Plant Seeds of Faith
Last week, I heard a story about a child who participated in our Messy Church. She had made a cross at one of the stations and took it home. One night, her mother was walking by her room and heard murmuring. Curious, she peeked into the room and saw her daughter praying with the cross—feeling each of the little gems with her fingers as she prayed. Since that day, her mother has observed that after a long day, her daughter comes home and, without saying a word, goes into her room alone to pray to God.
After hearing that story, I felt so thankful for the person who showed her how to make that cross and taught her how to pray with it at Messy Church that day. I felt so thankful for Paula, our Children’s Director, who serves tirelessly to create a learning environment for both children and adults. I was also thankful for all the people who stepped up to serve that day, and for the parents who came out to participate with their children. I was deeply grateful that everyone came together so we didn’t miss the opportunity to show this child that God loves her dearly and that she can go to God for anything, at any time.
Can you imagine the smile on God’s face when this 5-year-old comes before God and makes her requests known? I’m reminded of Matthew 7:11, when Jesus says, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” And all of this was made possible because everyone who was present that day simply said “yes” to God. The longer I am in ministry, the more I am beginning to see and understand that it is in the everyday decisions—the ones that seem small—that God uses to do great things.
It’s fall! And that means it’s time for Trunk or Treat! This is such a fun event where we decorate the trunks of our cars, dress up in our Halloween costumes, and give out candy to not only for the children of our church, but for everyone in the community. It’s a time when we open our fellowship to children, just as Jesus did in his time. In the midst of the hostility and pressures that many children grow up with today, this is a simple, positive way for us to give them a chance to just have fun in a safe, welcoming environment that is free from judgment or expectations. We never know how God will use a moment like this, but I hope everyone who steps up to serve will be blessed and that every child will leave with a bag full of candy and a heart full of love. Let’s continue saying “yes” to God and together, create more moments that plant seeds of faith in the hearts of our children.
Pastor Tae Park