Prompted by Love

From the Desk of David Boyd, National BGMC Director

Let me tell you about Lois. Lois came to our church riding our church bus. She was a single mother with several children. She had been hurt greatly in her short life, but through Jesus she found faith, love, hope, and joy. She returned those gifts she had found in Jesus by getting involved in ministry. Soon she was loving the children of others. In doing so, she began to make lifelong friends. She was blessing the children, and in doing so, God was blessing her back.

Today, years and years later, Lois continues in ministry. Her children are grown and love Jesus. Her reliance upon governmental subsidy has been replaced with a great job in management due to the skills God had birthed in her. She is a result of a church that reached out to children and families and the result of "giving back to Jesus" with her time, talent, and resource.

In 1 Thessalonians 1:3-4, Paul makes the following three statements about the ministry of the Thessalonian church. He states:

• Their work is produced by faith.
• Their labor is prompted by love.
• Their endurance is inspired by hope.

Children's leaders: Children's ministry is a lot of work!  There is a never-ending supply of children who need care within your church, and lost children and families who need to be reached outside of your church.  God expects us to labor and endure.  He promises that every act of service we give in His name prompted by our faith, our love, and our hope in Him, will receive its reward.  It is out of His love that we are prompted to give back. How can we ever pay the debt?

Don't ever feel bad about placing individuals into ministry. For people like Lois, her sacrifice back to God continues to result in great blessings upon her life and her family. Remember, God will be our source as we continue to do our best for Him.  Keep taking your needs to the Throne and allow God to supply your needs as you work and minister for Him.

We're with you in the fight!  God bless!