Gwen and I were talking about the very first time that I coordinated a VBS program. I think it was in 1987. I pretty much made it up as I went along. We had several dozen kids and it rained all week. We were doing this program in a really small space and with very little help. What I most remember about that week is the joy on the faces of the kids. Although I had been leading the Sunday School program for a couple of years, there is something totally different about a summer program. A few short years after that VBS, I began the most amazing times serving the Lord in children's ministry.
Time spent with children is never wasted. As a matter of fact I just heard yesterday that the best way to de-stress and relax is to play with kids. I know that this is certainly true for me. Every single second that I spend with my grandchildren is life giving. Whether it is playing cards or games or pretending alongside a 4 year old, it simply fills me and makes me smile. Sharing God stories and the love of Jesus with children is so much more than just "helping out" or "babysitting. Over and over the Bible shows the importance of children in Jesus ministry. Jesus told his disciples that they needed to be like a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven. In fact, the Bible is filled with stories about children and how God loves them. Most of you know that God put children on my heart and gave me a passion to see more for the kids than just a couple of Bible stories. Through Holy Spirit inspiration, I wrote and planned a station rotation Sunday School program that was way before this model became the norm in schools and churches. There were after school programs, mid week programs, Bible studies, and worship times for even the youngest preschoolers. I know that these little ones can and will be touched by the Holy Spirit if we just create the atmosphere and expectation for it to happen. Leaving my time working with children was hard. VERY hard. But, I felt God calling me to move into a new areas. Over the next few years, I began to understand that the message that was so big in my heart - the value of children experiencing a real relationship with Jesus - needed to be heard by the ADULTS. Sadly, the entire time I was pouring my heart and soul into children's ministry, the leaders - the adults - didn't really see and/or understand what Jesus was doing in and for the children. As a matter of fact, there were some that didn't want this for the children. As the years passed, the heart of God for children never left me. While Gwen had been a part of much of my ministry (mostly as a leader), she was pretty clear that her calling was with the youth. However, when Jesus has a plan and a destiny, it will be accomplished. Gwen is now the Next Gen Director at her church. And this includes ALL the children - from birth - college age. Watching her accomplish so much more than I could have ever dreamed of brings me to tears. Even during 2020 and the COVID pandemic, she planned and carried out ministry that has touched and changed families. Watching the church filled with children, seeing the youth serving and leading, filled me with joy. I am so thankful that I get to be an observer to all that Jesus is doing. And it is good!
Jesus, thank you so much for your plan and purpose and destiny for children. Holy Spirit, help us to hear your plan for each of us. Give us courage to walk out those plans, even when others don't understand. Thank you Jesus for your love and care for every child. Continue to pour out creative ideas and give strength and stamina to all those who hear your heart for children. Thank you for your love for us. Amen
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