A dozen children finished their snacks and ran outside to play. They’d been coming to our weekly Bible club for almost three months, and they eagerly played games, ate snacks, and listened to Bible lessons. Many of them had trusted in Christ and were growing in their faith.
After they left, I heard a loud knock and opened the front door.
An elderly woman stared at me. “What are you teaching the children?”
I smiled. “Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee while I tell you?”
As I led her to the table and poured our coffee, I silently prayed. “Lord, please touch her heart and give me wisdom while we talk.”
My husband and I had invited this neighbor and several other adults for coffee and a Bible study when we’d moved into that neighborhood, but none had accepted our invitation. However, when we’d started the Good News Club for neighborhood children, over a dozen boys and girls came every week to hear Bible stories, play games, and eat tasty snacks.
Why had this neighbor asked what we were teaching the children? As we talked, she told me the children had changed since coming to the club. They used to steal clothes from her clothesline, but after attending our club for several months, they stopped stealing. She also said the children seemed happier. She had to know what we were teaching them.
I explained the gospel to her, then I told her that receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior gives a person forgiveness from the eternal punishment for sin. When we receive Jesus, we also receive freedom from the power of sin in our lives. After I answered her questions, she made a profession of faith and agreed to join me for a weekly Bible study.
Over the years, my husband and I often invited adults to our home for Bible studies. We also invited children for Good News Clubs. Although a few adults would come, most of them weren’t interested. Many of them were too busy, and some were already deceived by false beliefs.
In contrast, most of the children eagerly attended our Good News Clubs. They wanted to learn about God and the Bible. After years of doing ministry with children and adults, my husband and I wrote “The Most Fruitful Fields.”
The Most Fruitful Fields
The sower went forth to sow for the harvest.
The field was the heart, and the seed was the Word.
The sower worked daily amongst thorns and stones
Beneath the hot sun and attacked by wild birds.
He sowed, and he watched, and he waited for harvest.
He wanted to bring precious souls to the Lord.
Then weakened and weary he knew he must find rest.
He sat at the feet of the Master and heard,
“Please take My Word to the hearts of the children.
How can they believe if they still haven’t heard?
The most fruitful fields have long been neglected.
You’ll find them waiting all over the world.”
The sower considered the words of the Master,
Then looking he saw fields he’d not seen before.
Though little in size they were quite large in number,
And now that he saw them, he saw more and more.
“Please take God’s Word to the hearts of the children.
How can they believe if they still haven’t heard?
The most fruitful fields have long been neglected.
You’ll find them waiting all over the world.”
Matthew 18:1-5 KJV
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
II Timothy 3:15-17 KJV
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Beautiful Esther!
Thank you, Adele.
A well written post and exhortation!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Sue.
I love reading your posts and the connection to children’s ministry. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
You’re very welcome, Skip. I was saved in a Good News Club when I was five, and that was the most important day of my life. I love children’s ministry! Boys and girls need to hear the gospel so they can have an opportunity to trust in Christ.
Awesome! “Let the children come,” Jesus said. My mother had this ministry also, Esther; it’s beautiful. 🙂
I’m so thankful your mother had this ministry. It’s a wonderful way to show our love for children and for the Lord. Teaching boys and girls about Christ has an impact on the children, on their families, and on the future of our nation and our world.
“Children are an inheritance from the Lord” Psalm 127:3-5 The verse continues, “Children are a reward from him and are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.” One of our most precious gifts from God and hope for the future.
Beautifully written and such a testament to your life, Esther.
Thank you for your comment, Sommer. Children truly are a precious gift, and God expects us to teach them about Him!
I love the verses you shared, and I’m grateful this message was a blessing for you.
Thank you, Esther. I love your heart for children. So does Jesus!
Thank you, Marlene. I’m so grateful for your encouragement and for your friendship. May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry!