BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

“I believe Jesus is hoping, more than anything, that we, [the Church], will get His heart for kids because He always took time for them,” Commander Dana says. “In fact, there were just a few times in the Scriptures that any of His disciples received a stern rebuke from Him. One of the classic ones was where kids were concerned” (see Matthew 19:13-15). Children were important to Jesus. Immersing Children in the Word Commander Linda agrees with her husband’s sentiments. She’s seen firsthand what Superkid Academy can mean to the children who attend. She remembers one boy, in particular, who came to KCM’s convention in Birmingham, England, years ago. The boy had experienced an abusive past and wouldn’t even come out from under his chair at the start of the meeting. By the last day, he was a different child. He’d given his life to the Lord, become Spirit-filled, was hearing the voice of God, and wanted to be baptized. All that happened in six days at Superkid Academy! “The Holy Spirit is building things in the hearts of these kids,” says Commander Linda. “One of the things that I see every single year is a hunger for being in His presence. That hunger goes home with them.” These leaders know this to be true because they see the same children return year after year, and each time they grow in their relationship with the Lord. Those same kids eventually begin ministering to the younger, newer believers in the services. That kind of discipleship makes an impression on those younger and newer to the faith. They see someone who’s only a few years older than them teaching from God’s Word, leading worship or praying with students at the altar, and it changes their perception. They no longer see a church service as only for adults. Instead, they know they can be used by God, too. “Superkid Academy is so immersive,” says Commander Linda, comparing it to a day camp. “Kids have six days of being in this atmosphere, away from their electronics, with other kids.” It creates the ideal environment for spiritual growth. What Children Can Expect The program, which is free to attend and occurs at the same time as SWBC’s adult services, builds throughout the week and reflects KCM’s mission to take believers “from the milk of the Word to the meat, and from religion to reality.” Children are introduced to the Lord. Then, as the week progresses, they learn how to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit and what it looks like to spend time with God on a daily basis, so they can grow in their understanding and relationship with Him. And there’s something for everyone. Students who love praise and worship will especially enjoy that portion of the service. Those who love games will have a chance to compete in Bible quizzes, individual races and team competitions. There are also cooking segments, science experiments, sketch performances, dramatic storytelling and more. Commander Kellie Copeland loved hearing the plans that the Superkid Academy team is putting together for the children at this year’s Southwest Believers’ Convention. It’s a theme that is close to her heart. She says, “The Lord has been showing me, personally, too, how to breathe.” Of course, over the years she’s seen how dedicated the other leaders of Superkid Academy are, and she’s thrilled to see what the Lord does at this year’s convention. “I am so blessed to work with this team because they hear from the Lord, and they carry such an anointing to really see [the children] in front of them,” she says. “I value that so much.” Permission To Breathe The Superkid Academy live events are an extension of the ministry that began with the release of three audiobook adventures and later with the first video, The Intruder, 30 years ago. Since then, Superkid Academy has grown and continues to impact children around the world with books, home Bible studies and a children’s church curriculum. Children who come to Superkid Academy at this year’s Southwest Believers’ Convention will be given permission to Breathe—to breathe in the Word of God, to let go of the anxiety and stress that have become synonymous with the last two years, and to experience the refreshing that comes from spending time in God’s presence. It isn’t enough for them to have a break from normal life. They will be empowered to take the skills they learn back to their homes, their schools, their churches, their communities and their own quiet times. Superkid Academy has its finger on the pulse of the young members in the Body of Christ. Over the course of the week, Superkid Academy leaders look forward to meeting children, seeing their lives changed and preparing them for the days ahead. They hope families will make this convention a priority, so we can all breathe together! V 14 : BVOV

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