Questions Kids will ask

Tonight was a special night at First Baptist Harlingen as we held "Popcorn with the Pastor" during AWANA. I had the privilege of spending time with each of our three main groups of children. The Cubbies started the night of feasting on popcorn and questioning the pastor. These preschoolers were fun to visit with and had some good questions as our time wound down. They were interested in where their family members and pets went when they died. They were quick to tell me verses of scripture that were their favorites. They were also like vacuums sucking in the popcorn. They were such a joy and I was blessed to get to know these children even better.

The Sparks then came to the room and they were live wires. These younger children were quick to ask questions, some even had notebooks with the questions they had written down. They also wanted to know what happened after death, but they also asked many questions about my role as pastor. They wanted to know why I was called "Brother" Wade. They shared their favorite verses of scripture and asked many questions about things I had said in sermons and things they had heard about a pastor's life. It was a joy to share with these inquisitive children.

The TNT group was the last to meet with me, but they came loaded for bear. These older children offered some of the same questions as the earlier groups, but they went a little further. Such as: "Are there days that you do not like your job?" "Why are you a pastor?" "How can we hear God speak to us?" "Why should we love each other?" and many more great questions. It was fun to take time to answer all the questions they shared and it was rewarding to see how they made some great conclusions as a result.

Tonight taught me about the spiritual hunger that our children are experiencing in this world. I am drawn to ask the question "are we listening to the questions our children are asking, or are we always trying to give them answers to questions they are not even asking." Are we listening as much as we are talking?

Trying to be a better listener,
Bro. Wade

Planting God's Word in the Next Generation

Wednesday evening's AWANA Award Night was so great to watch. I enjoyed hearing the names of so many children called as they were acknowledged for their efforts in memorizing and learning the Word of God this past year. It was great to think about how many lives and families will be changed for years to come by the word that was planted in this young generation. Knowing that somehow we had a part in what God was doing this year to change the lives of these young people (and their parents) was so humbling and yet amazing at the same time. Our church is blessed to have this opportunity - each year!

When we recognized all the volunteers who serve so faithfully in AWANAs, I found my heart filled with so much appreciation. My three children take part in this wonderful ministry each week and my family is blessed by these volunteers. So many of them work hard all day and rush to the church to make Wednesday happen at FBC Harlingen. I could never begin to thank them enough for what they do for the Lord, for so many children, and for my family.

I look forward to a great Summer of ministry to children and youth. I find myself praying for the leaders, volunteers, students, and their families. I can only imagine all that God is going to do.

Planting the Word with you,
Bro. Wade

P.S. Just to let you know, we will be presenting a minister to the church as a candidate for our Children and Discipleship Minister on June 10. We will vote during both services. Be praying.