One of the highlights of being a children’s pastor is taking my kids to a state-wide event called “Kid’s Convention.” It is a night away for children, usually involving live worship, a childen’s evangelist, and lots of pizza and pop. Here in Moldova, there is no such convention for children. In fact, as far as I know, International Christian Fellowship is the only English speaking church in Moldova. A few months ago, Donna and I decided that the kids in our minsitry needed the experience of a Kid’s Convention. So, we found a location and planned an overnight retreat for our kids. We had 13 children in attendance. I taught three Bible sessions just like you would see at a kid’s convention in America. We also ate tons of pizza and played many rounds of flashlight tag.
On Saturday afternoon we took the kids to the mall for a photo scavenger hunt. We broke the kids into two teams, gave them a digital camera, and a list of things to take photos of. The kids loved it as you can see from the picture.
The most exciting part of the retreat is something that is hard to duplicate. I saw these kids go after God in a powerful way. In a way that can only happen when you get them away from the distractions of everyday life. No portable video games, cell phones, mp3 players, etc. No TV. Only a Bible, notebook, pen, sleeping bag, and the presence of God that comes when you give Him time to work in your life.
We love kids. I love to see the look on their faces when a spiritual truth sticks in their hearts. God loves kids. God has a plan for kids. Thank you God for using us to help bring children closer to You.