God draws the kids

I have always been excited by the promise that God will bless, redeem and glorify all nations and cultures through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But I have been deeply touched by Isaiah 60:1-3 which, in part, says: ‘The Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising’.

When the cry went out to the CHILDREN to come into Bible study – there came a Harvest.

Some two years ago our congregation in Far North Queensland began holding a Bible study in the home of a Burundi refugee family who wanted to be taught taught the Scriptures in our language. There were six in the family and the goal was to teach the adults, young adults, teenagers and the young ones. We would also share a meal afterwards.

One evening as we called the children in from the street to Bible study, we noticed that other children from the neighbourhood followed them. Within a moment the children’s Bible study went from three members to ten.

Not long afterwards we moved into our church building where there was more room. All 10 children continued to come, but what was more amazing was that they invited friends and soon there were around 25 to 30 children turning up for a meal and Bible study, followed by craft activities.

God clearly drew the kids; yes, his light was shining through a few of his children in this refugee family in Cairns who wanted to study God’s word. I will never forget when the cry went out to the children to come into Bible study, and there came a harvest.

Two years later, this ministry is still going on, with between 18 and 25 children, aged between 5 and 14, regularly attending every Monday evening. Just recently we welcomed three new girls who had been invited by their friends. Most of the kids who started with us are still with us today. Some have gone through baptism and are now beginning confirmation classes. Hopefully this year will see others progress into baptism and be ready for confirmation class next year.

 Chris Reardon is the cross-cultural team leader at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cairns, Far North Queensland.

Chris says:

‘I believe they came because they recognised there was something organised in the neighbourhood especially for them – something that they could be a part of and belong to. But I also believe they recognised safety, love and the freedom to come and go as they wished. They simply invited their friends because God sovereignly worked by his grace.’

This feature story comes from The Lutheran March 2016. Visit the website to find out more about The Lutheran or to subscribe.