I remember going to Sunday school when I was young and seeing puppet shows and silly skits. Yes, they displayed Bible stories, or ways that I could, "be kind to my neighbor"; however, the kids in England are learning things that I did not understand until I was much older in my life. This week in Sunday School the topic was "Injustice and Poverty". It is week nine out of the "Top Ten" series that the Children's Ministry is teaching at church.
Prayerful consideration went into this lesson before hand- which was wonderful. Christ tells us to cast all our anxiety and worries on Him because He cares for us. This week, I feel as if God really worked in the hearts of the "climbers". Rachel, the head children's minister was the main teacher this week. I led the red team. We prayed that the Lord would touch the heart's of the kids and of all of us to be generous, to do what we can to help the poor because we are called to be the "hands and feet" of Christ.
One thing that really stuck out to me this week was praying that we, as Christians, and as young children, would not feel inadequate to help others. I, as a college student, so many times feel inadequate and that the things I do to help others are no good. I think this is a lie and a falsehood that Satan tries to tell us. He twists the truth stating that the little things do not matter and are of no use. I believe differently. It is the little things that make the difference. If it were not for the little random acts of kindness, giving a pound to someone on the street, buying someone coffee or a cheap sandwich, that is what makes a change.
The kids were especially attentive this week. I helped teach by reading the story of the "Good Samaritan". When we discussed the passage of scripture, the children were so insightful about the simplistic story that we hear all the time. Sometimes when I hear parables told over and over again, and repetition of certain sermons, sadly, these ideas become numb in my mind. It was great to hear this story with a freshness from a children's perspective, yet applicable to my life.
They stated that the reason the priest and the Jew did not stop to help the man who had been mugged was because he possibly was in a hurry to get somewhere, or did not want to touch the man because he may have been dirty and unclean. This made me think about all the times when I am in such a rush to get somewhere that I selfishly do not think about the needs of others around me. However, the Samaritan, who himself was an outsider, was the one who stopped so graciously to help. He gave the innkeeper money for medical care for a man that he didn't even know. I want to be generous and hospitable like this man.
Rachel also talked about the Fair Trade movement to the children and how we can help in this little way. I was definitely surprised at the amount of kids who knew what "fair trade" was and even how it worked. I did not know about this until pretty recently within the last few years of my life. I do not know if this is a cultural thing, but the progressiveness of St. Aldates truly never ceases to impress me with the way they handle certain situations like this one. The people here truly want to help and change the world and the lives of all the people in Oxford and around the world.
I am praying for an irresistible revolution to come over this new generation that is rising up. That they would have a real heart for the poor. I pray that they would be able to overcome the injustices that the world entangles people with on a daily basis in all nations and countries.
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