So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
1 Thess 5:11 (Message)
“I Witnessed Something Unforgettable!”
Over 20 years ago, as a frustrated Children’s Pastor, I longed for a way to truly disciple children. Ministries were constantly chasing the “latest and greatest” curriculum, but I knew there had to be a timeless approach. Then, I discovered Bible Storying—an oral teaching method—and saw an immediate transformation.
During my research, I learned that Real Life Ministries was using a similar approach in their adult home groups. It was there that I witnessed something unforgettable—a 9-year-old leading a Bible Storying session with 12 adults! Seeing the impact was both eye-opening and deeply moving. Children have a way of bringing fresh insight—things adults might otherwise overlook. Their ability to grasp and retell Bible stories in ways that even adults could learn from was inspiring.
At first, I just saw this as a powerful tool for churches – for the church where I was the Children’s Pastor… but God had much bigger plans. What started as a simple idea soon revealed its potential to cross cultures and borders, reshaping how God’s Story could be shared worldwide. Then, God opened doors for me to join KATW, where KIDStory was born—empowering kids to hear His word, experience His Spirit, and actively live out His story.
I knew much would be accomplished if we could collaborate with Real Life. Years passed, and attempts to connect seemed to hit a wall—until the right moment. One of their missions team members finally saw the vision, and suddenly, everything shifted. They saw KIDStory as the perfect complement to their ministry and invited us to lead a workshop.
From that training, relationships flourished and collaboration took off. Several of their missionaries wanted KIDStory in their communities, leading to global training opportunities. At the same time, they were showing me a new model for supporting ministries worldwide—iron sharpening iron!
The breakthrough was a powerful reminder of trusting in God’s timing. I had long understood the value of partnership, but it became clear that success wasn’t just about persistence—it was about waiting for God to open the right doors.
That first training led to a partnership that would extend across the world.
Together, we traveled to Uganda, where we saw firsthand how KIDStory was transforming communities. On a remote island in Lake Victoria, children were fully engaged in the Gospel like never before. Through our partnership with Real Life and Pastors Discipleship Network (PDN), the KIDStory methodology has the potential to reach 15,000 pastors and their churches across East Africa, equipping leaders to disciple children in a lasting, life-giving way.
Back home, Real Life’s Children’s Ministry continues to thrive. My friend, Paul, recently shared, “Storytelling and Discovery Questions [part of the KIDStory method] have been life-changing for our families. God is at work in amazing ways!”
For me, these moments are PAYDAY. When a leader’s eyes light up as they grasp the power of Storying… when a parent sees their child engage with God’s Word like never before… when a single training multiplies into a worldwide movement—those are the moments that remind me why we do this.
My PAYDAY moments? Seeing more and more children and communities become part of the STORY!
Gary Strudler, Director of Relational Discipleship at Kids Around The World, not only actively shares God’s Word with children around the world, but is passionate about training and equipping others to use this impactful discipleship approach, fostering partnerships to extend its reach globally.