February 2008 Update

Dear Friends and Family,

Marylin moved in across the street a few months ago. In warmer weather she joined the small group of neighbor children who often rang my doorbell and ended up coloring with me on my front porch. I invited her to the Children’s programs at World Impact, but she never made it.

In November we hosted our first “Bible Club Family Fun Night.” The children already involved in Club could bring anyone in their families to play games, eat snacks, and build relationships with us. Jequan, who started attending early in October, appeared that night with Marylin, his cousin. Ever since, she has become a regular fixture at our weekly events.

As the holidays neared, I asked the children if they knew the real reason why we celebrate Christmas. Marylin had no idea. So together we looked in the first two chapters of Luke and read the story. When we finished I asked if it sounded familiar. Marylin, wide-eyed at this point, told me she had never before heard that story. I explained that much more about Jesus’ life is told in the rest of the New Testament.

“I don’t have a Bible. I need a Bible!” Marylin exclaimed. So I promised that I would find her a Bible.

The next day a package came in the mail from a wonderful donor. Inside was a beautiful, brand-new Study Bible for Children. What perfect timing! The next time I saw Marylin the first thing she asked was if I had a Bible for her yet. I’m not sure which of us was more excited when I handed it to her! Jequan was with us and immediately piped up, “I need a Bible, too!”

My goal at Bible Club is to teach children in my community the Word of God so they will come to know Him and follow Him for the rest of their lives as leaders in their community and in the church. I am so encouraged by the desire of these two children to examine the Bible and learn to apply it to their daily lives.

Psalm 19:8 says, “The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Will you pray with me for Marylin and Jequan that their hearts will be filled with joy as they learn to study and love God’s Word?

Serving in the city,
Beth