Chapman song inspires kids to ‘Live Out Loud’

Four years ago fifth-grade teacher Jennifer Richmond was looking for a way to help her students at La Mirada Heights Christian School, La Mirada, Calif., demonstrate their faith outside the classroom. At times she felt she was doing little more than helping them fill in the blanks in their workbooks.

Shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, Richmond said she found inspiration in the Steve Curtis Chapman song, “Live Out Loud.” Building on the song’s theme, which challenges Christians to live out their faith in view of others rather than behind closed doors, the veteran teacher developed a six-week community service project her students have done every year since 2001.

“I’m called to equip and send these kids out,” Richmond said. “I knew I had to get them out of the classroom somehow,” she added as she explained the history behind the “Live Out Loud” project. “My vision was to help them understand what their gifts are and do something in line with their gifts.”

The four-part assignment includes writing an essay about what it means to “Live Out Loud;” the action of sharing God’s love in person with specific people in the community through words and deeds; recording thoughts and observations in a journal; and preparing an oral and written presentation describing the project.

The action component of the assignment has been a pleasant surprise to many students who were initially anxious about it.

“At first I thought I was being forced to do this,” said Nicole Farrales, a student in Richmond’s class. “Now I want to do this.”

The fifth-grader said the assignment has helped her step out of her comfort zone.

Farrales is one of four girls working on a group project. On Friday afternoons they visit La Mirada’s Neff Park where they reach out in friendship by playing board games and reading Bible stories to younger children playing there. The girls have built relationships with several children who now anticipate their weekly after school visits.

Summer Smith said they couldn’t have done the project without the support of their moms, who provide transportation and other help.

“It takes time for people to know each other,” said Briana Roberson, another student in the Neff Park group. It is just one of the lessons she has learned through the assignment.

Student Nadine White said she was surprised that children would listen to the Bible stories at the park, and the information they shared about Jesus.

“We were surprised that they listened,” Nadine said. “I thought people wouldn’t listen.”

Defined goals
Richmond provides a thorough outline and explanation of the project and encourages parents and families to participate as well. The teacher has developed a four-point mission statement to clarify the purpose of the assignment. While she has received a range of responses to “Live Out Loud” from parents, most, she said, are delighted to help their children put their faith to work on a new level.

“It kind of comes down to what the parent can handle,” Richmond said. “A 10-year-old needs the parent to get behind the vision.”

Parent Janet Norman is supportive of the project. She explained that her son ran into roadblocks trying to arrange community involvement and that she helped him find a convalescent facility where he could visit patients and share his faith. She said the project didn’t unfold the way her son had anticipated.

“Overall it’s a good opportunity for them to grow, to reach out to others and find out what works,” Norman said. “It’s a good life lesson.”

Becky Anderson, whose daughter is in the Neff Park group, spoke enthusiastically about “Live Out Loud.” She explained that her daughter is learning not to be afraid to talk about her faith to non-believers.

“If she learns it now, by the time she is 30, it will be a core value,” the mother said. “I wish I had learned how to do it at that young of an age.”

Anderson helps set up board games and a CD player with Christian music at the park for the Friday afternoon outreach.

Foreign work
Fifth-grader Jonathan Fuller visited an orphanage in Mexico during Christmas break with a group from Santa Fe Springs Christian Church. Out of the experience came a new goal.

“I want to learn Spanish so I can tell them about the Good News, he said.

Adam Ascencio said that the “Live Out Loud” project has given him added confidence to talk with people. He visits residents at a convalescent home where “most people seem sad,” he said.

“They’re all doing something at their level,” Richmond said. “I don’t want my students to think they have to fit into a mold to be used for God’s kingdom.”

Published by Keener Communications Group, February 2006

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