The Impact of Missions on a Child
February 4, 2009
Our son Patrick is 7 years old. From the first time he saw a homeless person sleeping in a storefront in Brazil he has had a heart for and interest in ministry to the homeless. I remember when he was 3 and asked why Jesus didn't give the homeless a house and food. I told him that Jesus wanted to use the church to help the homeless and maybe that is why God gave him a burden for them. He does indeed have a God given desire to help the poor and needy and I am so grateful.
The other day when I was praying with Patrick he said that he had told the boys in his class that they should get some "blankets, sheets, and pillows" together for our upcoming trip to Brazil, so we could give them to the homeless. I praised him for his concern, prayed, and didn't really give it much thought. After all 7 y/o boys have a very short attention span. Well today we received an email from Patrick's teacher wanting more information about the blanket drive we were doing and if it would be o.k. for her to include it in her weekly letter home to the parents. She had already spoken to the principle and gotten permission.
What a blessing as a parent to receive such an email. To know that the Lord is working in the life of my son to use him to spark a blanket drive for the homeless 5000 miles away, is very humbling. It is a confirmation to me that we can make a difference in the lives of the poor and needy, and in the process we can see God transform our children into passionate globally minded followers of Christ. To Christ be the glory forever and ever. Amen!
Our son Patrick is 7 years old. From the first time he saw a homeless person sleeping in a storefront in Brazil he has had a heart for and interest in ministry to the homeless. I remember when he was 3 and asked why Jesus didn't give the homeless a house and food. I told him that Jesus wanted to use the church to help the homeless and maybe that is why God gave him a burden for them. He does indeed have a God given desire to help the poor and needy and I am so grateful.
The other day when I was praying with Patrick he said that he had told the boys in his class that they should get some "blankets, sheets, and pillows" together for our upcoming trip to Brazil, so we could give them to the homeless. I praised him for his concern, prayed, and didn't really give it much thought. After all 7 y/o boys have a very short attention span. Well today we received an email from Patrick's teacher wanting more information about the blanket drive we were doing and if it would be o.k. for her to include it in her weekly letter home to the parents. She had already spoken to the principle and gotten permission.
What a blessing as a parent to receive such an email. To know that the Lord is working in the life of my son to use him to spark a blanket drive for the homeless 5000 miles away, is very humbling. It is a confirmation to me that we can make a difference in the lives of the poor and needy, and in the process we can see God transform our children into passionate globally minded followers of Christ. To Christ be the glory forever and ever. Amen!
You must truly be proud of Patrick with a just and holy pride! Jesus said forbid not the children. It is also great to see adults taking children seriously. Being raised in a culture where you are supposed to be seen and not heard I take great pleasure in seeing children being heard.
Reply to this
Thanks Mark. We are proud of him and we thank the Lord for opening his eyes to the needs of others. It is mt hearts desire that the Lord will use the ministry of LBM to cultivate a love of Jesus and for others in my kids.
Reply to this