One of the hardest parts about Children's Ministry is that many times we don't see the fruit of our labor. Of course, there are those moments where a child thanks you for something or gives you a hug. There are even those incredible moments when a child looks at you and asks how they can be saved and you can lead them to Jesus. Most often though we teach children who seem more interested in being a ninja than listening to the Word of God, but regardless it is not us but God who gives the increase.

"So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will recieve his own reward according to his own labor." 1 Corinthians

Like with witnessing it is not a matter of the results but of obedience. We are called to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and teach it to the body of Christ. We do this regardless of the result.

I grew up in a strong Christian family attending Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. I was taken to church from pre-school up to graduating high school everytime the doors were open (and was even there in school for awhile). During my time there I sat through hundreds of Sunday School lessons and took part in all sorts of church activities. In my middle school days I was a rebel and would cut up in class and often get taken out of the class and be made to sit in the hall because I was a distraction. During the times I was not in the hall I was disinterested and even angry at having to be there, but still God used the words spoken and the relationships with those teachers to plant seeds into my heart and mind that I can still remember to this day.

I say all that as an encouragement to each one of you. Some of you will plant, some will water, but it is God who gives the increase. Even on those days when we come in tired, frustrated, and feel inept we can have a peace knowing that it is not our fancy speech or keen insight that will do the trick...it is God's Word and His power which changes a life.

Be encourage for the Lord our God is with you!