Learning to Serve

Serving the Lord Together

    

    Usually, when we think of a Missionary Conference, we think that this conference will be a time for the local church to be encouraged by the missionaries who have been called upon to speak and give their report or testimonies in order to encourage the church. There are times when a missionary can also be encouraged by taking part in these conferences.

While attending our home church’s missionary conference, I had the privilege of participating in a ladies meeting where they had a question and answer time. Little did I know how much of an encouragement this meeting would be to me.

During the itinerary, we had a Q&A session with the ladies in the church. They were given opportunities to ask about our missionary experiences, which I found enjoyable. I left these sessions feeling inspired and better equipped to apply the wisdom shared by my fellow sisters in Christ, both those asking questions and those providing answers. One of the questions posed to the missionary panel was how mothers can encourage their children to serve the Lord. I gave my opinion knowing it lacked support without Scripture and therefore felt I gave an insufficient answer.

After attending the conference, I took some time to contemplate the question that was asked. I decided to do some research in the Bible to find the answer. What impressed me the most was the example that Christ set. As I read through the New Testament, I read numerous instances where Jesus showed his disciples how to serve others. For example, when he fed the crowd of 5000 with only five loaves of bread and two fish. (Matthew 14:14-21) Another example where Jesus demonstrated his love for children was when he called them to him and instructed the disciples to allow them to come to Him. (Matthew 19:14)

As I reflect on my childhood, many memories of my parents' child-rearing practices come to mind. I remember how they would take my brothers and me to Bible studies and discipleship classes when we were young. Unlike other children who were allowed to play with toys, draw pictures, or go to the next room so as not to distract people, my parents expected us to sit quietly and listen to them when they were teaching. I even recall falling asleep on the floor next to my mom during one of these studies, as it had lasted longer than expected. Instead of leaving, my parents chose to stay. This decision gave them more time to minister to the couple who needed more encouragement in God's Word. School the next day was never used as an excuse to go home.

I have memories of accompanying my mother to visit women in the church, either at their homes or in the hospital. Despite my young age, I attended ladies' Bible studies and teas. Additionally, I was fortunate enough to attend my brothers' youth group meetings meant for high school students while I was in primary school. I may not have been able to participate fully, but I was there to help in any way I could.

When I was twelve, my parents allowed me to teach Sunday school. This experience helped me develop a passion for working with children, and I believe that God used it to guide me toward a life of full-time service, spreading the Gospel to young ones.

I am sharing these examples to encourage you and remind myself to involve your children in your day-to-day activities for the Lord. Keep encouraging your kids to take on roles that may seem too big for them in the world's eyes.

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 

Every day as a mom is a new learning experience. Over the past fifteen years, I have strived to accomplish these things:

1. encourage my children to serve the Lord by teaching them The Bible, 

• who God is (Genesis 1; John 1:1-4), 
• what His love has done for us (John 3:16-17),
• and what our purpose as Believers is while we are on earth (Matthew 28:19-20), 

2. model a servant’s heart before them (John 13:14-17), and 
3. give them the opportunity at a young age to serve the Lord (Ecclesiastes 12:1, Psalm 35:27) 

I now look to the future as I enter new stages of my children’s lives. I’m asking the Lord for wisdom to encourage my children to follow His leading. I am also asking the Lord to prepare my heart for a time when I will need to let go of my children so that they can follow the Lord's leading in their lives. 

Teaching by example: Ruan & Jesse joining Mommy for Sunday school.

Ruan learning to serve the Lord alongside his Pappa at the youth night.

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Our three children learning to be attentive to God's Word.