Let the Children Come to Me
Posted on July 1st, 2009
Pastor’s Column published in The Informer (FBC’s Newsletter for July 2009)
Jesus said: “Let the little children come to me . . . for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs” (Mark 10:14). These past several weeks, I had two experiences that reminded me of these words from Jesus and just how special it is to be a part of the faith development of our children.
First, I had the privilege of helping out with Vacation Bible School During VBS, it was heartwarming to see the excitement on the faces of the children and to hear them shout “Fear Not!” and sing songs with joy and abandon. I am so grateful to Crystal Cupp and Sandy East for their outstanding job in directing VBS this year. We are also so fortunate to have so many adult and youth volunteers who offered their time and talents to show our VBS campers the love of Jesus.
After our week of VBS, I then had the opportunity to chaperone five of our children to Passport Kids! camp at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center in Lynchburg, VA. The camp theme for this year is “HEROES.” Each day, we learned one characteristic of a true hero in Christ:
H – hope (1 Timothy 4:10)
E – encouragement (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
R – responsibility (Mark 2:1-12)
O – obedience (John 14:15)
The campers also learned about India and the various ministries that missionaries are undertaking in that country. On day two, campers actually made recycled paper out of old newspapers for use in a “moveable school” in India. That night, the camp was transformed into an Indian Market so that campers could learn more about India’s culture, food, sports, and religions. On the third night, everyone enjoyed a “variety show”/”superhero” ball. Our group performed a skit and a song, and that was a big hit. Every day, the kids also had a “camper’s choice” rotation, choosing among crafts, sports, drama and worship leadership, etc. It was a great experience! Our only regret was that one of our would-be campers got sick and couldn’t come with us.
Our children are a treasure to us at Farmville Baptist Church. I thank God for them and for their parents who bring them to church to learn more about God. I also thank God for all the adults in the church who lavish their love on our children by teaching Sunday School, volunteering for extended session, leading children’s church, organizing children’s activities, directing and accompanying them in choir, supporting their activities financially, and all the countless other ways that are seldom noticed. May God continue to bless our children and bless those who welcome and honor their presence in our midst!
- Michael
Filed under Children, News Column |
One Response to “Let the Children Come to Me”
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children assessment Says:
November 11th, 2009 at 4:00 amgreat writeup and post !!!