First EVER! Motel Outreach Children’s Christmas Program

Last night we had our first ever motel outreach Children’s Christmas Program. 

For four years while we were at the parking lot of the Arena, I had been praying that God would make a way for us to have children’s ministry.  In an open parking lot at night, having a formal class was not condusive or practical.  There, the ministry was more conversational.

Since the Lord gave us the Valencia Inn, we have a room for Children’s Ministry and a room for the adults.  WOW!  What a luxury.  We should all be thankful when we have our wonderful facilities.  Even at my home church, we only have a room for the children on Sundays (that is another major prayer request.)  But I digress.

As I began to teach the kids back in July and gave them memory verses, I was amazed at both their willingness and eagerness to memorize God’s word.  So I had this idea!  Half inspired by Shaoey retelling a portion of this on Steven Curtis Chapman’s Christmas CD: All I Really Want for Christmas, I thought that we could break up Luke 2:1-20 and recite it.

We all wore T-Shirts designed by Wendy (click here to see more info), made by Antony Faust & Company, and donated by Calvary Chapel Seaside.

The reason I mention this is that I could have never done it without them.  I had this “crazy” idea and everyone backed me up.  First of all my husband backed me up and Pastor Wyatt backed me up.  Then I said that we should have our own T-Shirts.  My friend Jina said she’d get me a great price, my pastor and his wife said they’d pay for it, and Wendy who comes to our meetings said she’d make the design.  Not for anyone’s glory, but to testify about how God moves upon other peoples’ hearts to come along side your vision.  God doesn’t give you an idea and then abandon you.  He orchestrates it all to the last and finest detail.

Mission Accomplished: the kids recited Luke 2:1-20, nearly perfectly.  We had some obsticles, no doubt.  There were days (last week) that I thought I had really made a mistake.  BUT the LORD in us was victorious.  We lost a brother and sister pair.  We lost another part.  A girl who was in the recital didn’t show (parents didn’t bring).  At 6:45 p.m. I was so nervous and saying, LORD what are you going to do?  He brought me two girls, Lizzie and Elizabeth, for the two parts I was missing AND I had extra T-Shirts that fit. WOW!  LORD You are too good to us.

We started the presentation with me singing “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” a capella.  I really love that song.  It sets the mood.  You came, but we didn’t know it was you.  WOW.

Most of the kids knew their verses by heart, but were glad to hold papers with their verses in their hands.  Even one boy pretended to read (who couldn’t) — he had totally memorized THREE verses.  It was really a wonderful achievement for them. 

 

Some of the kids, like James, Carlos, and Mikey, I’ve known these last five years.  James is seven now.  It was so wonderful to see him want to recite in a wonderful way. 

Even while we were in the back room stressing out he said, “I’m going to pray for my mom and I’m going to pray for you Miss Bridget.”  So, he went to the corner of the room, knelt down, and silently prayed. WOW!

Others like Drustan, Jakey, Joshua, Lizzie I’ve met just recently or in the last few years.  L.D. is Wyatt’s nephew that just moved to California.  And Elizabeth and Maria I’ve also known for five years.   If you would have told me that I was going to do this with them five years ago, I would have though you were crazy!  Thinking back now, I’m in awe of what the LORD can do.

 

You’ll definately want to click on our FLICKR link on the side to see the photos.

Here is a little snippet video of “Go Tell it on the Mountain.”

Love,

Miss Bridget