The kids are just incredible. When I was out in Brooklyn last April, learning about SWSS, I now see what Pastor Bill Wilson meant when he said that the kids look so forward to SWSS. It is their biggest joy of the week. When the kids see me over at Garden Square doing visitation, they either yell at me from their top windows of their apartments, or they run to me when they see me and say, "Miss Mary, is it time for church?" These kids mean so much to me and my love for them just keeps growing. I understand Jesus' heart for the little children. They are so precious in His sight and ours. Their families mean so much to us also. Actually, if I could, I would have something for the kids and their families every night. God has allowed them to be a huge part of my life and I call them family.
We have been teaching the Fruit of the Spirit to the kids at Garden Square and Pine Valley.We also have been singing a song that names each one. Some of our kids have memorized short scriptures for each fruit. They come back the following Sunday and recite it to us. Then they get to put a sticker up on their verse chart and receive a stuff animal that says, "I have memorized my scripture verse. They can also tell you about the Holy Spirit and where He lives..in our hearts.
It is hard to believe that we only have one more month of SWSS..inside. We will be starting our cookouts the first Sunday in May. We will be doing this EVERY Sunday afternoon from 5:00-6:00. You will not want to miss out on them. The cookouts are on their turf and it gives us a chance to meet all of the families. The most important lesson I have learned doing this ministry is the importance and building relationships. Being there and listening to others. That is what Jesus did as He visited town and villages. He listened to people and then He met their needs. That is what we are hoping and trying to do for our neighbors. Let them see Jesus through our actions and words. We are praying that we will be able to go out to Pine Valley as well to do the cookouts for the residents there. We want to build relationships with them. We are praying for more volunteers that would like to "step out" and help us at PV. I will have games planned for the kids and hopefully we can get adults involve. If you are interested in helping out with the cookouts at Pine Valley, please let Pastor Jeff or I know. Youth groups and bible study groups, anyone are welcome. The only qualifications you must have are to love Jesus and love others.
The Holy Spirit has spoken to me about having SWSS during the summer. I will be having it on the church yard on a hill. Our topic will be "Sermon on the Mount." We will be teaching the kids the "Bee-Attitudes". They have learned the Fruit of the Spirit. Now we are going to teach them about the "Bee-Attitude' of Jesus. I will share more of this in May's news letter.
We will also be having Vacation Bible School in July. OUr kids and Grace UMC kids will be doing it together. I met with an awesome lady this past Monday night and we have it planned. It is going to great!!! More details about it later.
Prayer concerns:
God's will be done in all we do
the kids and families we are ministering to. May God continue to reveal Himself to them through all of us at KUO. May their hearts be open to receive His love and grace He has for them.
volunteers
cookouts at GS/PV
Summer SWSS sessions
VBS
All the churches that supports KUO/SWSS
Pastor Jeff
Mary
Happy Resurrection Day to all of you!! May we live and breathe His two most important commandments. They are: Love God and Love People. God bless, Mary Ingle
