can’t believe that we are starting our second year of Good News Club, K-4th grade. We had an awesome first night on Tuesday. You would think that we would have a few bumps in the road, but we did not. Of the nine volunteers that I have, only four of them are new. This year we know, from having a year ‘under our belt’ what to expect. We know what didn’t work last year and we know what did.
We can not assume that these students know about church, God, and the Bible. Some do attend church and are saved, some attend church and have more to learn about God and some are not church goers. Our curriculum is part evangelistic and part discipleship. We are starting out in the evangelistic part for six weeks to acquaint the children to the Bible and to Jesus Christ. Our second set of lessons will be about Moses and will focus on discipleship, helping the students to grow in what they know. I had a young man tell me his ideas of God and Heaven last night. It was not what we believe and teach. It will be good to see him, and others like him, learn the right things. We have stories, time to learn memory verses, crafts and games that are all Bible based and on these little one’s level.
Parents might be thinking of us as free childcare for one night a week. I am fine with that. We are teaching their students and also are reaching out to the parents too. I had a conversation with a mom on the 1st night when the school accidentally sent her child home on the bus. Mom was upset but she was also relieved that her child would be in Good News Club. She is hoping that this connection will draw the family into going to church again. I shared with the mom about our ladies ministry. I plan on sharing with the dad’s about our men’s groups and for the families, letting them know about our Wednesday night programs. I am not into stealing people from their churches but if they are unchurched, I definitely want to get them connected at Community Church.
This year the school staff is used to us and are talking to us more. A teacher shared a prayer request with me on the 1st night and I was so excited about that.
Pray with me for these children and our volunteers that we can have a great year of teaching and learning. Pray that those who know of God, learn to know Him as their Savior. In a culture that does not Love, pray for us as we Love them for who they are and lead them to a lasting relationship with Him.
Todd Hixenbaugh
Kids Ministry
