sometimes choosing God means giving things up, such as our time, money or bad habits, and doing things His way instead of our own. That might sound hard, but like the man who sacrificed everything for his treasure, it’s worth it.
What would you give up to be a part of God’s kingdom?
Your friend, Abby Match
