News Insight: The Power of the Peacemaker (March 23)

How can we see God working in the midst of global conflict and heavy news headlines? We see Him in the "quiet wins" of the peacemakers, those who choose the difficult path of dialogue and de-escalation to protect life and honor the Prince of Peace. Even when the world feels loud and anxious, we can anchor our families in the truth that God is moving through people who seek reconciliation over retaliation.

Happy Monday, Boundless family! It is March 23, 2026, and while the morning coffee is brewing, we wanted to take a moment to look at the world through a different lens. Usually, the news is a list of what’s breaking, what’s hurting, and what’s scary. But today, we’re looking for the fingerprints of the Peacemaker. At Boundless Online Church and First Assembly Memphis, we believe that "keeping our eyes on the Cross" means looking for where light is breaking through the shadows.

There is a lot of noise out there, but if you listen closely, there are some beautiful "Quiet Wins" happening right now. Let’s dive into what’s happening across the globe and how we can use these moments to teach our children about the heart of God.

Global Insight: The Diplomacy of De-escalation

In a major diplomatic breakthrough in Washington, representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have reached a significant de-escalation agreement. For years, the tension in this region has simmered, often boiling over into conflict that affects thousands of families just like ours. This agreement isn't just a piece of paper; it’s a breath of hope. It shows that even when disagreements are deep and history is painful, there is a seat at the table for peace. When we see leaders choose to sit down and talk instead of sending more soldiers, we are seeing the principles of Matthew 5:9 in action: "Blessed are the peacemakers."

The Heart of a Leader: Seeking Peace in the Fire

Across the ocean, President Zelenskyy has once again voiced a readiness for peace talks. It’s a powerful reminder that having the heart of a peacemaker doesn't mean you are weak or that you don't stand your ground. It means you value human life enough to keep the door to reconciliation open, even when the house is on fire. As a family, we can pray for wisdom for leaders who are navigating these impossible choices, asking God to give them "perfect peace" (Isaiah 26:3) as they seek a way forward that honors life.

The Fruit of Dialogue: A Return Home

Finally, we saw a beautiful example of what happens when we don't give up on talking. A Japanese national who had been held in Iran was released this week, a direct result of ongoing diplomatic dialogue. It’s easy to think that words don't matter as much as power, but this release proves that consistent, respectful communication can break chains. It’s a small, "quiet win" that reminds us that Jesus’ gift of peace (John 14:27) isn't just a feeling in our hearts, it’s something that changes the real world.

Main Topic: The Word of God Reminder

As we navigate these stories with our children, it’s important to steer away from the "secular anxiety" that often comes with watching the news. The world tells us to be afraid of what might happen next. But the Word of God tells us that we are citizens of a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. When we talk about Congo, Rwanda, or Ukraine at the dinner table, we aren't talking about "us versus them." We are talking about God’s desire for all His children to live in harmony.

Remember, Jesus didn't say, "Blessed are the peace-lovers." He said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Peace is something we make. It’s an action. It’s choosing kind words when we’re angry. It’s being the first to say "I’m sorry" in the hallway. It’s praying for people we don't understand. Today, let's be a family that looks for the peace and then goes out to make some of our own.

Family Bible Study: Building the Bridge of Peace

This study is designed for parents and kids to explore together. Grab your Bibles and maybe a few snacks, and let’s dive in!

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:9 and Isaiah 26:3

The Heart of the Lesson: Peace isn't just the absence of a fight; it’s the presence of God’s love. When we trust God, He keeps our minds steady, like a boat on calm water, even if the world around us feels like a storm.

Discussion Questions:

Ages 3–6: What does a peaceful face look like? Can you show me your "peaceful face"? When we feel upset, how can we ask Jesus to help us be a peacemaker?

Ages 7–9: In the news today, we heard about leaders talking instead of fighting. Why do you think talking is harder than fighting sometimes? How does it make God happy when we try to solve problems with words?

Ages 10–12: Isaiah 26:3 says God will keep us in "perfect peace" if our minds are stayed on Him. What are some things that distract you from God’s peace? How can we help each other "stay" our minds on Him when we feel stressed about school or world events?

Prayer Closer: "Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Prince of Peace. We pray for the leaders in Congo, Rwanda, and Ukraine. Give them hearts that seek Your way. Help our family to be peacemakers in our neighborhood and in our home today. Amen."

Short Story for Kids: The Great Playground Truce

Leo loved the blue slide. It was the fastest slide at the park, and today, he had his favorite yellow cape on. He was ready to fly! But when he got to the ladder, he saw Sam. Sam was standing at the top, blocking the way, and he didn't look happy.

"This is my fort today, Leo!" Sam shouted. "No flyers allowed!"

Leo felt his face get hot. He wanted to shout back. He wanted to push past Sam. His heart felt like a little drum beating fast, thump, thump, thump. He thought about the story his dad told him that morning about the "quiet wins" of peacemakers. He took a deep breath. It smelled like fresh grass and adventure.

"Sam," Leo said, keeping his voice soft. "I really like this slide. What if it’s a fort and a secret escape tunnel? I can be the scout, and you can be the captain."

Sam blinked. He was ready for a shout, not a secret escape tunnel. He looked at Leo’s yellow cape. "A captain?" he asked. Leo nodded. Sam moved to the side. "Okay, Scout Leo. But we have to go fast before the giants come!"

Leo smiled. He didn't have to win a fight to win the slide. He just had to build a bridge with his words. As he zoomed down the blue slide, he felt something better than being right. He felt peace. He was a peacemaker, and it was the best superpower of all.

Hands-On Faith: The Peace Jar Activity

This is a low-cost, high-impact activity to help your kids visualize how peace works in your home.

What You Need: A clear glass jar (or plastic bottle), water, and a lot of glitter.

The Activity: 1. Fill the jar with water. Tell the kids the water is like our day. 2. Add a big spoonful of glitter. This glitter represents "noise": loud news, mean words, or feeling rushed. 3. Shake the jar! Watch how the glitter swirls and makes the water cloudy. Tell them, "This is what it feels like when we are anxious or when people are fighting." 4. Now, set the jar on the table and watch. As you wait, read John 14:27 together. 5. Watch as the glitter slowly settles at the bottom, and the water becomes clear again.

Spiritual Connection Script: "See how the glitter is still there, but it’s not making the water messy anymore? That’s what God’s peace does. Even when there are problems in the world (like the glitter), when we 'settle' our hearts on Jesus, He makes things clear. He helps us see how to be peacemakers."

Parent Tips for Raising Peacemakers:

1. Model the "Quiet Win": When you have a disagreement with your spouse or a neighbor, let your kids see you resolve it with kindness. 2. Limit the Noise: It’s okay to turn off the news. Protect the "peace of the home" by choosing when and how your children consume world events. 3. Encourage Dialogue: When siblings fight, instead of just giving a punishment, help them "talk it out" to find a solution together. This builds the diplomacy skills they’ll need as adults!

We are so glad you’re part of our Boundless community. If you’re in the Memphis area, we’d love to see you at First Assembly Memphis (FA Memphis). We are a family that walks together, wonders together, and seeks the Prince of Peace together.

Stay anchored in the Word, and remember: you are a peacemaker today!

Boundless Online Church An outreach ministry of First Assembly Memphis www.boundlessonlinechurch.org www.famemphis.org

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