Those big children’s ministry events that involve hundreds of kids, bounce houses, face painting, and special programs? Yeah, those are fun. My squad helped out with an event like that this past Saturday at the church we are partnered with. For two days leading up to the event, we visited different neighborhoods handing out fliers and inviting children to the attraction. Kids flocked around with excitement to hear all the fun details.
Saturday morning dawned cloudy and rainy as I resided sick in bed. Yes, the children’s event would still be taking place, just with a later start time due to the rain. However, I would not be in attendance. No, my day would be spent going to the clinic rather than playing with kids and painting butterflies on little cheeks.
Of course I was a little disappointed to be missing out, but you know what? It was ok. There were plenty of healthy racers around to run the event. Besides, this month I’ve already participated in my personal favorite type of children’s ministry. I’ve been able to show the love of Jesus, and point kids toward Him in their normal day-to-day lives.
While we were out evangelizing one morning, we met this little girl and her mother. While my teammate, Brittanee, and I conversed with the mother, the little girl just watched us. She was seemingly too shy to talk. After a bit though, she warmed up to us and began talking (while hiding her face in her mom’s shoulder). We learned that she is six years old and her favorite thing to do is read. She became comfortable with us and actually sat next to me to talk. She told us she loves story books and enjoys school. I asked her if she had a favorite Bible story and she sat there telling me all about Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Brittanee then asked if she would like to hear the story of David and Goliath. She said “yes.” So I began telling her the story as detailed and dramatic as possible. As I wrapped up the story I reminded this sweet child that God is always looking out for her. No matter what she’s facing in life, she can rely on Him like David did when he faced the giant.
Stepping out of the van to begin evangelism one afternoon, we were greeted by these sweet faces. I began talking to these girls and pretty soon they were leading us around their neighborhood. They would just hang out with us while we talked with different people. In between talking to other people we came across, I was able to sit down with the girls and share a Bible story.
Eventually it was time for our new friends to go home and they asked Brittanee and I to walk with them to meet their mother. We did so gladly, and took the opportunity to invite the entire family to a gathering we would be having at the park the following evening.
The next evening I was very happy to find, that while their family had been unable to attend, these two girls were at the park waiting for us. We spent the evening laughing and giggling while we held hands and skipped around the park. I hope that in a small way I was able to show these girls the love of Jesus.
This leads me to my very favorite form of “children’s ministry” – if you can call it that – holding babies! There have been several little ones that I’ve had the privilege of holding while either my teammate or myself talk with the mother.
There was one particular little boy named Abraham, whom I just fell in love with last week. He was about a year old and just learning to walk. When I first started talking to his mother, he wanted nothing to do with me. However, before long I had him on my hip, laughing with a huge smile on his face!
His mother was a Muslim. She politely listened when I invited her to bring her children to the big children’s program at church. She ended up turning down the invitation. Before we left, I asked if I could pray for her. She said no. Not this time. However, if I ever came back she would let me pray for her. I said ok, thanked her for her time and letting me hold Abraham, handed him back, and went on my way.
Since that encounter, I’ve been praying for this lady. I’ve been praying that God would give me another opportunity to talk with her. If it’s not me, I’m praying that God will use another person to point her toward Jesus. I’m praying that baby Abraham will be raised knowing Jesus as his Savior. I am reminded that I can’t personally change someone. But, what I do know is that God can. He is in control and can intervene at any point in time.
This morning I read Isaiah chapter 40. Through it God reminded me of His love for children.
“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In his arms he will gather the lambs and carry them in his bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes”
~Isaiah 40:11 (NASB)
God holds children close to His heart. I’m praying for and entrusting Him with Abraham and all the children I’ve interacted with this month. I’m praying that He will lead their mothers home- to Him. I’m praying God will continue to help me show the love of Jesus to not only the children, but their parents as well.
