Modern Child Preachers

Over the centuries, God has used many children as His special messengers. In Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem and its temple, children were crying out and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:15, 16).

The nineteenth-century child preachers of Sweden powerfully proclaimed the advent message to thousands of people. Eyewitnesses reported that those young children, while under the supernatural influence of God, “would speak with the force and dignity of full-grown men and women.”44 And in our own day, many children worldwide are preaching the blessed hope of the Second Coming.

Raised in a non-Adventist home in Pelotas, Brazil, Andressa P. Barragana (1993–2008) received Bible studies with her family and was baptized when she was just nine years old. Shortly afterward, she established a small group, which inspired the establishment of another twenty. Her small group became the center of her weekly outreach activities, which included the management of a handwork cooperative to support needy children, a weekly Bible-study radio program, visits to nursing homes, prayer meetings, preaching appointments, and more. Sadly, Andressa’s outreach ended on Saturday, March 22, 2008, at 7:35 A.M., in a tragic accident while she was on her way to preach in a neighboring town. Nevertheless, her example inspired many other children to dedicate their lives to service. By precept and example parents are to teach their children to labor for the unconverted. The children should be so educated that they will sympathize with the aged and afflicted and will seek to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and distressed.

They should be taught to be diligent in missionary work; and from their earliest years self-denial and sacrifice for the good of others and the advancement of Christ’s cause should be inculcated, that they may be laborers together with God.

Let parents teach their little ones the truth as it is in Jesus.

The children in their simplicity will repeat to their associates that which they have learned. What a blessing it would be if all children were trained as missionaries for the Lord!