Kids Even Need Jesus in The Midwest?

I live in the Pacific Northwest.  A few years ago, Washington and Oregon ranked #49 and #50 in most unchurched states, so I expect that we are dealing with a culture of kids that need God.  But a friend in the Midwest shared they need him there too. Gasp!

Amy had lots of kids in her neighborhood but since she is single with no children of her own, she had no idea how to connect with them.  Hearing me talking about what God was doing through our homework club, she lit up!  After lots of questions, she got a new vision.

In Amy’s words, “So the Lord has been answering my prayers. He brought two little kids into my building and now all the neighborhood kids hangout on my front porch. Over the last two weeks I have gotten to know them better and they are all excited about doing a homework club.

They are hilarious. The day after we talked about it, one of the little girls came back and asked me what kind of homework I was going to give them. Ha! Kids are funny.

I did explain that this was an opportunity for them to bring all their homework from school and I would help them if they need it. They are all interested in learning more about the Bible even though at present they think it is boring.”

At our homework club we have homework time followed by snacks, Bible time and sometimes, though not always, we have a game, craft, song or something special.  We’ve enjoyed using Object Lesson books like these for some of our teaching times (click here to view). 

I wonder, are there kids in your state that need to hear about Jesus too?  Who will tell them?

We will check in more with Amy periodically, especially as she gets started.  My guess is, some of her questions are also some of your questions.

Until Every Boy and Girl Knows Jesus!

-Annie

*Names of children always changed

Berry Picking

My neighbors have rows of blueberry bushes.  Over 100 years old now, these bushes are more like trees.  Some years, the crop is miserable.  Gardening exerts have told my neighbors to pull these old bushes out and start over.  Instead my neighbors make a few adjustments to the soil and it seems with their persistence and the right weather combination, the berries come back.   

The other day I got the call, “We are going on vacation.  Take as much as you want.” 

It sounded like it had been a fruitful year.  A friend and I eagerly went to pick.  But the berries were small and sparse – probably picked over.  After an hour, we’d had enough. Berry accumulation wouldn’t even make a pie.  Packing up, my eye caught the reflection of something in the setting sun, glimmering in the middle of the bushes.  I put on my long sleeves so as not to get scratches, and grabbed a rake, crawling toward the middle of the trees.  Then pulling some branches away with the rake, I was able to stand on my tiptoes.  Wow!  I found treasure - big, juicy, purple berries! 

The berries in the center were hard to reach but… were they worth it!  In a matter of minutes, our produce doubled.  Though these berries were hard to get, taking some strategic maneuvering and additional tools, they were just waiting for someone to make the extra effort to pick them.   The harvest was plentiful!  

This morning as I reflected on my neighbor’s blueberry bushes, my thoughts turned to some of the beautiful churches that I love, celebrating their 50th and 100th- year anniversaries.  They’ve done a great job and sometimes it seems like their work is done. 

Then I thought about the kids that need Jesus - scads of them!  In my own little corner of the world, there are bunches of kids and families, just waiting.  But it may take some different strategies, maneuvering, and additional tools. 

Sometimes I find myself in awkward or uncomfortable situations trying to reach them.  Family dynamics can feel a little “scratchy”. I’ve been discussing things that 5 years ago, I never dreamed I would be talking to kids about. But in the end, it has been worth it! 

So how about putting the two together?  Whether your church is old growth or brand new, my guess is, if God still has your church alive, He still has some great work for you to do!  But maybe you need to get on your tiptoes, or your knees and ask God to help you see what only He can see! 

Jesus saw something in Samaria that no one else saw. He challenged us to do the same. “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!  They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35) 

Until Every Boy and Girl Knows Jesus!

-Annie Crain

*Names of Children always changed

The Long Walk Across the Street

Recently the story of the Good Samaritan popped up in my devotions.  What started off as a “not again” sigh out of my mouth became a new challenge. I was reminded the Priest and Levite had the same opportunity as the Samaritan.  They just needed to “walk across the street”.  Responding in prayer, I asked God to open my eyes to an opportunity to “walk across the street”.

In fast-paced errand-running mode, I barely noticed the girl sitting on the sidewalk staring at the ground a few blocks out from my home.  Several years ago I would have thought she was sad. Now it is the position of kids with earbuds listening to their music.  As I drove past, I remembered my morning prayer.  I guess it wouldn’t hurt to just to check, though I had so much to do. 

Turning around, I pulled into the cul-de-sac entrance near her.  Not leaving my car, I rolled down the window.

“Are you OK?” I asked.

The girl stood, nodding, but her tear streaked eyes gave her away.

“Are you safe?  I’m just a neighbor driving by.” I felt that I needed to stay in my car and just be there.

She took a step closer, nodding.

“Are you sure you are safe?  Is there anything you need?  Do you need to use my phone?”

Still ground staring, her head shook.

“I’m a Christian.  Could I say a prayer for you?”

Nodding, for the first time her eyes lifted as I closed mine.  Silently asking God to lead, I prayed aloud.  As I finished she walked close and the story began to spill.  She lived with her grandparents.  They were upset and had just kicked her out of the house…  She talked and talked.  Mostly, I just listened.

I asked the previous questions again.  I told her I would be praying for her and would be back that way in an hour.  I would check and make sure she was alright. 

It was a hot day, on my way back I wanted a Slurpee®.  I got Leanna a small one too.  But when I got back to the cul-de-sac, she wasn’t there.  Should I check at her house?  She had pointed down the street while talking about her grandparents. 

Though nervous at what I might encounter, I decided there was no harm in asking if she was there.  An older man answered. 

“Is this where Leanna lives?”

My words met a blank stare.

“I believe Leanna lives in this cul-de-sac.  She’s about 11 or 12.  Does she live around here?”

He turned to his wife.  “What’s the name of the girl that lives with those Russian people?  Is it Leanna? Well, there is a girl around here.  I think she lives at that house.”

I went next door, holding the now melting Slurpee®.
 
Within seconds the door opened.  Leanna broke into a huge smile.  Everything was OK now and yes, she would love a Slurpee®!

I can’t wait to see what happens next with my new friend!

Where do you need to take that long walk across the street?  Maybe take a Slurpee® with you!

Until Every Girl and Boy Knows Him,

-Annie

PS.  Have you seen "Daddy's Version of the Bun" yet?  Check out the link on my side bar under "Fun Videos"!  I loved it!

*Names of children always changed.

Seven Days, Seven Ways

Happy back to school!  As I gear up for the school year and the joy of homework club (HW) several have asked how we picked the location for our HW.  For me the answer is a short one - Car Problems! 

Many years ago, my newly married husband found a job across state. Looking for a place to live, the only local we knew suggested a road teeming with new apartments.  Just one block from the directed area, our car broke down.  It wouldn’t budge.  With time running short we signed the lease for the first apartment we laid our eyes on - just as the tow truck arrived. 

We haven’t moved far but we have changed a lot since the day the car broke down.  Back then we were lovingly referred to as “D.I.N.K.s”  (Double Income No Kids).  We didn’t really know Jesus yet either.  Our neighborhood has changed a lot too.  There are no “new” apartments anymore.  Businesses frequently move to more progressive neighborhoods and residents are perpetually moving in and out.  A local school official called out our transient school population, 25% move in and 25% move out every year.

About three years ago, after a strong sense of “loving my neighbor” and “focus on the unreached community kids”,  I went to a Christian workshop.  Someone challenged, “If you live in one community and send your kids to school in a different community that is probably a good indication of where you need to be ministering.”  Gulp that was my family and my neighborhood! 

Even after we started club, I stubbornly tried hard NOT TO like these kids.  But on the third day little Helen came up with big dark saucer eyes and shed crocodile tears because I was leaving.  After that, they had me!

However, I really wish I would have had this cool tool to help discern God’s plan!  “Seven Days, Seven Ways”

How about asking God for a friend to join you with “Seven Days, Seven Ways”?  My guess is, as you work through the prayer and activities, you will run smack dab into God’s Will!  And it will be a lot more fun than having your car break down! 

Until Every Boy and Girl Knows Jesus,

-Annie

*Names of children always changed.