God’s heart is certainly for the children. He showed us that in His Word, and Jesus was clear about it as He walked the earth. “ Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27) “A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows,Is God in His holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:5)
Let me tell you about Hope Kids. I can only hope and pray God is doing things like this all around the country. Pray and ask Him to allow you to be a part! “This came about from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” (Mark 12:11)
I’ll give you the short version here. You’ll be seeing and hearing more about it in the days to come. A few dedicated people from two area churches have been ministering to at risk kids in local apartment complexes. They have gotten to know the kids, their families, and their homes by visiting them where they live, gaining their trust. They also carry them in vans weekly to one of the churches where they worship, play, and are taught Bible stories.
Last year a summer camp was organized for these children based on the Matthew Eighteen Camp model where many of us have served in years past. Due perhaps to the ongoing relationships established, this camp has a different flavor and has been wildly successful exceeding our expectations.
Several children came to know the Lord and were baptized. Remarkably since camp last year twenty children have come to know the Lord and asked to be baptized. 🙂
Now we come to last weekend and Jim’s cabin, where the kids were invited for a meal, fishing, canoeing, and fun; but for the primary purpose of baptizing those who had made decisions for Christ, been counseled, and asked to be baptized. It was a joyous event for all involved as the photos depict.
The weather was perfect, partly overcast and cool, with some exciting thunder and lightning in the distance as nineteen kids and one adult were baptized in the lake in front of Jim’s cabin. Oh by the way, Jim is the name of the black lab who is a Hope Kid’s favorite at every event.
The second annual Hope Kids Camp is coming up July 23 through July 26 this year. If you are interested in volunteering or helping in anyway, email me and I’ll get you in touch with the camp organizers. You’ll be blessed and a blessing.
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Jim’s Cabin Baptism Photos 2014 Baptism Video!
“Tell your sons about it, and let your sons tell their sons, and their sons the next generation.” (Joel 1:3)