Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Out of the mouths of babes...

My husband and I teach a 5th and 6th grade Bible Study class at our church. Most of the kids come from families of low wealth. Most are from a different country. For the most part, they are really good kids and do well. A couple of weeks ago, we were having a snack of milk and muffins and I was telling them about Japan and the devastating earth quake there. They were very moved by what happened. Immediately, one of the girls, a very shy one in our class sat up and said, "we must do something about that!". I asked them to think of some ideas. She immediately said, "why don't we sell muffins and milk before and after Sunday School? "  I thought that was a great idea. So we planned and talked and the next week, we did it!! The kids sold mini muffins and milk at $1 and people came out of the woodwork and donated over and above the cost. We ended up raising about $106 and at the end of the time, we got a great surprise.

A woman who had been bringing a friend from Japan showed up and brought her to meet the kids. Mrs. Ty came and sat and shared that her family was safe but she worried about some of her friends and her country. The kids were mesmerized and we ended up praying for her and her country. It made an impact on the kids.

I was so moved by our kids kindness. Here they are: poor in wealth and new to this "missions" thing. They immediately stepped up knowing that God would provide. I wonder why that is so easy for some and not for others??????

I read this today:
The Cost of Following Jesus

John 9
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Those little kids, without hesitation, said: "we must do something about that!" and did it...they followed Jesus without hesitation. Why do we form so many excuses and then end up walking away when we think that the cost will be great?