May 29

PASTOR'S PEN

A little old lady was amazed at how nice the young man was next door. Everyday he would help her gather things from her car or help her in her yard. One day the old lady finally asks the young man, "Son, how did you become such a fine young man". The young man replied, "Well, when I was a boy, I had a drug problem". The old lady was shocked, "I can’t believe that". The young man replied, "It’s true, my parents drug me to church on Sunday morning, drug me to church on Sunday night and drug me to church on Wednesday night"

George Barna writes in his book Transforming Children: “Research regarding all facets of moral and spiritual development—whether related to worldview, beliefs or behavior –shows that such development starts as early as age two. The process then progresses rather quickly. Social scientists have known for years that the moral foundations of children are generally determined by the time the individual reaches age nine. Research confirms a parallel outcome. The older a person gets, the more difficult it is for him or her to replace existing moral and spiritual pillars. Our efforts to teach and nurture children are an investment in the future—theirs and ours. Children who are exposed to and embrace godly lives enjoy the lifelong benefit of God’s blessings and significant opportunities for influential service.”

“What we create in a young person’s life determines that person’s behavior as an adult. God can intrude in the process and change things dramatically, but parents and teachers are among the primary instruments of change through whom He works to bring about such transformation.”

We have a Community Vacation Bible School in Miltonvale to try to help shape our children’s lives. Their beliefs, worldview, and behavior can be changed for the good if we teach and inspire them concerning the truth of God. Pray for our VBS starting this Tuesday. Encourage all the children of our town to attend. With God’s help we can be a blessing and make a difference!

Pastor Mark