Recently Grover and I met with a pastor from the Dominican Republic. We had a good meeting, and discussed the children’s ministry and training youth leaders that the pastor was doing in the Dominican Republic.
Two things were said that impacted me. The first was that abortion is being pushed hard in the Dominican Republic. The second is there are many children living with a mom and no dad. These children have never had any kind of belief taught to them as moms are struggling just to support the family.
Unfortunately, my first thought was the USA has the exact same problems. It seems much of Satan’s attacks on society hurt women and children the most.
I don’t think it is news to anyone that raising kids is a job for two parents. We need to protect marriages in our churches. Satan has too many options for putting stress on our marriages. I remember a brother who went on to be with the Lord, John Dresher. John was a pastor and pioneer in supporting families and marriages. I remember John teaching that parents should always prioritize their marriages over the children. John said that the best thing for a child is to be raised by parents with a strong marriage.
But there are many children that are not fortunate enough to be raised by both parents. We have good news for those children. They have a Father in heaven that Loves them and cares about them. He sent his Son to save them and will prepare an eternal home for them. There is love, purpose, belonging, grace, forgiveness, and hope for the future.
We all long to belong, to be loved, and we all need to feel that we have a purpose.
Genesis 1:27. “So God created mankind in his own image.” (NIV)
John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)
We are made in God’s image. He loved us so much that he gave his one and only Son so that we may have Grace and Eternal Life. Children can understand this beautiful truth. They want to belong and be loved.
In the Dominican Republic, children’s ministries are the driving force behind planting new churches. Samaritans Purse has seen thousands of new churches start because of their shoe box ministry. Children’s ministry is so important for building the Kingdom of God. It reminds me of a song we sang as children: “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red & yellow, black & white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” (Written by C. H. Woolston)
Amen.
Jim Nolt – Executive Board Member
