This week I have the privilege of being at church camp with some of our third through fifth graders. I have had a wonderful time with some of your kiddos. I want to tell you about something these kids noticed that stood out to me.
In the evening, we have been learning what the Bible says about Jesus in Colossians 1. Then, in the morning we’ve been learning about Jesus’ life on earth; how He grew up, the parables He taught, and His miracles. On the morning that we talked about miracles, we pulled our cabins aside and read Matthew 9 together. The kids were supposed to write down every miracle that was listed in Matthew 9. Of course they wrote things like Jesus healing a paralytic man, raising a girl from the dead, and healing the blind and mute. Something else that a couple of my girls pointed out was that it was also a miracle that Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him, and he did! I was so amazed that my girls noticed this. How true! Of course a tax collector was regarded as a traitor, working for the Romans. It had to be a complete miracle that a tax collector at that time would give up his job of great importance and great wealth immediately to follow Jesus.
It made me think about all of us. We have been trying to go out into our neighborhoods to help those who are in need. Our neighbors have been welcoming and receptive to the gospel. They have many needs and are open to listening to someone who can help or save them. Sometimes I wonder how we can serve those that are not in physical need? How can we share the gospel with them? They may feel they don’t need anything. This will keep me thinking for the next few weeks or more. What can I do to help those who do not have a monetary or physical need?
OK, back to my girls. One more thing they noticed as a miracle in Matthew 9, was that Jesus could forgive sins. This was something no human could do before. Of course this is the best miracle of all! I love that they noticed this! This week at camp they have gained more reverence and awe for our Savior, Christ the Messiah.
Last night we discussed Colossians 1:20, where it speaks of Jesus reconciling all things to Himself, and many tears were shed. There were decisions made, and many prayers of forgiveness and repentance were spoken.
Thank you to any and all that have been praying for these kids. Looking ahead to the middle of summer, there will be a group of middle and high schoolers who will be going to work at camp. Please be in prayer for their relationships with Christ.
Colossians 1:15-20
“He is the image of the invisible God, the first born overall creation. For by Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him, to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.”
-Amy Thompson
Children’s Ministry Director