Written by Why Community is the Heartbeat of Mama Africa Book Box (MABB)
At the very heart of Mama Africa Book Box (MABB) lies a timeless truth: it takes a village to raise a child. Though this African proverb is not found word-for-word in Scripture, it resonates deeply with the biblical heartbeat of community, mentorship, parenting, and the pursuit of generational legacy. It is this truth — this shared responsibility — that forms the foundational philosophy of MABB.
In a world where many families are increasingly isolated, MABB calls us back to God’s original design: raising children not in silos, but in thriving spiritual ecosystems of faith-filled people. In this article, let’s explore the “village” model.
Raising Children with the Strength of a Village
The responsibility to raise children well is not one that God placed solely on individual parents. From the very beginning, He designed the family to flourish in the context of community — where grandparents, teachers, church leaders, friends, and even neighbours play a part in shaping the hearts and futures of the young.
“Train Up a Child…” — Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
This beloved verse is often quoted in parenting circles, but its wisdom extends beyond the nuclear family. It speaks to the broader task of godly training — something that can, and should, be shared with the village around the child. Whether through books, mentorship, discipleship, or community worship, the formative journey of a child is most effective when others walk alongside the parent.
“Teach Them Diligently…” — Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (ESV)
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children… when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way…”
This charge was given to the entire covenant community of Israel — not just biological parents. It’s a clear reminder that spiritual education is a shared task. Every believer has a role to play in helping the next generation know, love, and follow the Lord.
The Faith Community: A Living, Teaching Village
In the New Testament, the church is not just a place — it’s a people. And part of being God’s people means discipling one another, especially the younger ones.
“Teach the Younger Women…” — Titus 2:3–5 (NIV)
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent… Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children…”
This paints a clear picture of generational mentorship. The older are called to guide the younger, not just in knowledge, but in wisdom for daily life. It’s a village model — where life lessons are passed down through relationships, and every child is watched over with care.
“Let Each Generation Tell the Next…” — Psalm 145:4 (NLT)
“Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.”
Here lies the essence of legacy: the intentional act of passing down testimonies. This is more than bedtime Bible stories; it is the life-giving witness of a people who know God and are committed to making Him known to those yet to come.
Building a Lasting Legacy — Together
Raising a godly child is not only about the present — it’s about preparing them to carry faith forward into the future. A godly legacy is both nurtured and secured when the village stands united in truth and love.
“We Will Not Hide Them…” — Psalm 78:4–7 (NIV)
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord… so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born…”
This is an active, generational relay — one generation telling the next, ensuring that even the unborn are set to inherit spiritual riches.
“Your Sincere Faith…” — 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and… now lives in you also.”
Timothy’s faith was not born in isolation. It was shaped and nurtured by a believing grandmother and mother — a clear biblical example of a godly legacy passed down through family and community alike.
The Final Word: A Divine Community Project
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly say “it takes a village,” it certainly shows it. Consider these Scriptures:
“Two are better than one… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9,12)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17)
Raising children and securing a godly legacy is not a solo mission. It is a divine community project, one that requires time, love, presence, prayer, and the consistent influence of a Christ-centred village.
This Is Why MABB Exists
Mama Africa Book Box exists to be part of your village — equipping families across Africa with faith-building books, character-shaping stories, and tools that disciple children in the way they should go. We believe that when parents, authors, mentors, and educators come together with one heart and purpose, we can shape a generation that fears God, loves people, and walks in their divine purpose.
So let us build this village — one child, one book, one story, and one godly legacy at a time.