Matthew 18:3-4 – And [Jesus] said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (NIV)

My husband, Bill, and I went down to a church here in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, to their Vacation Bible School to distribute Bibles to the children, on behalf of the Gideons.

Having lived with Bill all these years, I still never know quite what to expect when I venture out with him. It was such a wonderful time, just filled with the Holy Spirit.

After his short blurb telling the children who the Gideons are and what their primary reason for existence is — to distribute Bibles — he asked what the song was that they had learned that week. With one accord, the children called out, "Being with Jesus, you are changed for life!"

After that, we all joined together singing the song.

Then Bill took a quarter from his pocket and told how he had just picked it up in the parking lot. He exclaimed, "What a treasure that quarter is!" A moment later, though, he began purposely fumbling around in his pockets, searching for some other treasure that he was going to share with the children.

He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket. "No, that isn't it." Then he found a comb. By this time, some had seen a part of a Bible that he had in his back pocket, and they began to yell out, "It's in your back pocket." Of course, he reached to the opposite side, not finding it. This got the kids really worked up. Then, finally, out he came with the little red Bible. "Oh, here it is — the real treasure that I was looking for to share with each of you."

After telling about this treasure ever so briefly (as the program had to move along), he asked everyone to come forward to receive the treasure of a lifetime.

This is where I came into action, handing out Bibles, and each child politely thanked me. I shall never forget the look on one girl's face as she received her Bible. She was sooo thrilled with her treasure, and she exclaimed, "My first Bible!"

Prayer: Dear Lord, we give thanks for being able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially through vacation Bible schools. Some of those children who attend have never in their lives entered the doors of a church. What a privilege it is to share Your Word with them! Help us to pray for all children in this world, that they may have the opportunity to meet Jesus, for they will then be changed for life. Amen.

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About the author:

Anne Russell <annerussell80@gmail.com>
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
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