By Jim Burgin
L ast night, both before and after Bible study, I stopped to watch the children at our church play games at Rainbow Express®. They were laughing, playing, running, and having a great time in general. Moms, dads, and grandparents were hanging around – talking with each other, but keeping an eye on their kids too. Some kids needed special care. Others (mostly the young boys) needed coaxing into the games. Once they were in, though, they were in with their whole heart. It wasn’t just beautiful. The sight was extraordinary, and it filled my heart.“Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.” Chuck Swindoll
O nly a group like this – a group that packed up for a week, left home, and traveled from Kansas across a couple of state lines to the heat of Texas – makes a difference like this. They work all day at Mission Arlington®, then they come out at night to love on the children of our church. 15 hour days, just to love on our kids.
It reminds me of the mission trip that our own youth just finished – last week. They gave their time, their energy, and their hearts to share God’s love in our own community. They left the comfort of home, endured the hard work of missions, and they made a difference.
V acation Bible School made such an impact on me when I was a boy. Some of my first memories of the Bible were from the old flannel boards with cut out pictures that the teachers used to help the children learn God’s Word. God’s Word came alive for me then, and I was only 7. I memorized some of my first Scripture verses in those days – scriptures I still remember to this day. Extraordinary. E very moment last night, when I was watching the kids, I wanted to shout with joy, because the Lord’s presence was evident and real. A shout out to all parents, aunts & uncles, grandparents, and Sunday school teachers for making Rainbow Express such a significant spiritual moments for our children. Thank you for your investment in the kids. These memories will be with them for the rest of their lives. As I reflect on it this morning, my thoughts are that “Jesus loves children.” “Grace Street loves children,” and “I love Grace Street.” I hope you do too.We have so many opportunities for children to grow this Summer. Summer Camps and Vacation Bible school are just ahead. Stay tuned.