by Esther Chew
I began serving in the Children’s ministry when our church started “Saturday School” ten years ago to cater to the children of church members who attend the Saturday worship service. At that time, all the mothers of the young children attending the service took turns to teach. We did not have much experience setting up a “Saturday School” but we did what we thought was best and God brought us through! We have certainly come a long way since then, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing our kids grow up physically, and even more importantly, growing in their faith.
One of my greatest joys serving in this ministry is to see how our children respond to God in faith. For example, many of them come forward during the service with a prayer request, believing that God will answer. Some lift their hands to praise God during worship and sing from their hearts. Over the years, some kids have grown from learning how to pray for themselves, to learning how to pray for others. There are, of course, times when the teachers’ patience is tested. But God’s grace is always sufficient for us! My prayer is that our children will grow up to be godly men and women of their generation, who live their lives for Christ, and are salt and light for this world. Amen.
I am thankful for the wonderful friends that labour with me in this ministry. When I see them avail themselves, working tirelessly and faithfully, investing their lives in the children, I am encouraged to press on with them. As we spend time each week teaching the children, we grow closer to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We also try to meet to pray for each other as we share our struggles and our joys in this ministry.
Living in a society where our lives are very busy and packed, many of us find it hard to serve in church. But even though it may be tiring at times, I discovered that I have gained so much more than what I have given out. I find that my faith in God is being strengthened and the friendships made with people deepened. One Bible verse that encourages me to keep on going is 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.”
Writer’s Profile:
Esther Chew worships at the Saturday Praise Service. She loves music and is desperately trying to hone her musical skills in between changing diapers and cooking dinner.
This article first appeared in Issue 11, August 2014 CHORUS Magazine.
Comments