Growing Kids God's Way (GKGW) Student Workbook.The new Growing Kids God’s Way student workbooks are available for the 2007 fall classes. We trust the new look, along with some structural and content changes will deepen the student’s class experience. Our long time instructors will first notice the removal of the Foundations Chapter found in previous editions. To relieve any potential concerns, much of the content was relocated to other chapters, transferred to an appendix, or will eventually be moved to this website for download access.

Second, the appendix section has also changed with the deletion of some titles and addition of others. We added Let Them Play (Appendix Two which documents the important developmental role ‘play’ has in the life of a child), and Appendix Five, The Growing Kids Topic Pool. This appendix consolidates a number of topics into one location to better serve the student. All the appendixes, including those found in previous editions will be moved under the Class Facilitator’s Page of this website.

Third, and most significant, the new Growing Kids God’s Way edition includes: side-bar comments, Scripture quotations and recommended resources embedded throughout the text. A special word of acknowledgment and appreciation goes to Carla Link for her sacrifice of time to help compile many of these references. We believe the workbook is a better resource because of her efforts.

One of the greatest blessings any author can hope to achieve is to read how his or her life’s work impacted the hearts of the second generation. Just prior to press-time, we received a call from Amy Link, (daughter of Joey and Carla) asking if she and other teens might have opportunity to comment on various chapters and principles that were meaningful to them as children raised in Growing Kids God’s Way homes. The idea sounded intriguing, so consent was given to gather these comments. What a blessing to our hearts. Throughout the new book the reader can find brief testimonies by members of the first generation of GFI teens and young adults. We know their words will also edify and encourage the reader’s heart.

What do their comments reflect? One thing! It showcases that the GFI ministry throughout the world has grown larger than Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo ever expected and well beyond that of their children. That is, of course, the way it is suppose to be. Just as King David, in his last days proclaimed a blessing on his son Solomon – that the generation to come will be greater in the Lord than the generation that was – so also did we hope for the same outcome, (c.f. I Kings 1:37, 47). Our hope was fulfilled! As a result, anyone looking for role models within the Growing Kids community can turn to the thousands of families whose children, teens and adult children beautifully and fully exemplify GFI’s life giving message, it’s vitality, and the wonderful relational outcomes that are evident in so many families. The second generation has exceeded the first!

Finally, you will find a number of references to the “Mom’s Notes Bookstore”, (www.Momsnotes.com) throughout the text. This on-line store, established by Joey and Carla Link, provides quality print material for the entire family. Each book was reviewed for content, relevancy and it’s similarity to the GFI parenting philosophy. While we may not endorse every statement made in every book, the author’s over all parenting philosophy is consistent with that of the GFI curriculum.It is our hope and prayer that the changes and investment made in this new curriculum will be a blessing to parents now and in the future. Enjoy the new book.