Christmas Without The "X" In Public Schools

After school Bible Clubs across the region celebrate the birthday of Jesus! When making this photo, one of the children said, "Christmas is supposed to start with an X." I replied, "Well not anymore!" Praise God for Christ and the real meaning of Christmas. God is so good! So many children have been touched with the Gospel message already this school year. School is out for the holidays, and many children are celebrating their first Christmas as a Christian. Even though the season is busy remember...ALWAYS keep the Christmas gift of Christ to the world on your heart, and share Him with those who still think Christmas starts with X!

Merry Christmas....<><.....Cathy Peek (Gospelgurl

Amazed At His Plan...Amazed At His Purpose!

While teaching a unit on the life of David, one of the lessons was on the the anointing of young David. In the lesson as Samuel was searching the brothers to see who God was calling, I called my big 5th graders to stand up front...along with one of my tiny kindergarteners. Looking them over I asked the question, "Who do you suppose God will choose---this big one, this strong one or maybe this handsome one...he surely looks like he would make a great king?" The children were shouting and shaking their heads. Then I walked over and choose my tiny kindergartener. The children started laughing as I put the robe and crown on him. The chldren were amazed at my choice ---The lesson in this story is impacting! We serve a God that is not interested in what people can see on the outside...He has the power to look right down inside of us and see our heart!

Many don't realize it, but from before the time we were conceived...God had a plan and purpose for our life. Every child that sits before us in our ministries has a divine purpose. Don't forget when you teach children...the future sits at your feet!

Cathy Peek

Counting Our Blessing All Year!

There so many opportunities during this season to teach children about being thankful. It's important to teach children about having an awareness that all things come from God...they are gifts! Get children to name as many as they can. Maybe they have never thought about our breath or sight as a daily gift. It is so important to also teach them about the joy in helping others, then give them a mission opportuntiy to live out helping someone in need. Learning at an early age to have a "Thankful Heart" will begin to mold them into thankful adults. ---Now that the Thanksgiving holiday is over...continuing to celebrate God's gifts with children will help them learn to count blessing all year!

The Story Never Gets Old!

Our banner read..."Hear A Story...Make A FREE Bracelet!" It was amazing how many children and adults filled our tent all week long to hear the awesome story of God's love!

A true message that is life changing to all who believe. Even with all the distractions and noise...when the story was told...their full attention was given! So thankful the story never gets old!

Good News to All!

Happy chatter and laughter filled the air as the children got off the bus and headed to a fun themed event. We brought this outreach to where they lived!

The children loved the "Pirate Party"...learning about digging for treasure truths from God's Word! It is amazing as we continue to bring the Good News to children how God's love is heard and received in all languages!

Building Strong for Eternity!

During my childhood I saw many wodden boats built because my Dad owned a shipyard. I still remember the sounds of hammers pounding, scaffolds high in the air, the smell of fresh paint and boats on dry land

. Every part of building the boats had to be done precisely from the cutting of the wood to laying the inner body of the boat. Every plank was important so the finished product would produce a sea worthy vessel. ---The same is true for the children we teach. During their childhood, laying a solid foundation is utmost important so they will have the needed truths to weather the stormy seas of life when they are grown. There is no time to relax or skim in our ministry programs. Why?...Because every second spent on building for eternity should be spent...building kids strong in their faith!

Peanut Butter n' Jelly, Toilet Paper, Hula Hoops, Blind Cowboys and a Friendly Pony... Add Up To Fun Learning About God!

That's right peanut butter 'n jelly, toilet paper, hula hoops, a blind cowboy and a friendly pony add up to a super fun event to share life changing truths about God!

Summer is an awesome time to take every opportunity possible to teach children about God. Many of them have been sitting in school for the past 9 months so it is time to shake things up! When putting together your VBS or summer program be creative in how you present every segment. Use lots of props, fun music, energetic games, surprise elements and a meaty Bible Lesson. Remember the heart of your entire program should be the Bible! Oh yea....dont forget to have tons of fun!!

Kickin' Off Summer Ministry Fun!.....<><.....

Gospel Gurl

Grown In A Blink!

It seemed like yesterday a child in our kids program had his hand up begging to answer every question. He always greeted us with a big smile and the statement..."Ya know what?" and then he would proceed to tell us something unique that he had discovered. As he attended our children's ministry program he was like a sponge soaking up the truths of God. ---Several years later we moved away and lost touch. Thirteen years later our telephone rings...it is Evan. He is all grown up, out of college and wanting my husband to marry him. His wedding was this past weekend. Where does the time go?? One thing for sure...time doesn't slow down. What we do today will affect tomorrow. Any time spent with children is not time lost! They are too precious for words, life goes fast and children are grown in a blink!

Cathy Peek

Open Hearts!

As the children in my club began to learn how to pray, it was totally amazing how tender and open their hearts became to the happenings in their enviroments! Teaching children that God cares about every tiny detail in their lives is so important. These prayers prove that children believed this as truth as they prayed... Some of the request may make you chuckle, cry, laugh but most of all stand amazed at their giant sized faith! ---Here are a few that will make your day! "God please help my tadpole make it to be a frog this time!", "God, please don't let daddy buy beer today.", "God, my cat died, but his fur is still on the street...please help him not to be cold.", "Lord, help me not to hit my sister even though she makes me want to.", "God, our car is broke and we need money to fix it.", "God can you help my lizard learn to eat."

Spending Time With God!

Teaching children to spend time with God is a critical element of discipleship! Many children attend ministry activities or church without any parental involvement. Many children have never heard the name of Jesus at home except in a curse word. When these children come to Christ...how can we help bring spiritual stability and make a lasting difference in the way they view God? One answer is easy...teach them to spend time with God. This time is called quiet time. But how? Where do they start? What do they use? ---A simple tool I use is the "Wonder Devotion Book". I put the book in a zip-loc-baggie along with a pencil, highlighter and book mark and what ever else I want to give them as we go along! :) This helps keep everything organized. The Wonder Devotion Book is a simple, easy to use, 60 day devotions book that teaches children to know, respect, love and serve God with our lives. ---We know that if we don't take the time to get alone with God, read His Word and talk to Him in prayer...our Christian walk begins to loose balance... Teaching children this habit at an early age is critical in developing their relationship to God! For more information on this devotion book email 1gospelgurl@gamil.com

2011 --- Run the Race As Never Before!

Happy New Year 2011! I am excited about a brand new year of ministering to children! A brand new year of creative, out of the box ways to minister to children. A new year of living in surrender to the call of God...a brand new year to push away the distractions from everyday life...a brand new year to run the race as never before. Why?? Because countless children are waiting to hear the Good News that God Loves them and has a plan for their lives!

I shouldn't have been surprised but I admit I was a few weeks ago when children were inside our church for the first time and seemed dazed...as if they were in a strange land. I ask what was going on...one of the children said, "I have always wondered my whole life what the inside of a church looked like...now I know."

Wow, was that ever a wake up call! 2011 is definately not the year to sit back, rest and coast in ministry. 2011 is the year of living out our call so that more will come to Christ than ever before!

Excited about the opportunities that lie ahead!
...<><...Gospel Gurl