After reading Beth Guckenberger's Tales of the Not Forgotten this summer, I have been working with our church's elementary-aged youth group. They memorize scripture, play games, and, thanks to Beth, learn about ways that we can reach out to orphans.
I was worried about working with this program. I've never really taught faith lessons before, and I've been out of a formal classroom for several years now - working with the older elementary kids made me feel way out of my league, especially since I taught first grade.
And then we began.
From the first the kids were great - excited, enthusiastic, ready to go.
Not just about the games or the scripture, but about the life of orphans, too.
They're open and asking questions, really listening and going deeper than I expected them to. And a few weeks ago, when we were talking about ways that we could help others, one immediately asked to have a bake sale.
The timing just happened to be perfect as the men of the church were holding an event, and so they allowed us to set up a table with them and make their customers our own.
The kids made signs, hung out beside the doors, and politely asked each person if they would like to help the orphans and buy some dessert. Some looked at them and clearly said, 'no,' but many more agreed to come to our table and look.
We nearly sold out that morning, and with one bigger item still remaining, our pastor made an announcement after church the next day - and our pretty desserts were snatched up immediately.
The kids made a generous amount of money, especially considering that the majority of it was earned through the sale of cookies and brownies. They will be able to make a real difference in the lives of orphans!
What stands out to me, though, is that they have already made a difference in their hearts. They are beginning to seek out ways to show others the love of Jesus - whether by sending money to an international orphanage or by smiling at their neighbors.
If you'd like to make a donation to an orphan ministry, here are three that are very reputable, simple to work with, and make big differences around the world:
- Do the One Day's Difference Challenge this Sunday and help build an orphanage in Zimbabwe
- For the price of a few mochas a month, you can help support orphans in Africa with The Mocha Club.
- Back2Back Ministries does holistic work - they work hard to give orphans the opportunities they need to improve their lives.
We're seeing that it doesn't take a lot to make a difference. We don't have to be millionaires or missionaries - we just have to be willing.
For more GratiTuesday, visit Heavenly Homemakers!
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