Foundations Are Forming
I had heard a story of a proud grandmother and I reached out to her to hear her story. Her granddaughter, Caylei, goes to PIne Valley United Methodist Church. Here is her story:
“A few months ago when the family was visiting us in Statesville, we went to church and Caylei went to her class as she always does. When I went to pick her up she told me that she had won the Bible knowledge game. There are some very bright students in the class and they’re taught well, so I was beaming that Caylei had won. I also have realized how much she learns in her Sunday school classes at PVUMC. I am so grateful for the teachers who take the time to care and teach the children. I prayed that this family would find a church where they were taught the Bible. I didn’t get the chance to learn all the Bible studies and stories growing up as a child so it’s important that my grandkids do. I can already tell that a foundation is forming for Caylei in her life. (She knew about Jesus calming the storm when the hurricane was coming.) Teachers, thank you from the bottom of my heart for teaching my grandkids!”
I agree with Caylei’s grandmother. I am proud of our kids and how much they learn in Sunday school! To the teachers: thank you so much for helping form these important foundations in our children and youth. I believe these teachers would tell you that they are blessed by teaching the children. It is like the gift that keeps on giving, watching the kids grow up and grow in their faith. I still remember my Sunday school teachers!
These statistics put it in perspective! Half of people will believe in Jesus by age 12. By the time a child is 9 years old their basic moral foundation has been formed. By age 13 a child has formed their basic beliefs about God, Jesus, the reliability of the Bible, and the existence of afterlife. We have a huge responsibility to these children. The seeds we plant in these children will stay with them for life.
Do we not all want our children, grandchildren, friends and relatives to know that God loves them? That God will never let them down? That God has their whole future in His hands and wants what is BEST for them? As they face challenges in life they will be more equipped to deal with them because God’s Word is in their hearts. Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
So why should we teach children’s Sunday school? Because we were told in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Matthew 19:14, “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, “I pray that my children would always be joyful and rejoice; that they would pray continually; and be thankful no matter their circumstances because this is your will for them God.” At PVUMC, let’s pray that all children would always be joyful and rejoice; that they would pray continually; and be thankful no matter their circumstances because this is your will for them God.” To do this, we need servants who want to carry out their Master’s will. We need servants to pour the truth into these little hearts and minds while they are most open to the Gospel.
Remember, God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called! The children need you! If you say yes, God will do the rest! Please let Terri Kesler or the church office know if you would like to have the honor of helping form the foundation in God’s little children.