Page 54 - Grace150 Devotional

Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do
not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16 NKJV
One of Grace’s goals is to be a church for all generations. The very roots of
Grace’s legacy of spreading the gospel, in central Illinois and even globally, started
in a railroad car…with a Sunday school class…to children! Ever since, Grace has
been noted for its quality children’s and youth ministries, and has produced many
youth workers, missionaries, pastors, and disciples.
I encourage everyone to take part in this great legacy. I often hear, “I don’t really
relate well to kids nowadays.” See it this way: kids are little sponges with big
thirsty holes waiting for you to wring out on them all the years of absorbing all
that God has wrung out on you!
Some fear they can’t keep up with the youth. A friend of mine who serves with me
at Boys Brigade summer camp every year is 67 years old! If you can’t teach, you
could give of your (God’s) resources. That’s a big part of evangelizing youth! And
if you can’t give, you can pray and encourage…diligently and often.
May it never be said there remains a need for service in some children’s department
at Grace! You will receive no greater blessing than by serving children and youth;
I will promise you. I’ve known that for a very long time, now!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing Grace with rich and thriving
children and youth ministries for a century and a half now! Show us, in a
tangible way, what our involvement should be concerning this very important
part of the family of Grace. Equip us in every way to “wring out” what You
have given us onto the youth of this church, whatever You determine that to
look like for each of us. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.
– Darin Ballard

DAY 47 grace 150