OK, I've shared with you before how much I love teaching my kindergarten/first grade class at church each week. My class is precious. And the Lord is fulfilling the love I have for teaching through this opportunity. So, I have the best of both worlds. I can stay at home with my babies, and still teach and make a difference.
For the past month now, I have been struggling to bring my class along. We just haven't been progressing in our scripture/memory work, and I couldn't figure out why. So, last week, I decided to implement a reward system, using stickers, balloons, and small toys, like the ones you'd stuff in party favor bags. I brought in my prize box tonight and a chart. I explained to my class that they have a chance to get a prize from the prize box each week if they bring their Bibles, their workbooks, wear their vests, and know their memory work.
I was suddenly slammed with the realization of why we haven't been progressing. Six children in my class tonight told me they don't own a Bible, nor does anyone in their household. SIX! I was shocked! and heartbroken. This is just something I have taken for granted. Part of that is from growing up in the Bible belt. Faith is a part of the culture. It's a way of life down there. I promise you, even the non-church going folks have a granny who owns a Bible. Maybe that's a large presumption for this day and age, but, I truly never considered this to be a possibility. I thought I was merely re-iterating and re-affirming in their little minds what they were already learning and getting at home.
Needless to say, each of the children will have a Bible of their own by the next time we meet. This just makes me realize how lucky I was growing up. Thank you Lord for parents who raised me in the church, gave me a Bible, read it with me and taught me about you. I mean no family is perfect, but I am so lucky -so lucky. Lord, help me in all that I do with them. Help me to love them and show them who you are.
~Blessings my friends!
A new cover for Prodigal Nights
3 days ago
3 comments:
This is soooo sad and yet I am afraid it is not that rare in todays society. We have almost an entire generation who was not taught the Word of God and not are raising the 2nd generation. I can't quote the statistics but I've heard them in the past and they are alarming to say the least. Yet another sign of the times.
I am thankful at least these 6 are in church and in your class. Think of the thousands who are never even brought into the church to hear.
Bless you and your work with these precious souls that are entrusted to you.
Susan
Wow. I honestly would have been surprised, too, to find six children without a Bible in their home. Obviously, God has placed you as their teacher for a reason. I will be praying for you as you sew into their little hearts and minds the Word of God.
Blessings, sweet Tiffany!
K
How very heartbreaking, indeed... but it's a blessing that within the week those children will each have a Bible to call their own. Hopefully they'll keep it forever, and as each day passes by, they'll be drawn closer to God as they learn to read and understand the importance of what is found on those pages... God's doing His work through you, Tiffany!
God bless...
~hugs 'n prayers~
Pearl
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