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"What Does Kids for Christ USA Mean to You"? |
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 Every two years we close the year with a little poll we call the “Year End Survey” (Original huh?) Four years ago we asked 236 children in the Tulsa area a series of questions (See story titled, “Year End Student Survey 2003-04 on this website.) Two years ago the survey was done with by the groups we worked with in Sacramento, CA (See Story titled, “Update: Sacramento”.) This year I tried something a tad different. In the spirit of being a random sampling I sent out this question to everyone in our Kids for Christ USA group on Facebook. The responses couldn’t have been more perfect if I had planed it AND I DIDN’T!
Four of the people that responded were:
1-College Theology Student Volunteer
1-Lead Minister/Teacher
1-KFCUSA Board Member
1-Jr. High Student
Their responses were so good that I am posting them below, just as I
received them. As always I am protecting their names, however the
college student gave permission to show her picture (above). The “take
away” for/from each of them is interesting and i hope you enjoy it as
much as I did.
The Jr High Student
“The Link (Our Name in Jr. High”) has meant a lot 2 me this year! It
has really helped my 2 develop in my walk with God. I've grown a lot
closer 2 him this year. The lessons really challenged me personally and
that is what made all the difference. I liked the music...but felt me
and my group cld of done a better job of really worshiping him like we
should”!--K.M.
The College Student
“Kids for Christ, I think, is a great way for people to realize just
how much kids know. So many times kids are looked down upon, thought to
not be able to comprehend Christ and what he did, not able to
understand the significance or importance of God or life. Being in kids
for Christ has taught me a lot about who God is. It has been incredible
to watch kids grow in their understanding of God, prayer, Jesus, hope
and faith.
Kids for Christ brings out the best in those who volunteer, because
being in front of an audience of young people who are so adept at
reading others, one quickly learns that to be oneself is the only way.
I believe kids for Christ humbles volunteers in it as they recapture
the silliness of youth, dig deep and pray hard to find ways to explain
things about God and life that they have taken for granted for so long.
And although the volunteers often times doubt that they do anything or
help at all, kids are still affected by presence, they watch and listen
and learn regardless of the volunteer's amount of talking.
Kids for Christ means learning, growth, and real life. So many times we
all get lost in our worries and our fears, we get caught up in hard
times convinced we are alone in our struggles. Isolation is so easy in
our society. Kids for Christ is an honest attempt at creating an open
and honest community that reaches out. Kids are able to talk about
their problems, open up about their struggles. Even if they don't open
up and remain afraid and too insecure to do so, the volunteers who give
messages, play games, talk to them before or after the "service"
starts, and simply show up week after week, kids are able to see what a
healthy adult life looks like.
I believe kids for Christ has huge potential to touch others, be the
hands and feet of God to young people, and reach a deeper than ever
before in the past”. --L.C.
The Lead Minister/Teacher
“This is my first year being involved with Kids For Christ and I must
say I am very happy to have been a part of this program. Being able to
speak with the kids in a positive way about God and watching them grow
through out the school year has been exciting and inspirational. My
hats off to all the parent volunteers who help make this program
successful as well as the many others who give their time to have an
impact on the lives of our future. Thank you for having a heart to
share with our kids”.
The Board Member
“I know for a fact that with this ministry you have more of a chance to
reach people (children are people) through the public schools and
getting parents involved than if you were to go "door-to-door". I
totally am sold out for Kids for Christ and you know that I would do
all that I can for it. I had this same type of vision when I was in
high school and could never get it going, but with your help, you will
be able to make it happen for those that were in my position. Thank you
for all that you do and are doing on a daily basis. I will continue to
pray for you and help you out in any way I can.”--J.H.
Wrap Up: There were a couple additional responses from outsiders
looking in at what we do. There were also good, but This piece is
already too long. If God is speaking to your heart about getting
involved next fall: DO IT. |
