She checks the mail everyday, wondering if it's come, the materials for the event SHE is planning...the daughter, the girl, the one some might say is too young. But, we believe that children can do ministry, that is if we affirm this is true. We believe children are capable to get in there and out there and serve the Lord just like adults...sometimes all the more.
Children can do ministry.
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They practice weekly to orchestrate our worship during this season of home fellowship church. They take the reigns and plan for us and praise the Lord with their whole hearts each week as they lead us all in song.
Children can do ministry.
They set the tables and instruct the adults, these kids we encourage to serve. They pack the meals and stack the boxes and make sure the ministry is operating smoothly when they do. They load the container full of food and playgrounds here, then go to Haiti to deliver the goods and see the ministry come full circle. Kids Around the World is a great opportunity for children to do ministry and we see that they can. Little ones are capable of so much more than they're given credit for.
Children can do ministry.
Children can do ministry.
They prepare for mission trips, make lists and plans. They pray and wait with eager expectation to serve God in a foreign land.
They orchestrate VBS, raise funds, care for, build for, and show God's love to those in need across the globe.
They orchestrate VBS, raise funds, care for, build for, and show God's love to those in need across the globe.
Children can do ministry.
They bake the bread, prepare the meal, even wash the dishes after. They walk the offerings up to the door with well-wishes and flowers and cards and concern for the recipients. And, I ask myself, Why would we grown ups do all of that ourselves when children are so able to show God's love and kindness for others?
She scans the Samaritan's Purse catalog, saving her birthday money to buy bibles and chicks. She prays and asks for help to make the transaction online and families are blessed on the other side of the world...because this child cares.
Children can do ministry.
They bake and package, knit their hearts out with a purpose. They go through their belongings, perfectly satisfied to sacrifice for the cause. These little fundraisers of ours have directly helped to bring their siblings home from Africa and China.
Children can do ministry.
They welcome them home and into their lives. They invest and nurture and care. These children, they are ministers of God's LOVE to their new siblings with holes in their hearts, longing to be filled. I marvel at how they've filled and filled and loved and loved. From solitary and sad to cherished brother, sister, son, daughter, glad...they have come SO far!
What a privilege to do this type of ministry ongoing and yet again this coming year!
Children can do ministry.
They take him surfing and welcome him in. They love him like a brother while they can.
They open the doors of their hearts and our home if it be God's will, thanks to New Horizons hosting program.
Children can do ministry.
My heart hurts and she stays with me. He prays for me. Their hugs and sensitivity comfort my soul. She joins me at the hospital,
my daughter, my friend, a rock when I feel weak. And me, all grown up big, she helps me though she's small. Her prayers and how she holds my hand, her confident nod reminds me I'm not alone. She takes a photo of my silly gown, distracting me with fun.
I, the mom, and they, the kids...it's not quite so backward upon second glance because children most definitely do ministry.
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So, this daughter, the one planning the Compassion Sunday outreach event, she feels called and led to do ministry.
Who am I to tell her she's too young? What does God's Word say about that?
Who am I to tell her she's too young? What does God's Word say about that?
"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.
Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
1 Timothy 4:12
Daily as she waits for her packet in the mail (the one that she ordered all on her own accord), I can see her enthusiasm building.
She has will and drive to encourage others to love God's children in need the way she does. She's planning it all herself.
Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
1 Timothy 4:12
Daily as she waits for her packet in the mail (the one that she ordered all on her own accord), I can see her enthusiasm building.
She has will and drive to encourage others to love God's children in need the way she does. She's planning it all herself.
So, we edify and allow and propel and build up and we speak into her heart and their hearts that they can.
She can.
They can!
They can!
Children can do ministry.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Then I said, 'Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.'
But the Lord said to me,
'Do not say, "I am only a youth";
for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,
and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,
declares the Lord.'”
for to all to whom I send you, you shall go,
and whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,
declares the Lord.'”
Jeremiah 1:5-8
