COV LIFE BLOG

CLKids – When We Answer His Call

While searching for a church four years ago, God, in His kindness, led us to Covenant Life through a newspaper article, no less. We were challenged daily to excel more in our spiritual walk, from the moment we entered those doors of our sweet little chapel, by those within who love and serve so well. I had been involved in children’s ministry for years, so it was a natural fit when I became a member to serve in Covenant Life Kids. I landed in the 4 to 6 year old class and while I have loved every minute of helping them grow in their knowledge and love of the gospel, I am astounded how the Spirit has grown me. It is no wonder why we find Jesus saying:

Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” – Luke 18:16-17

With a need for someone to fill the CLK Coordinator position, I felt Him calling; however, I resisted for months. “Not now Lord … not in this season … I am not able.” His answer? Not in your strength, but Mine. He calls, He equips, we move. What a mighty God we serve! It has been a beautiful journey these past few months, watching Him move through His church. Through the selfless service of others, the children’s ministry is growing by leaps and bounds!

Recently a member with a huge heart for missions approached me. She tirelessly prays for, encourages, and communicates with those who answer His call every day. We spoke about how the children of Covenant Life understand the question of who Jesus is; however, how many of them truly understand what missions is? After much guidance from our pastors, we were off and running, and Backpack Missions became a reality. We launched it on a Sunday night gathering, and to say the children were excited was an understatement! It went so well that we chose to present it on Sunday mornings during CLI.

The idea is to focus on the biblical precedent for missions over a four-week period: the country and people group and their need for the gospel, the family who serves and what they do while they are there, and how Covenant Life Kids can get involved in supporting them. And so we began with a focus: Jesus is building His church. Our memory verse:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses…” – Acts 1:8

Our purpose: God wants us to tell others about Him. To build excitement, an object is pulled out of the backpack each week. We have focused on the Haitian people and the work God is accomplishing through Noah and Stephanie, of HaitiLove, in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. We have spoken of Saul’s conversion and how he came to proclaim Jesus to all he encountered as Paul, the apostle.

Our end goal, after instituting this program over the next 12 months, will be a heart change for missions among the children. We want them to understand we are called to go out into the world to spread the Good News of Jesus to everyone who doesn’t know Him, to share who He is and what He has done for us, and joyfully advance God’s kingdom by making disciples of all nations until Jesus returns. God’s grace abounds!

We have already seen fruit from this first session. The children can’t wait to see the Backpack Missions teacher enter the classroom. One child eagerly asks, “Are we going on a mission trip?” I see a child outside of church and they ask me, “Did I miss Backpack Missions?” and are so relieved they hadn’t. Another answers questions with such depth, every time, with the others nodding in agreement. Yes, they are getting it. He calls. Let us answer. He will never leave or forsake us.

Late last night, after hours on the road, I saw a Facebook post that read: “Mom, I have a backpack. Can I do a backpack missions?” My heart melted. I am so grateful as I relish in the presence of these precious gifts, His children. May we continue to yearn for His affection as our love abounds, calling us to serve, and may we rejoice always, giving Him all the glory.

April Burgess