Encouragement

My missionary journey started with a clothing drive and a school poster. The way my parents supported my small efforts led to a dream I am still living today, serving orphaned and vulnerable children full-time. Zechariah 4:10 says, “Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin” (TLB). When encouraging children to use their gifts for others, don’t measure the size of the project, or who it will help. As Pastor Andy Stanley said, “Do for one what you wish you could do for them all.” Think about what interests your...

  Do you often wonder if it is worth the time and effort that you spend developing programs and preparing Bible lessons for teachers and children? Do you question whether you are having an impact in your ministry and if the children are even listening or learning anything? Unfortunately, today’s environment and family habits/beliefs are quite different than they were a few years ago and this can make having a successful ministry even harder. Attendance for church and children’s ministry is at an all-time low in most areas and is no longer deemed a priority. Many children would rather stay...

5 Questions I am Asking as We Prepare for the Back-to-School Season Usually, this time of year I am peppering my kids with questions. Are your backpacks still good from last year? Do you need new shoes? This year feels different. This year I am driven to cut the fluff. Who cares about backpacks and shoes? What matters is what we believe, how we will act, and who we will be in this school year. With that in mind, my questions sound a little bit more like this: 1. Where are you getting your information? When my kids come home...

You just came through one of the busiest seasons in ministry. You had Vacation Bible School, Creative Arts Camp, Sports Camp, Family Camp, Music Camp, Camp for early elementary, camp for upper elementary, and Family Fun Night! It was nonstop! Lots of planning made each of these events successful. You recruited volunteers, you had great participation, and you saw new faces. Most importantly, you introduced Jesus to those who participated, and some invited Jesus to be their Lord and Savior and forever friend! It’s been a very good, but very busy summer! You know what has happened, your volunteers certainly...

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth… And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good… God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. —Genesis 1:1-5 What a powerful God we have! He is the ultimate Creator and everything we know was spoken into being by Him. It is God’s spoken word that resulted in His new creation. God SAID, “Let there be light,” and it was so. God SAID, “Let the water under the...