Union City First Assembly of God is a very mission's minded church. We believe in extravagant giving towards winning the lost on home soil and abroad. We also believe that we are called to "Know Christ and Show Christ" especially to our community. With that said, our Oasis Student Ministries have two mission's trips planned for this summer. They are going to Jamaica to work with AG missionaries Gary and Peggy Pyatt and are going to North Carolina to work on a Habitat for Humanity site. I began to pray about ways our Building 2-52 kids could do more for missions. All of our Sunday morning offerings go towards BGMC (Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge) which funnels money to AG missions all around the world but I wanted something they could do "hands on" that would spark the joy of giving to someone who is hurting and to show they have a mission's field right in front of them. The Lord inspired me with a "Mini Missions Trip."
I called the local hospital and talked with their public relations person. I asked about the possibility of bringing a group of kids to the hospital and present them with some items that they could use for the sick and newborn children they care for. She was beyond thrilled at the prospect and we set a date. I asked what would bless them the most. She said the go through tons of coloring books and crayons. I asked about infant needs and suggested baby blankets for families who may not have a lot of means to provide something new. So after our conversation, I compiled a list of items to work towards.
The kids worked hard to bring extra offerings towards the project and when some of the adults got wind of what we were doing, they jumped on board with some extra items. One lady in our church purchased 20 hard back books called "Sleep Sound in Jesus" for newborn families. She also purchased blankets and sleepers. One other gal told her workmates about our project and they bought coloring books, crayons, CD's of fun kids music and some baby blankets. These are people who don't even attend our church but loved the idea and wanted to help. So cool!
A couple of our Kid's Council girls went shopping with me and we finished the list. We packed it all in pretty gift bags and were ready to show some love to some hurting kids and needy families!
We loaded up the school bus and we met Kara from the hospital in the main lobby and made our presentation. She was so excited to see all of us and couldn't believe we brought over 30 kids and adults along for the event. She told the kids how much it was going to mean to the other kids who would receive their gifts. I think it was an awesome experience for them to see and hear how their hard work was going to show the love of Christ to some other kids just like them. Many of our kids come from needy families themselves and are frequently on the receiving end of our generous church so it was good for them to experience the other side and have the joy of giving. Acts 20:35 remembers Jesus' words, "it is more blessed to give than to receive."
We will be looking for more opportunities to be "the hands and feet of Jesus" in our community and for ways that kids can reach other kids for Jesus. I'm so proud of my kids but mostly I praise God for His idea and allowing us to be a blessing to others and for the generousity of so many people.
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