What are these yellow containers for? Do we get to take one home? How can we help other children around the world? We can do all of that by just putting money into the buddy barrel and bringing it back to church? These were typical questions that I was able to answer for the children at Bethel Temple in Hampton Virginia. Pastor Spencer decided it was time to introduce his kids to the idea of giving to missions and how they can help through Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC).

Entering the room as the director to a movie, my goal was to bring about an awareness of the needs around  the world and how they can be met simply by making a decision to help according to individual abilities. “The disciples, each according to their ability, decided to provide help”, Acts 11:29.

As the director I ‘set the scene’ for the movie and then started filming. Of course it was just pretend but it was a way to involve the kids in learning.

Auditions were underway to find the role that each child might play in the movie. We had dramatic reading from scripture and then we moved on to a live impromptu performance of the story found in Mark 2 where Jesus healed a paralyzed man that was brought to him by his four friends. As the story was told the actors portrayed each of the people in the story, Jesus, the crippled man, the four friends and the crowd. The talent was overwhelming. Even when asked to ‘think’ the expressions were priceless. Through this story the kids learned how important it is for friends to introduce their friends to Jesus. Without their help they may never meet Jesus. We must bring people to Jesus if we expect them to be healed, spiritually or physically.

In conclusion, using typical items that children purchase on a regular basis, they question was posed “what are you willing to sacrifice in order to give the money to BGMC and help meet the needs of children around the world?” I could see the wheels turning as the kids started to realize that they can make a difference in the lives of others simply by making a decision to help. It is a decision, a decision to use our  individual abilities to reach the world with hope, love and eternal change in people’s lives.

Next Sunday, Pastor Spencer is giving them an opportunity to make a faith promise or agreement with God as to the amount they will try to raise each month for missions. Keep this group of kids in your prayers as they step out in faith as it becomes clearer to each of them the important role they play in helping others come to know Jesus.