Virginia City Lights Parade

Saturday I had the opportunity to take a few kids to Virginia City to have some fun and be in the Christmas Light's Parade.

The day was so cold, but we made due and there was considerably little complaining considering we were walking in 15 degree weather.

We started our time taking a train ride from Virginia City to Gold Hill. Emma's music teacher works on the train singing Christmas Carols, so she got recognized. She was a little embarrassed, but she was happy I think. Anthony Really enjoyed the train, and honestly, I think the highlight was that he got to sit all by himself. When we got on the train there were a few snow flurries, so it really did feel like we were on a train to the North Pole, minus the snow on the ground, of course. Missy was trying to play it cool the whole time, saying that the trip was okay, but by the time we pulled back into the station she seemed to be really excited.

After a stop for donuts we made our way to Comstock Community Church. The kids were amazed that the church didn't look like a "normal church." The building is an old cafe, so they were right, its not what we think of when we think of church, but the kids were happy to learn about the "Cowboy Church." The kids had a great time meeting people and prepared to carry their baskets full of goodies for parade goers. We bundled up as best possible, put Christmas hats and reindeer antlers on our heads and got ready for the parade.

All the kids had a great time handing out items to people along the route. The weather was freezing, but the kids did a great job of focusing on their tasks at hands. At the end of the route we decided to have dinner and then go back to the car. Anthony had left his Santa hat with a church member, so we went to the church to get the hat. By this time we were exhausted, but the church members all said that the kids did a great job!

As we were driving home I asked the kids if they knew what type of work they had done that night. They said no, and I let them know that they were missionaries that night. Their faces lit up as they realized that they were actually doing ministry. It was a great time for the kids and for me. They want to go back next year, so hopefully things will work out for more ministry opportunities this year.

Days of Creation

I have the opportunity to teach a class on Wednesday nights to a variety of kids. Last week we had 13 kids, the biggest group so far. The kids range in ages from three to thirteen. Some of the kids have never been to church at all (we meet in a home), and some have been in church their whole life.

We studied the days of creation using a bunch of repetition, honestly because I had just flown into Reno a few hours ago and was tired, but also because with seven days you have to do something to keep the days straight!

A sat in the class with his little brother and listened attentively for the class. I was afraid it would be way below his level, but was glad that he was there. It's always encouraging for preschoolers to have a familiar face in new surroundings.

When we finished the class I asked everyone what they learned. A said, "honestly, I learned that everything was created in seven days. I had never heard that before!"

So many times I tell these stories like everyone knows them, but I am learning that I can't take any knowledge of the Bible for granted. It's great to be able to see someone hear and understand Bible stories for the first time.

Please pray for A and his family as they continue to come to church and hear about Christ.

Prayerwalking Stories

Last week we had an associational prayer walking training. I loved hearing the stories of prayer walking in the area and what God has done! Last winter I went prayer walking several times, and took several kids with me. It was incredible to see what God was doing in the lives of the kids as they walked and what the kids prayed for.

Etta, 9, prayed for the people who poured the sidewalk, painted a fence or for a house, but would not pray for the kids whom she saw right in front of her.

Emma, 8, couldn't walk the whole way, but she walked as far as she could. When we first started prayer walking together, she was shy and was much more interested in the activity, but by the second walk, she was observing like everyone else.

Mason, 3, prayed for grass to grow in Nevada and for God to keep away the monsters.

Brycen, 13, wanted to pray for a friend in the neighborhood.

If the kids find those things to observe and pray about, what can you pray about in your own neighborhood? I would encourage you to go out and prayer walk your neighborhood, noticing things in the neighborhood and becoming aware of needs that you can pray about and possibly help meet.

What I learned from the preschool class...

It's not often that I spend an entire Sunday in my own church's preschool department, but this morning was one of those rare occasions. After the Bible story I asked if anyone had prayer requests. No one had requests, but Preston, a little boy who is 4 years old raised his hand. He walked to the front of the class and bowed his head. Preston has speech problems and until recently was almost impossible to understand. This morning there was no problem. He bowed his head and prayed simply "God, help us to be good so we can stay out of trouble." The prayer went on, but that one line stuck with me on many levels. I appreciate the simple honesty in that prayer.

I just thought you may enjoy that story. I hope your day is blessed.

Just getting started

After a year and four months of ministry, I was looking for a way to put ministry thoughts out there on the web. I already do quite a bit through Facebook and my monthly update newsletter thought email, but I also wanted somewhere where I could post stories and pictures a little more frequently. Sometimes the stories may be the same on my newsletter, but I hope to also add a little more with the blogging dimension.

If you don't know, I work as a Children's Ministry Specialist for the Sierra Baptist Association in Northwestern Nevada. My job is to train children's workers to do ministry better and assist churches any way that I can. Some of the ways I do this is through training meetings, church visits, evaluations, VBS, Parents Night Out, prayerwalking, and general evangelism.

Currently we have several churches who are forming new ministries. We also have many churches who have existing ministries, but are looking to better them. There is plenty more to come over the next few weeks and months. Enjoy!

I ask that you would be in prayer for the ministries that will be happening and I promise to update often with upcoming events and updates of past events.