Arise Ministries is launching an exciting new initiative to help churches reach out to the children in their communities.

Just a 'child'? will be officially launched next month at this year's Children's and Families Ministries Conference, in Eastbourne, between 4-6 February.

Executive Director of Arise Ministries Ed Jones said: "'We seek to equip churches of all denominations where they're at and to meet their needs as they reach out to, and work with, the children in their communities. This launch will help us raise the profile of the equipping part of our ministry and the work we do with churches up and down the country."

The Just a 'child'? launch will feature specially-branded yo-yos, packets of crayons and pictures to colour and every delegate will have the opportunity to personally get involved.

Ed said: "'Every conference pack will contain crayons and a handout with the outline of a child on it. The delegates will be invited to share their thoughts on what comes to mind when they think of children by drawing it in the outline.

"It might be a specific child, one of a group they work with, the stereotypes society puts upon children to the challenges they face. We want to get discussion going as to who are the children we're reaching, where they're coming from, what they're into and how we can best help them to discover and follow Jesus.

Delegates can hand in their drawings at the Arise Ministries stand in order to collect a unique yo-yo and be entered into a competition to win a full set of Arise Ministries' resources.

Visit Arise Minstries' website if you'd like to know more about their wor or contact them direct at info@ariseministries.org.uk or 01268 530531.