The world envied Japanese schools for their discipline, respect and high test scores. In those days Sunday Schools were full of children, and at Christmas even small churches were bursting at the seams. Now, however, the picture has changed. I know several students who haven't been to school in years, and yet they are promoted every year on the school records. Bullying, stress, and inability to conform are some contributing factors.
Some students become social misfits and refuse to even leave their homes.
As divorce rates go up, single parent homes are increasing. There is a shortage of day-care facilities for children of working Moms. Isolated, lonely mothers don't know how to care for their children, and child abuse cases are 17 times more than what they were 10 years ago. With the birthrate declining to 1.3 children and Sunday activities increasing, Sunday Schools are dying out. Please pray for us that we will be more effective in reaching out to the children in our community with the love and saving power of Jesus Christ.