I've just returned from a ladies conference... more specifically, a missionary ladies retreat, hosted by the gals of Titus Women. For about 40 hours, they shared their hearts with us, encouraged us, spent time listening to us. They came armed with goodie bags, books, and snacks to spoil us a bit, and were ready and waiting to to have those important chats we women crave--those that end in solid advice and a good prayer. It was a time of refreshing that we all needed and enjoyed.
One of the things that touched me most was that a mom on the ministry team brought her sweet daughter along. She was only 11 years old and many would have said she'd be in the way or it might not be the place for her, but that young girl ministered to us all through her servanthood. She was gofer for those of us with full hands. She rocked sleepy babies and entertained bored toddlers so moms could hear the Word. She stood right up there in the middle of the other 4 ladies on the team, singing her heart out in praise and worship. She prayed for us and had mature, meaningful conversations over meals. I don't know who was more proud of her--her mom or all of us ladies in the crowd, identifying with what it's like to involve our children in the work of the Lord.
I thought of all the times I've had the privilege to see my children involved in kingdom work. Sometimes it's been the natural sort of ministry that comes from reaching out to a neighbor. Sometimes it's that "shoved on them" kind like having to sing a solo as part of our missions presentation in churches. And other times it's purposeful and planned, taking advantage of the gifts we see developing in them. What a joy it is to watch them mature in the Lord and see Him use them in His service!
In what ways are your children involved in your family's ministry? In what way are they involved in their own?
So glad you were able to be at the Titus Women's retreat! I've been praying for you all. Jealous you got to hang out with my dear friend, Stephanie Hogan!
ReplyDeleteOur son has been praying for "Jesus to send a someone to tell the muslims about the True God" ever since we moved to Uganda and heard the call to prayer daily! This year, one of the girls in my small group (from a muslim family) met Jesus, and then our son told her- "Great, now you can tell the muslims about God!" How sweet that Jesus gave him an answer to his child-like prayer!
Wow!! You know Stephanie!! She was quite inspirational, very encouraging. We had such a great time with the team. Thanks for the prayers. Your story about your son reminds me of those prayer calendars I used to see floating around, where kids could focus on one country per week, or something like that. They had a bit of info about each area, to give the children an orientation to what they were praying for. I just love that God answered your son's specific prayer in a way that he could recognize it as just that. :) Precious.
DeleteThe international school my kids attend does a great job of involving the kids in community service and outreach, so through the years, they've participated in a whole slew of different activities. Right now, one leads a team of kids each week to an orphanage for activities and bible lessons for the children who live there. another visits an orphanage for really little ones and regularly holds, cuddles, plays with and interacts with the children there. a third works in a local library after school. a fourth goes to the first grade and kindergarten classes to give the teachers a break for a few minutes and read stories to the classes each week. Until recently, the oldest three also ran the sunday school program at our church. those are the ministries they've sought out on their own.
ReplyDeletethey do love to travel with their dad, as well, when he heads out to show evangelistic films, setting up equipment, etc. occasionally they are recruited as voice actors for audio programs. they help make meals for others and they do a lot of work around our house that enables us to have other ministry opportunities.
it is such a joy to watch them serve and grow and to watch them figure out the gifts, talents and abilities the Lord has given them and watch Him challenge my kids to use them!
What great ideas! I love what the school is doing, and love that they travel with their daddy. I'm sure it means a lot to him and really speaks to those they minister to. I think it really speaks to those who watch our families, to see that we acknowledge children as capable and called, and to see God use them. I totally echo your last sentence.
DeleteGreat Post! Love this! We try to incorporate our children in the ministry as much as possible. All of our children help clean the church after services on Sunday. Sometimes (depending on the visit) one or two, and sometimes all of us, will accompany my husband on a visit. We don't know what the Lord's plans our for our children when they are grown, but until then we are teaching them to serve the Lord (joyfully) here with us. Serving can be anything from cleaning, to helping with babies, to handing out papers during church, etc... if it's something a child can do then we let a child do it! :-)
ReplyDelete"if it's something a child can do then we let a child do it!" That sounds like a great way to think of it! Your comment makes me think of growing up in a family that was very involved in our small church. As kids, we did whatever needed to be done and our parents took us along for whatever, whenever. We never thought anything of it because it was all we knew. I'm very thankful for all I learned in those years. I'm sure your children will be, too!
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