CHILDREN

As some of you know nearly every Wednesday evening a number of the small children come by to see me or maybe I should say to get some candy. A few weeks ago Bradley came in and said, “I want to sit in the preacher’s chair.” He got in the chair and then he looked at me and said, “What am I to say when people come in?” I said, “You are to say , may I help you?” And so as individuals came in he would say, “May I help you?” A few days passed and on a Sunday night after coming into the church building before services he said, “Preacher Pat” and ran and hugged me. Then after services he came to me and began to talk to me about sitting in the preacher’s chair and he said, “I haven’t forgotten what to say and I said, “What do you say?” and he said “May I help you?” No wonder why the Bible teaches that children are “gifts from the Lord.”

GREAT DVD

Fred Czerwonka let me view a DVD that he has shown to some of the young people on Sunday night. It is so good that I wish every young person and every adult in this church could see it. The information is called “Seven Reasons We Are Losing Our Children.” The material is given by Brad Harrub. He is a good Christian man and is well prepared. The following are the seven topics that he deals with: Lack of Knowledge; Lack of Preparation for Combat; Lack of Protection of Our Children’s Hearts and Minds; Lack of Proper Training in the Lord; Lack of Proper Teaching; Lack of Proper Priorities and Apathy. If you have children or grandchildren you need to see this DVD or if you know of people who have children or grandchildren then they need to see it. It is good!

“ALL OUT…”

Preacher Ira North of the Madison Church of Christ was one of the great people of Nashville, Tennessee. He worked with the Madison church until his death. The church grew to be the largest in the world at that time. Often he said, “All out for the young people.” I believe it is a big exception if a church grows and does much without giving attention to all members and for sure the young people who need our love, teaching and direction as they grow and become the kind of individuals that God wants them to be. The people of the Old Testament, according to Deuteronomy Chapter Six, was reminded each week to diligently teach their children. Thanks to all who help in teaching and serving in the church.

SOULS

It has been estimated that when Jesus was born there were about 150 million people on the earth. Also it has been estimated that there will be about 7 billion in 2012. There are many people who need to be saved. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul wrote about using all means to save some. For years I have believed in the importance in “personal work” in helping get people saved. A personal invitation, a personal phone call, a simple letter and a simple Bible study in somebody’s home can do wonders in teaching people about the Lord and spiritual things. If we will do our part then as a church-family we can do a great work in helping to seek, teach and save some. May each of us do something.

SUNDAY

This Sunday as you come to the assembly make sure you meet and greet everyone and especially give attention to the children. They are important people. Jesus loved and blessed little children. Years ago a little fellow rode his bicycle across town to a certain church. Somebody asked him why? He said, “Because they love a fellow like me.” Don’t plan on being anywhere else on the First Day of the Week. Be in your place. Come with a Bible in your hand and a spring in your step and a smile on your face. I’ll look for you.

-Pat Casey