I folded and put away the chairs from my Good News Club®. As I thought of the children who sat in those chairs, I prayed a silent prayer for them. I put away the flannel pieces from the last lesson. How I loved that lesson about the relationship between Jesus and Peter, and how that relationship was tested those few days before Jesus died, and then strengthened after Jesus rose again. I folded my flannel board, packed up my prize box, took the notes out of my bible, put away the songs, and put the CD player back in my bag for the next school year. Another year of Good News Club was over. This was a new club. It was held at our office with the exception of reaching the children in the neighborhood. However, expectations are not always met as we hope. There were days when 11 children were at club, and there were more days when there were only the faithful three.
As I was reading my Bible recently, a passage jumped out at me. Jesus had sent the disciples out to tell about Him. Upon returning, they excitedly told Jesus that the demons obeyed them. Jesus’ response was “…do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.” (Luke 10:20) Having demons obey is pretty amazing to me, but it is an outward sign that doesn’t necessarily indicate what is true of the heart. (cf. Matthew 7:22-23) Likewise, having 11 children in my club is pretty amazing, but my rejoicing should be that our names are written in Heaven.
With Good News Club packed and put away, we begin to prepare for Good News Day Camp. We have prayed for God to send 400 children to camp this summer. That means that we need at least 80 volunteers to help at camp. It is excited to wait and see how God is going to answer that prayer. We pray for 400 campers not as a sign that we are doing something amazing, but so that we may rejoice that those children’s names are written in Heaven!
Will you pray with us for the 400 children and for the 80 volunteers? Maybe you will be an answer to your own prayer by choosing to volunteer at camp. If you have questions about how you can volunteer, please call the office. We will be happy to talk with you!
Linda
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