The Bible for Kids Podcast

This week, hosts Mike Nawrocki and Sarah Humphrey talk with Major Matt Satterlee of the Salvation Army, getting a behind the scenes look at this church and organization and also the distribution of the Ministry edition of The Bible for Me: Stories and Prayers. Major Matt Satterlee is currently serving as the National Youth Secretary for The Salvation Army. With responsibilities covering all of The Salvation Army’s youth ministries from Hawaii to Maine, Major Satterlee is responsible for The Salvation Army’s youth curriculum, summer camping ministry, and partnering with other churches and organizations that do youth ministry.  Major Matt Satterlee has been a corps officer (pastor) in churches throughout Virginia, Georgia, and Florida.  Major Matt Satterlee is the son of Salvation Army officers going back at least 4 generations. He was born in West Virginia and met the Lord at the age of 7 on an altar in the Frederick, Maryland corps. Moving around with his parents and growing in his faith for many years, he was accepted on a Salvationist Service Corps trip (mission trip) in the summer of 2002 to minister in Argentina and Paraguay. It was there, in the back hallway of the corps (church) in Asuncion, Paraguay, that the Lord called him to be a Salvation Army Officer. Major Matt Satterlee met his wife, Jamie, in Texas and were married in 2002. They entered The Salvation Army seminary in Atlanta, GA in 2004 as part of the Visionaries session and were ordained and commissioned to the Portsmouth, VA Corps as Corps Officers where their family grew with the addition of daughters Lillian and Susannah. Studies show that nearly half of all Christians say they accepted Christ before the age of 13.  Major Matt Satterlee says, “If we are called to make others’ salvation the first purpose of our lives, we should be exhausting ourselves in youth ministry.” Having come to National Headquarters following 7 years of ministry to youth and young adults, the Satterlees are passionate about the discipleship of young people.

This week Mike interviews new podcast co-host and author Sarah Humphrey. Sarah recently released Salmon Says Devotional: 100 Days of Wisdom from the World's Wisest King co-written with Amy Parker If we could give our tweens one tool to mold them into strong, faithful adults, what would it be? The wisdom of the Bible. Thankfully, this wisdom is easily accessible in the book of Proverbs, written by King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live.   Solomon Says Devotional: 100 Days of Wisdom from the World’s Wisest King by Amy Parker and Sarah Humphrey offers growing, impressionable minds one hundred devotions based on priceless wisdom that is straight from King Solomon himself. This devotional:  is written for children ages 8 to 12. begins with a passage from Proverbs and provides a practical and culturally relevant perspective. offers engaging examples that help readers see how King Solomon’s ancient wisdom applies to today’s world. provides short prayers and simple activities so readers can apply the teachings to their own lives. This resource is perfect for: birthdays, holiday gift giving or as an addition to your home library parents and children to read together Sunday school discussions and small group activities creating meaningful conversations about the wisdom of the Bible By offering the Proverbs in an engaging form and by showing practical ways to apply them, Solomon Says Devotional invites kids to see how ancient wisdom is still helpful, intriguing, and essential in their modern world. Sarah Humphrey is a wife and homeschool mom to three kids while also working as an artist, author, and voice actor. Her writing and doodling can be found in her devotional, 40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood, and her voice in several commercials, children’s books, and audiobooks. She loves encouraging women and kids to embrace self-care, utilize their gifts, and become leaders in the community around them.

This week Amy and Mike talk with author Chris Morphew about his new book, Who Am I and Why Do I Matter?, Part of his Big Questions Series. Sooner or later, kids ask big questions about themselves and their faith: Who am I? Where do I fit in? Am I good enough? What do people think of me? What does God think of me? In this warm, empathetic book, Chris Morphew shows children how to embrace and enjoy their identity as those loved by God and made in his image. He also gives lots of practical advice on how to remember what God says about who they really are. Lively stories and illustrations make this book easy for 9-13 year olds to engage with. Readers will be helped to replace fear and anxiety with faith and confidence as they find their self-worth in what God says about them. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chris Morphew is an author, teacher, and school chaplain living in Sydney, Australia. He has written over 20 novels for children and youth, including his six-book young adult series, The Phoenix Files. Chris enjoys Mario Kart, obscure board games, and superhero movies. He has been told he looks like Chris Hemsworth from the back.

This week co-hosts Amy Parker and Mike Nawrocki chat (and sing) with author Susan Burritt about her new book SOS GOD! SOS GOD!’s humorous poems inspire children to pray, showing them they don’t need fancy words to talk to God. They can speak to Him like a BFF!! Each poem encourages kids to have a personal relationship with the Lord, reassuring them of His love, no matter what! They’ll learn to be grateful for the joys in their lives, and they’ll discover they can ask God for help with whatever ails them! The poems are narrated in a child’s voice, with Bible scriptures listed by each one, so parents can use the book as a devotional. It is unique in its amusing child narration and its boldness to talk to a loving God about anything and everything. Children will face fear with: “The Lord is my light and the One who saves me. So why should I fear anyone? The Lord protects my life. So why should I be afraid?” Psalm 27: 1 ICB They’ll conquer low self-esteem, proclaiming: “I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.” Psalm 139:14 ICB They’ll rejoice in God’s goodness, declaring: “God, your love is so precious! You protect people as a bird protects her young under her wings. They eat the rich food in your house. You let them drink from your river of pleasure.” Psalm 36:7-8 ICB There are also activity sheets at the end for children to interact with the Bible. SOS GOD! is the perfect book to draw children (and adults) closer to God. Susan C. Burritt was born in Rochester, New York. Facing difficulties in childhood, she discovered reading took her to new and exciting worlds! Books became her greatest pleasure and escape. She moved to Los Angeles to become a famous movie star! When that didn’t happen, she made use of her Masters in Education. She teaches and motivates youth at a private learning center in Los Angeles, and at charter schools throughout the Los Angeles area. Susan wrote SOS GOD! to inspire children to talk to God about everything because she firmly believes that the most powerful solution to problems is receiving God’s help through prayer.

This week Amy and Mike talked with author Amy Gannett about her Tiny Theologians series. Kids ask questions like this about God all the time. We want our answers to show them the God who IS, the God of the Bible. Amy Gannett’s Tiny Theologians® series teaches young readers about God’s all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present nature. Did God Learn His ABCs? A Book About God’s Knowledge Did God ever go to school? Does God need someone to teach him? Is there anything God doesn’t know? The engaging, rhyming text and bold, delightful illustrations make God’s omniscience (His all-knowing nature) understandable, relatable, and applicable for kids. Young readers will close the book knowing there’s no need to hide their sins, questions, or dreams from God—for He already knows everything about them. Does God Sleep? A Book About God’s Power Does God ever get tired? Does He sometimes get sick? Does He ever stop working? The engaging, rhyming text and bold, delightful illustrations make God’s omnipotence (His all-powerful nature) understandable, relatable, and applicable for kids. Young readers will close the book knowing there’s no need to fear when falling asleep—for God is always awake, watching over us and working in the world. Does God Go on Vacation? A Book About God’s Presence Does God ever leave Heaven? Does He take vacations? Will He ever go somewhere where He can’t hear our prayers?  The engaging, rhyming text and bold, delightful illustrations make God’s omnipresence (His all-present nature) understandable, relatable, and applicable for kids. Young readers will close the book knowing there’s no need to worry about today or tomorrow—for God never takes a vacation! He is always with us. Amy Gannett (M.Div, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary) is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher. She is the author of several exegetical Bible studies.

This week Amy and Mike talk with friend and author Tricia Goyer about her new book Happy Heart: Staying Centered in God's Love through Chaotic Circumstances. Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God’s Love Through Chaotic Circumstances takes readers on a journey to discover where their true strength, peace, and joy come from—the Lord—no matter what life offers up. Tricia Goyer—author, podcast host, volunteer, homeschooling mom of ten children, and caregiver to her grandma—understands what it's like to be pulled in different directions with the longing and intention to do all things well. In the midst of chaotic circumstances (which all of us face), she’s found uncomplicated but effective practices for nourishing the soul—because everything stems from the heart. This hope-filled guide will inspire you to stay tethered to the Lover of your soul. By taking time to make your heart happy in the Lord, you’ll grow closer to the Heavenly Father, fostering true transformation from the inside out. Heart Happy will help you discover the beautiful life you've always hoped for through a connection with God that never seemed possible … until now. Tricia Goyer writes out of her passion for God and her love for family and others. The author of more than 70 books, she writes both historical fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting. This USA-Today Best-selling Author has also won a two Carol Awards and a Retailer's Best Award. She was also an ECPA Gold-Medallion Nominee and a Christy Award Nominee and won Writer of the Year from the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference.  

This week Amy and Mike talk with author Jeff Atwood about his series of Need to Know books including his latest title which is perfect for this season, Need to Know for Graduates: Little Things That Make a Big Difference! Grads will appreciate this collection of practical and highly relevant wisdom and wit that will help them manage their expectations, experience grace, and laugh at themselves when things don’t go as planned.   Author Jeff Atwood shares the real-life, hard-won lessons he’s learned through the years, the kind of guidance he wishes someone would have given him as he entered the adult world.     Those seeking direction for their next phase of life will appreciate these helpful insights, including:  Do what brings you joy. Not what brings your parents joy or pays well or looks impressive. Find the thing that brings you joy, and everything else will likely take care of itself. You are not the sum of “likes” or “friends” or any other social media affirmation. Don’t let people you don’t know define or shape your value. You were made to do great things that only you can do. We need you to do them. Need to Know for Graduates is an ideal gift for grads and provides personal inspiration for everyday living.   Jeff is an author, speaker, nonprofit leader, and marketing consultant. He has more than two decades of experience in brand development, specializing in helping organizations and communities tell their stories. Jeff has spoken to healthcare and other community groups, sharing experiences, and celebrating the work of healthcare providers, drawn from his unique perspective as both a healthcare leader and as the parent of medically and intellectually challenged child.

This week hosts Amy Parker and Mike Nawrocki talk with illustrator Don Clark about his amazing scope of work including The Biggest Storybible Storybook. Don Clark is an artist and cofounder of Invisible Creature, a widely respected and award-winning design studio based in Seattle, Washington. He has worked with clients such as Target, Pixar, NASA, The New York Times, LEGO, and Apple. Don and his wife, Erika, have three children and live on a small farm just outside Seattle.   Book info:   The Bible is a BIG book about the BIGGEST story. Each page tells about the God who created the world, acted in history, and continues to act in the present. In The Biggest Story Bible Storybook, pastor Kevin DeYoung shares this grand story with children ages 6–12 through 104 short chapters. Beginning in Genesis and ending with Revelation, DeYoung provides engaging retellings of various Bible stories, explaining how they fit into the overarching storyline. Each reading is coupled with beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark and concludes with a reflective prayer. Perfect for bedtime stories or to read together as a family, both children and parents alike will experience afresh the captivating story of the Bible in an easy-to-understand, compelling way.   

This week co-hosts Amy Parker and Mike Nawrocki talk with co-authors Steph Thurling and Sarah Holmstrom about their book Raising Prayerful Kids. More than a book, Raising Prayerful Kids is a tool parents can use to make prayer fit naturally into their daily routines without it feeling like a chore or a lecture. Relatable stories of the authors’ successes and failures along with fun activities and games help parents turn everyday moments into faith-filled moments that are naturally filled with prayer. Praying with your kids can be connecting, fun, nonintimidating, and even life changing. Steph Thurling is co-founder of Raising Prayerful Kids, a ministry that equips parents to pray with their kids in meaningful ways. She has her master’s degree in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and worked in youth ministry for several years before deciding to stay home with her kids. Sarah Holmstrom is cofounder of Raising Prayerful Kids, a ministry that equips parents to pray with their kids in meaningful ways. She has her master’s degree in education from Azusa Pacific University and has taught elementary school and worked in kids’ ministry for most of her adult life. She currently works part time as the elementary creative director at her church.

This week Amy and Mike talk with author Chris Sasser about his new book Bags: Helping Kids Lighten the Load. Parents want their kids to grow up and live emotionally, relationally, and spiritually healthy lives. More and more kids today are struggling to live this dream. As they go through life, they encounter people and situations that lead them to pack and carry some enormous emotional baggage that holds them back from living in the grace and freedom that Christ provides. Parents are in a unique position to help their kids "lighten the load" along the way. BAGS helps parents become aware of the specific bags kids tend to pack as they grow up, how these bags tend to get packed, and the long-lasting negative impacts they can have. BAGS also offers practical strategies parents can employ to leverage their influence and prevent some of these bags from getting packed in the first place. The hope is that we can lead our kids into a more stable and healthy future.  Chris Sasser is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Port City Community Church in Wilmington, NC. He has served in full-time ministry since 1993, working with children’s, middle school, high school, college, and parent ministries. He has a passion for equipping and encouraging parents and leaders to help the next generation walk with God. Chris shares thoughts and ideas at www.equipandencourage.com and loves to share with students, leaders, and parents. Chris is married to Karin and they have two children, CJ and Kylie. Chris is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and has done some graduate work at Fuller Theological Seminary and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary