Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Inflatables

Sunday we had a different type of ministry at our church -- David Bishop and his “God Is So Good – Kids.”

Saturday the yard was filled with our youth (and plenty of adults!!) for the inflation. No, not more monetary inflation – inflatables inflation! Huge blowers keeping inflatables up and running while everyone there tested them out, from pastor to toddler. What fun was available just during the preparation!

We sent out flyers with photos of those inflatables, saturating the countryside around us – and just about doubled the attendance of children for Sunday morning services.

Naturally, they received more than fun playing on huge toys, they received an interactive preaching service directed to them. While I missed the sermon, being with the grownups, we all heard about it from those who listened. Including the two young people who came forward for baptism.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, (Luke 15:7 KJV)

That is what every ministry is about, fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20 KJV)

We also had the year’s largest potluck dinner. Four lines stretching alongside of twin setups of four long tables! Would you want casseroles? We had them. Would you want roasts? We had them. Ribs? Vegetables – all shapes, sizes and flavors. Plates, Corning Ware, roaster pans, soup pots – no one could possibly go away hungry. And, that’s before you get to the dessert table.

We had explained to the parents of our bus ministry children that it would be late afternoon when they returned home, but that the children would be fed. A great joy was that the parents allowed them to stay long and have a great time playing on the inflatables. A greater joy was the number of parents who joined their children at the church. Not only did they get to see the pleasure in their children’s play, they also enjoyed the hospitality of a church that loves families.

Perhaps they’ll come to understand one of my favorite verses:

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:4 KJV)

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