I adore kids. I cherish their energy, fire, bluntness, and innocent hearts.
On one occasion, we began the afternoon without any knowledge of what our ministry would look like that day. As time came for ministry, my team was abruptly presented with our task.
We were asked to participate in youth ministry and lead songs, a skit, maybe games.
My heart drops.
I love kids, but I have nooooo experience in VBS type skits. Instant fear sets in. “Well that’s not of the Lord.”
Half the team is supposed to announce that we are holding a program and the other half of us are supposed to plan out a skit. In about an hour.
This. is. all. happening. so. quickly.
I am one of those challenged in creating the skit. We ask questions to our host as to what the kids know, what would be beneficial for them to hear. We decide on the story of Zacchaeus, a wee little man that climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus (Luke 19:1-10).
Thankfully, my teammate knows the story well and sets a plan to action. He then challenges me to participate in the narration of the skit.
The instant response in my head—“um, no. This would make me uncomfortable.”
What I actually say out loud is a reluctant “yes. Yeah, sure.” lol
The constant battle between my comforts and growth…from what I want to do and what I know I should do.
As the team comes back together we discuss our plan of action…the songs and story.
It’s now time.
We head to the stadium and see the joyful kids running around, some playing futbol.
Nerves go away.
The children chase my teammate around the grass, we spin kids around in the air. Joy sets in.
We play a song on a Bluetooth speaker and everyone joins in their own dance moves.
The skit begins and the kids are attentive. We try to make it as interactive as possible and all the children are more than willing to answer questions, volunteer, laugh. My part ends as quickly as it began, and I’m happy to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this team. My teammate explains the importance of Jesus and as soon as the translator finishes the sentence, several kids raise their hand when asked if they want to ask Jesus into their lives.
Praise His name!
All of these children are so willing and ready to hear about the Lord, but I pray that they have a true, genuine relationship with Him that is built on a firm foundation and cannot be shaken.
Pray that the seed planted in those children’s lives continues to grow.
Pray that Jesus is so clearly evident in their lives as they grow that they desire to know Him with their whole heart.
Pray for protection over the children and that Satan has no stronghold over them as they grow in the Lord.
