Adopted into the Father’s Family

A chorus of “Yes!” echoed through the room as our church family responded to Pastor Larry’s question at the child dedication. “Will you pray for Abraham and promise to help guide and raise him in the ways of the Lord?” Abraham (at center, in checked shirt) has grown up in World Impact Community Church since he was an infant. His official adoption by Lisa, who raised her own children years ago and has now fostered and adopted many more children, was a joyful day for the whole church. This adoption is similar to how our Father God has chosen us and adopted us into His family by washing us clean with Jesus’ precious blood. What a celebration in heaven when any new child of God turns to Him for the cleansing and the adoption into the family!

Last week, a girl of ten was adopted into the Father’s family during our King’s Kids Bible club. Lois Glass presented the gospel clearly to her older class, asked if anyone was ready to trust in Jesus, and one hand went up. During the 20 minutes they spent together one-on-one, Jasmine said she wanted to be free from her sins and wanted Jesus to be her Lord. She prayed to receive Jesus as her Savior. This is a delight to hear about and a joy to watch a young believer growing in knowledge and understanding.

Recently 36 children at the Bible club watched a video of Gladys Aylward and her missionary journey, when she rescued over a hundred orphans from an advancing army in China. The memory verse was “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” When questioned, the children were able to respond that her “all things” were when Christ helped her escape from a Russian prison, quell a prison riot, feed the children by getting a government job as “foot inspector,” cross a river with all the children, and many other wonders. A small wonder to me was that the children were enrapt, attentive, involved in and learning from an older animated film. That is the work of the Holy Spirit!

Please pray for one or two volunteers to join us in the King’s Kids ministry. One small group has come two times to help run games in the gym, cook lunch, feed, and play with the children. On weeks without volunteers, the three adults are hard-pressed to achieve these tasks plus the Bible teaching. Thank God with me that these 36 neighborhood children, mostly from unchurched families, are learning of Jesus’ deep love for them and that they are of infinite value in the Father’s eyes.

Read more from Rachel Connelly.