“With God’s help….”

As a child, every Wednesday night we would go to Royal Rangers. And every Wednesday night we would say the Royal Ranger pledge. “With God’s help, I will do my best….” That’s how it starts. This phrase has been my “theme” this past week.

Last week was also my first time in a long time (which I am almost embarassed to admit) to be in a situation where I realized “If God doesn’t help me do this, it will not happen.” Thursday night after church I was meeting with a team of children’s workers as we are launching a kids service this Saturday. I was explaining to them our heart and vision. It all needed interpreting and I left the meeting realizing how much I need God’s help.

That night Donna fell asleep and I was up thinking about this. When was the last time I was in a situation where I felt “Without God, I can’t do this…” I couldn’t remember.

I feel it now. I think to myself….”I have to learn this language so that I”m not always using a translator. I have to figure out how children’s ministry works in this country (which could be a lot of trial and error) I have to develop a plan. I have to explain that plan to a group of people who don’t speak the same language as me. I have to show them how to do “the plan.” Show, not tell since they don’t understand me anyway….. All of these thoughts are running through my head as I pray “God, I can’t do this without you.” I have trouble explaining to bus drivers where I want let off the bus. I have trouble counting to one hundred in Romanian… How can I preach to kids or train leaders in this country?

As I think those thoughts, I feel God’s comfort and He gently reminds me, that I can do all things through HIM.
So…. With HIs help, I have planned the lesson, I have shared with the volunteers how it should work, and the rest of this week will be spent preparing some games for our opening session this Saturday. Thursday night we will meet again with our team after church, and Saturday morning will be our first children’s church service for Moldovan children..
This is our heart. To minister to kids. To see their lives changed. To see churches view children as more than a burden. To equip leaders.
Thanks for your prayers and emails. It is so nice to know our family and friends are praying for us and with us. Please pray that Saturday goes well. Pray that we are able to get settled in our new apartment (and that they will install the kitchen soon!) Pray that we would learn the language quickly. Pray that God would provide financially. There are so many needs here and we wish we could help them all.