In the Bible, there’s a poignant moment when Jesus’ disciples argue over who among them is the greatest. Amidst this debate, Jesus does something unexpected – he notices the children. In Mark 9:36-37, it is written, “Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me…'” This action was revolutionary in Jewish culture, where children were typically seen as those who served adults rather than the other way around.
At St Andrew’s, we work to mirror Jesus’ approach by placing special value on children, just as Jesus did. This commitment makes us a community that truly follows his example. In doing so, we discover immense joy, blessings, and encouragement through our children’s ministry.
Children’s hearts, minds, and spirits are incredibly receptive to learning about Jesus’ love for them. They grasp the sacrifice he made and his plans for their lives with remarkable openness and sincerity. Partnering with parents, we guide children toward Jesus, especially during our 9:30 and 11:30am services on Sundays.
One of the most rewarding aspects of serving in children’s ministry is witnessing their curiosity and desire to understand profound spiritual truths. Recently, we’ve been exploring God’s holiness through the books of Exodus and Leviticus, discussing the consequences of not following God. Children ask important questions, such as what happens to those who reject Jesus after they die. Teaching them what the Bible says about eternity and the choices that influence it encourages them to think deeply about their faith and future.
Seeing children as Jesus does allows us to make a significant difference in their lives
Beyond our Sunday services, we organize special events for youth and children throughout the year. These gatherings provide opportunities for families to come together, fostering deeper friendships and mutual encouragement as brothers and sisters in Christ. One highlight this year was our BBQs in our newly renovated playground. Children went home happy and exhausted after playing outside in the dark with one boy said, “It was the best day of my life!” These events also facilitate meaningful adult conversations with families that help us to better understand the challenges families face, resulting in mutual prayer and deeper compassion for the children we serve.
Serving children is not merely about helping them; it’s about being part of something much greater than yourself. It’s about making a lasting impact on lives for eternity. The joy and blessings that flow from this ministry are truly incredible. Seeing children as Jesus does allows us to make a significant difference in their lives and the lives of their families.
If you see children as Jesus does, you too can make a difference. Start by praying for them and their families, and consider joining us in this vital ministry. Volunteering in children’s ministry is an opportunity to share in the joy and blessings that come from serving God’s littlest ones.
Contact us to learn more about volunteering. We would love to hear from you: carol@standrews.org.hk. Let’s continue to welcome and cherish the children, just as Jesus taught us. Together, we can create a community where every child feels valued, loved, and encouraged in their faith journey.
