This is not another story from far away and long ago,
though, yes, it was on top of a mountain in Papua New Guinea that God first
gave me this word. But God continues to remind me of it, and of his call in my
life.
Recently, some of us attended a ‘Sticky Faith’
conference. I, with you, wondered what it was all about. Run by Scripture
Union, it concerned giving our children a faith which will keep them in the
family of God, even when they leave primary school, or go out into the big wide
world. I was encouraged to hear that it needs, not just trained teachers, but
every member, to keep them in the family. So, no retirement. We each are
needed.
I went from there to the Ablaze conference and through
various ministries, God continued to speak about the importance of letting our
children know that they are loved and special, and of never hindering them in
any way from realising God’s purpose for them in this generation
When I answered the call to PNG, instead of teaching our Missionary Kids as I thought, I
was not only taking a class in the
mission school, but God surprised me with other responsibilities. Soon after I
arrived, hearing there was a week of Bible School for the workers, I asked if I
might speak to them. Taking a lump of fool’s gold I had found, I spoke about
the treasure hid in the field, and how we need to work to bring the wonderful
resources of our children to the Lord.
It was a great privilege to be involved in training the
Sunday School teachers, both there and later on a national scale in Ghana, and
as well as the joy of teaching the children I was always delighted to be able
to speak to whole congregations about the importance of ‘the child in the
midst.’
Back in UK, I had the opportunity to teach about
children’s work, not just to Sunday School teachers, but others training for
leadership. One, now pastor, told me, ‘We learned that children are important.’
Before I came into the Apostolic church or knew much
about missionaries I had heard God’s call to ‘go into the villages,’ which, I
guess, is how I found myself on this mountain. Having roughed it, sleeping in a
smoky grass hut, with rats and fleas to disturb me, I was feeling the worst for
wear.
I went out into the sunshine and into the church, and
opened my Bible to read this verse in Hebrews, ‘I and the children God has
given me.’ God continues to speak this and other words to confirm his call when
I get discourages or think I am getting too old to continue my work in the
schools or teaching Kids Club, a privilege indeed.
