Daily News Insight: Kingdom Progress and a Call to Peace

Hey there, Boundless family! It’s Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and we are so glad you’ve leaned in to spend a few minutes with us today. If you’re like most parents we know, your morning probably started with a frantic search for matching socks, a debate over breakfast cereal, and maybe a quick glance at the headlines that left you feeling a little heavy. We get it. The world feels noisy right now, doesn't it?

But here at Boundless Online Church, we like to take a deep breath and filter the noise through the lens of the Cross. Our goal today isn't just to give you "the news," but to give you a perspective that helps you lead your family with faith, hope, and a whole lot of peace. We’re standing on the words of Jesus today from Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Being a peacemaker doesn't mean ignoring the hard stuff. It means bringing the light of Jesus into the middle of the mess. So, grab your coffee (or that lukewarm tea you’ve been trying to finish), and let’s look at what’s happening in our world and our church family through the eyes of Kingdom progress.

Kingdom Progress: From Accra to Every Nation

First, let’s talk about some incredibly exciting news within our Assemblies of God (AG) family. Right now, the eyes of the global church are turning toward Accra, Ghana. We are gearing up for the 2026 World Congress, and the theme is powerful: "Commissioned: One Mandate, Every Nation."

If you’ve been around the AG for a while, you know we’re on a mission. We aren't just "doing church"; we are part of a global movement called MM33. The goal? To see 1 million AG churches established across the globe by the year 2033. Think about that for a second. That’s one million lighthouses of hope in neighborhoods just like yours and in places where the name of Jesus has never been heard.

In Accra, leaders from every corner of the earth are gathering to pray, strategize, and ignite a fresh passion for the Great Commission. This isn't just a meeting for pastors; it’s a milestone for your kids, too. When we talk to our children about the "World Congress," we’re showing them that they belong to something much bigger than their local community. They belong to a global family that is diverse, vibrant, and united by the Holy Spirit. It’s a beautiful reminder that God’s Kingdom is moving forward, and nothing can stop it.

A Season of Prayer for Our Leadership

While we celebrate global growth, we also hold our local and national leadership in prayer. You may have heard that Executive Presbyter Rod Loy is stepping aside from his current duties. In moments like these, it’s natural to have questions or feel a bit unsettled. However, as a church family, this is our opportunity to model biblical integrity and grace for our children.

Our commitment as the Assemblies of God remains focused on truth, healing, and absolute transparency. We believe in a God who is a Restorer. We are leaning into prayer for everyone involved, asking for the Holy Spirit to bring clarity and peace. This is a great "teaching moment" for the dinner table: we can explain to our kids that even leaders need our prayers, and that our ultimate foundation is never in a person, but in Jesus Christ alone. He is the anchor that never moves, even when the winds of change blow.

The Call to Peace in a Tangled World

Switching gears to the global stage, we’ve seen some sobering headlines recently regarding strikes on Iran. In times of international tension, it’s easy to feel a sense of fear or to get swept up in political debates. But as peacemakers, our first response is always to look toward the Prince of Peace.

Pope Leo XIV recently issued a heartfelt call for dialogue, urging world leaders to choose the path of conversation over conflict. While we may come from different traditions, that call for peace resonates deeply with our mission. When we see conflict on the news, it’s an invitation to pray. We aren't called to be experts in foreign policy, but we are called to be experts in intercession.

Let’s talk about the church in Iran for a moment. Did you know there are an estimated 800,000 Christians in Iran? These are our brothers and sisters, and they are some of the most resilient believers on the planet. While the headlines focus on missiles and rhetoric, we want to focus on the 800,000 lights shining in the darkness. They aren't living in fear; they are living in faith. They are meeting in homes, sharing the Gospel in whispers, and trusting God for their daily bread. Today, let’s make it a priority to pray for their safety, their courage, and for the peace of the region.


Family Application: How to Be a Peacemaker Today

So, how do we take these big global themes: World Congresses, leadership changes, and international conflict: and make them real for our kids? It starts at home. Peacemaking isn't a "big kid" job; it’s a family calling.

When there’s a squabble over a toy, that’s a peacemaking opportunity. When a friend at school is being unkind, that’s a peacemaking opportunity. We can teach our kids that being a peacemaker doesn't mean being a doormat; it means having the courage to speak the truth in love and the humility to listen.

If you're looking for a way to get plugged in and find a community that values these same truths, check out our guide on finding church community. We’re all in this together!

Bible Study: The Peacemaker’s Heart (Parents & Kids)

Read Together: Matthew 5:9 – "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

The Conversation:

1. What is a Peacemaker? Ask your child what they think a "peacemaker" does. Is it someone who just stays quiet? (Hint: A peacemaker is someone who helps bring God’s calm and love into a messy situation.)

2. Why "Sons (and Daughters) of God"? When we make peace, we look just like our Heavenly Father. It’s like a family resemblance!

3. The Global Connection: Talk about the Christians in Iran or the leaders meeting in Ghana. How can our prayers for them help bring peace to the world?

Prayer: "Lord, thank You for being the Prince of Peace. Help our family to be lighthouses of Your love today. We pray for our church leaders, for the people of Ghana, and for our brothers and sisters in Iran. Keep them safe and help them feel Your nearness. Amen."


Kids' Corner: A Story of the Hidden Lantern

Once, in a land where the mountains were high and the nights were long, lived a young girl named Elara. In Elara’s village, it was very dark, and people often forgot how to be kind because they were so worried about the shadows.

Elara had a secret, though. Under her bed, she kept a small, golden lantern. This wasn't a normal lantern; it glowed brighter whenever Elara said a kind word or helped a neighbor. One day, the village was filled with loud noises. People were arguing, and some were even talking about building big walls to keep everyone else out.

Elara felt small. "What can one little lantern do?" she whispered. But that night, she took her lantern to the town square. She didn't shout. She didn't argue. She just sat down and let her light shine. One by one, others saw the warmth of her light. They realized they didn't want to fight anymore; they just wanted to be near the light.

Jesus told us that we are the light of the world. Even when the world feels loud and dark, our "lanterns" of kindness and peace can change everything. You might be small, but the light inside you is very, very big.

Raising Christian Children: 3 Tips for Global Awareness

1. Use a Map: Keep a world map on your fridge. When you hear about a place in the news: like Ghana or Iran: put a sticker there. It turns a scary headline into a prayer destination.

2. Focus on the Helpers: When news is heavy, point out the people doing God’s work. Talk about the missionaries in Accra or the brave pastors in Iran.

3. Guard the Gate: Be mindful of how much "adult" news your kids hear. They don't need the gritty details of conflict; they need the spiritual context of how we respond to it.

Hands-On Faith: The "Kingdom Map" Craft

Supplies: A printed map of the world (or a hand-drawn one!), stickers, and markers.

Activity:

1. Find Ghana on the map and circle it in green. This is where our church family is meeting to talk about sharing Jesus with everyone!

2. Find Iran and circle it in blue. This is where many of our brothers and sisters live.

3. Place a heart sticker over your own city.

4. Draw lines from your heart to Ghana and Iran.

5. Spiritual Connection: "Even though we are far apart, we are all connected by God’s love. When we pray, it’s like sending a hug across the ocean!"

For more daily inspiration to keep your family grounded, check out our Daily Parent Devotionals. They are designed to fit into your busy schedule and keep your eyes on what matters most.

Parent Integration Guide

Heart of the Story: Peacemaking is an active pursuit of God's restoration, not a passive avoidance of conflict.

Theological Roots: Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths #10 (The Church and its Mission) and #11 (The Ministry).

Discussion Questions:

- Ages 3–6: How can you use your "kind words" to help a friend feel better today?

- Ages 7–9: Why do you think Jesus calls peacemakers "sons of God"? What does that tell us about God’s personality?

- Ages 10–12: If you were a Christian living in Iran, what would be the hardest part of your day? How would you find courage?

Prayer Closer: "Father, thank You for the 1 million churches being planted. Thank You for the 800,000 believers in Iran. Make us a family that builds bridges and shares Your light. Amen."

We are so honored to walk this journey with you. Remember, the world may be complicated, but God’s love for you is simple and sure. Keep your eyes on the Cross, and keep being the peacemakers He called you to be.

Boundless Online Church

An outreach ministry of First Assembly Memphis

www.boundlessonlinechurch.org

www.famemphis.org