generosity

This past Sunday the children learned about the love of money as they heard Jesus' extreme saying that is is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. We challenged the students to ask God to show them where they could give some of their money to help someone else. I can honestly say it didn't take long for a couple of students to put their lesson into practice.


During AWANA store time Sunday night there were two brothers who were supposed to be at a birthday party but chose to leave the party to attend AWANA. They didn't have their handbooks or shirt or any of their AWANA bucks to use at the AWANA store. They were both sad and Jennifer, the AWANA commander, noticed.


She called out to all the students; "Is there anyone who would want to help a friend out and give them some of your AWANA money so they can get something at the store?" Within seconds, another student gave his friend $40.00 AWANA dollars. That is equivalent to 5 weeks worth of attending AWANA, reciting your VERSES, remembering your BIBLE, wearing your SHIRT, and participating in this awesome program. He was able to go to the store and purchase legos because of the generosity of one of his club-mates! His brother was in another group, but the same thing happened. Another student gave him $35.00 to use at the AWANA store!


The generosity of the kids didn't stop there. At the end of the night, Jennifer asked if there were any students who wanted to give their AWANA bucks to missions. She collected $81.00.


I am blown away by their generosity and love for each other! When Jennifer shared this story it made me think what amazing examples these children are! Just as Jesus said in Matthew 18:3; "And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." I pray we can become like these children and help those around us this week!