Hope For Everyone

As a kid I learned about the concept of hope from Star Wars - A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. In the Star Wars universe, hope for a better world brought constant, seemingly losing battles. Seemingly insignificant decisions by some changed the future for many.

Repurpose, don’t pitch! When I became the new Children’s Ministry Director, I inherited a Teacher Resource Room full of YEARS of old Children’s Ministry curriculum, books, and handout pages that I did not need. I was given the task to either uses it or lose it. But having no great ideas for it, it sat collecting dust for three more years.

Look for God’s timing! Around the same time that we had to clear out the room, I was contacted by Brad Bowden. He had been calling over a dozen So Cal churches, looking for Sunday School curriculum and books for kids. He had heard of a need for Christian materials in Pakistan and was moved by a request from a woman named Manisha over Facebook.

Persevere – it will pay off! During the time that Brad and I were texting and trying to figure out how to get the resources to the people in need, Brad suffered a stroke. Then his mom had major medical issues to deal with. But Brad did not lose hope and kept getting back in touch. We finally were able to pass the books, curriculum, and teaching handouts over to someone who was eager to use them to teach little ones about Jesus in Pakistan. Manisha hoped for materials and put the request out. She also hopes to go to nursing school so she can get a good job, provide for her family and help the ministry she’s at. Brad said she has a heart of gold and someday she would love to meet me and thank the Granite Creek Church that helped her to reach more children.

Not only are children important to Jesus, but Jesus also said that they model the child-like faith that God desires for each of us.

I tell you the truth, you must accept the Kingdom of God as if you were a child, or you will never enter it.-Luke 18:17

I like to remind our Granite Creek Kids that they can powerfully show big people how to love and trust Jesus. From there they can love one another.

You too have a gift and talent! Everyone who follows Jesus has a part in building the Kingdom of Heaven. We are all gifted uniquely, and no one is more or less important in God’s eyes. Our small part matters in the big picture.

God, help us to have eyes to see what you are calling each of us to do today to show our love for you and for those around us.

By Sara Frias