....than to receive.
Acts 20
35In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
This is the memory verse for my Kidz Klub for the month of October. A colleague chose it...but it my task to teach. I was not quite sure how I would stretch this verse out for a month..... Kidz Klub consists of children ranging from ages 3-10. (K-4th grade) Truthfully, Kidz Klub evolved from a need to minister to boys. It was once Boyz Klub. But...the 7-13 boys were total H-E-double matchsticks. It was painful. Nobody listened...no matter what we did.... It became clear.....the ministry folded.
Well...a year later....God opened the doors to minister in the clubhouse of the Mobile Home Park where I live. Kidz Klub was formed... Another try....for youth... I hate youth ministry....but I hate failing even more. (Listen...I don't hate youth ministry...I just like to tell people I hate Kids) So...Kidz Klub was formed.
My Partner for the longest time...was Pastor Bill. Church needs called Bill away...and the Lord replaced him with other great partners. Kim Colountoni...a dear friend of mine...and when Kim stepped away...Andrea Hrehovcik along with her daughters Lauren and Kelly. Helped for two years. Then both daughters went away to school in subsequent years...and this year Andrea is going to college herself. Lauren were the youth the Klub needed. Both Amy and Lauren are beautiful outside as they are inside...and the children would flock to them. I was sad to see them move on....and still am looking for a teenager to replace them.
Recently God sent Val Schmidt. Val was involved early in Kidz Klub. She was the initial craft coordinator. I don't do crafts....I barely sing...but I can tell a story....and I can make children laugh...and share the gospel, both at the same time.
Well....now using the scripture verse....I was trying to get the Kidz to understand. “It is better to give than to receive.” I have tried several different things....and they all seem to work. But recently...the kidz were making a prayer box during craft time....
This one child, Joey, made this craft box....that he was very proud of.... His mother came to pick him up...and he presents the gift box.... Now...here was the moment of truth....his Mother, having been promted by me....asks the question...”Joey, why are you GIVING this to me?” (I'm going YES, there is no way Joey cannot share what he has been learning!) Without missing a beat...and with a very straight face...Joey looks at his Mom........and points at me.....
“Because he told me to.”
I hate Kids.