Tag: children

Motivational Monday

Hey friends!  Yesterday, we had our annual Soup-er Missions Fundraiser.  Every year the OutReach Team looks at different mission opportunities.  Then, we allocate the funds from the soup-er fundraiser to those opportunities.  Each year, we have a speaker come to discuss what we are supporting that year.  This got me thinking about missions and how important they are.  So, let’s talk about it.

To start with, I am on the OutReach Team.  How many mission trips have I personally been on?  None.  That’s right.  Zero.  It was only somewhat recently that I have felt a calling to do mission work.  I am not sure how, when or where I will go but I do plan on something one day.   I feel certain God will let me know when it’s the opportunity He wants me to be a  part of.  But, being on the OutReach Team, it has opened my eyes on the importance of being a part of a church that is mission minded.

Many churches nowadays are pulled in MANY different directions.  There are different programs, needs and decisions that need to be made.  Because of this, it is easy for a church to just retreat inward.  Because let’s be honest, that’s the easiest thing to do.  But if you look at the Bible, church is meant to be outward facing.  Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  

Being mission minded is so much more than meeting once a month to talk about global missionaries and what they are doing.  It’s more than discussing and planning trips.  And I think when people hear the word missions, they think global.  And yes!  That is correct!  But it’s also a worship service.  It’s our youth group.  It’s community outreach.  AND!!  It’s about global mission efforts.  Why is this essential in our church?

Well first, it reflects the heart of God.  God has always been focused on redeeming people from every single nation.  In Acts 1:8, Jesus told His disciples that they would witness “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  Notice in that scripture, it covers local, national and global.

Speaking of globally, we are able to engage with churches all over the world.  You see, missions are not just about helping those who are lost.  It is also about building relationships with other Christians worldwide.  We have connected with many people/churches and we are able to see how they worship (from a cultural aspect).  We stay in contact with missionaries who are on the front lines of spreading God’s word in countries who are less than thrilled with them being there.  It helps me to appreciate what I have and shows me I need to be diligent about spreading the word here in the US. 

Lastly, this about the next generation.  I want to arm and empower our kids with the word of God.  The Youth Group and Kreek Kids have a great time when they get together.  Yes, there is a lesson every day they meet.  But they are shown the importance of outreach.  Just the fact they are there and they are engaging in the group, they are products of outreach.  They take that back home.  They take that to school.  They are armed with the knowledge to make good decisions.  

Missions are so much more than I can write today.  And frankly, I don’t feel I am doing it complete justice.  I know we hear about missionaries and what they are doing but comprehending it is difficult sometimes (because we aren’t there and it’s hard to understand that people don’t have a right to worship).  We are spoiled in that respect (and thank you Jesus for that!).  But when you think about missionary work being in your own church…you see the waves it creates globally.  It’s up to us to be on the boat that creates those waves.

Love you all and see you next week,

Jennifer


Motivational Monday June 3, 2024

Motivational Monday

Today is the DAY!  What day is it?  VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL STARTS!!  Woohoo!  I cannot begin to tell you HOW much goes into this every year.  So much preparation goes into this and it feels like every single church member plays a part.  Kathy Huggins puts on quite a show and we couldn’t do it without her.  She is the mastermind behind it all!  So of course, this week I want to talk about kids!

Now I know some of you reading this immediately said, “ This doesn’t apply to me because I don’t have little kids.”  Well, actually…that’s not correct.  This isn’t JUST for parents.  It’s your job as a christian to lead any and all to Christ.  This includes children.  Now, let me be clear, it IS the parent’s duty to raise their children in the church but as a congregation we are there to support them.  So as a parent or congregation, how do we lead a child to Christ?  Let’s talk about it.

First, kids are going to make mistakes.  We all do.  But in order for children to put their faith in Jesus, they need to understand some basic truths.  One of these is recognizing their sin.  How can they stop a behavior if they don’t understand it’s wrong?  And it’s on US to teach them.  We can show them this with scripture.  They need to understand they are going to mess up (Romans 3:23).  They need to accept the consequences of their actions (1 John 1:9).  But no matter what, God loves them whether they fail or succeed (Romans 5:8).  And only God has the power to change their heart (Ezekiel 36:26).  You see, WE don’t have to have the answers because it’s all written out for us to follow!  We just need to know where to find it!

Second, kids need to understand the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  I know this seems obvious but because it is so obvious, it sometimes gets skipped.  Sometimes we assume they know this significance.  When you have a child that you showed grace to, this is an opportunity to relate it back to God sending His only Son to forgive our sins (John 3:16).  Jesus taught us how to live and to know His Father.  He died on the cross in our place.  And he defeated sin and death through His resurrection and he lives!

Lastly, it’s important for us to teach children that God is close to them.  Now, don’t creep them out with this statement.  But what I mean here is how important children are to Jesus.  It’s so important to remind kids that they can talk to Jesus any time.  He is literally just a thought away because He never leaves them (Hebrews 13:5).  Jesus came to Earth to die and rise again for us to be closer to God (1 Peter 3:18).

I know some of you read this and thought, “I don’t think my child can comprehend this.”  At the end of the day if you lead them by example then this will naturally fall into place with conversations.  And even if you don’t have kids or small kids in your house, you can still show them Christ in everyday life.  Which, if you think about it…this what we do in Vacation Bible School!

So this week, I would like to encourage everyone to specifically pray about children or just a specific child.  You know and understand the needs around you.  Pray for kids to come to Him.  For them to feel like they can ask questions even if they are hard!  Please pray for us during VBS.  Please pray we can have fun while delivering, encouraging and enlightening young minds to His love.

See you soon and love you all,

Jennifer

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén