Velebantfu Baptist Church – “People Who Care”
When the Swazi people read God’s Word, they always respond with a heartfelt “Amen.”
Mark 10:13-16: And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
After reading God’s Word, Pastor Mike shared today how Jesus loved the little children. He reminded His disciples that they were precious and must be taught the truth. Often, in those days, while the men stayed home to tend the daily chores, it was the women and children who followed closely after Jesus, the ones who longed to see this man of miracles, Yewah.
Pastor Mike closed the lesson in song, and together we sang:
“Oh, be careful little eyes what you see,
For the Savior up above is looking down in love…”
What a reminder that the best thing our children can see is their parents living out the Gospel, reading the Bible daily, and showing consistency at church and home.
Sessions of Teaching
Women’s Session: Lydia and Elinor shared from Philippians with the women (and one youth). The women listened with eager hearts and went home with bags of goodies lovingly prepared by Lydia. Their gratitude for even the smallest gifts humbles us deeply.
Children’s Session: Annah and Terrie led songs with the children, filling the room with joy. Annah then taught the story of Jonah and the whale, followed by coloring pictures of Jonah to take home as reminders of God’s truth. Heather and the children sang the song “I’m in the Lord’s Army”
Youth Session: Heather shared the Gospel message, teaching the importance of meditating on God’s Word daily and equipping the children with the simple five-finger method of sharing the Good News with others. At the end of the teaching, I asked the youth if they had any questions or comments. One of the high school boys said today’s lesson taught him that while he accepted Jesus a while back, today he understands he must also change his heart. When others are unkind to him, he must forgive and love them unconditionally. I nodded yes and smiled. Thank you, Holy Spirit.
By God’s grace, 45 children and 12 women and seven youth gathered with us yesterday.
Praise the Lord for His faithfulness. Do it again, Lord. Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness. Amen!
A Fun Fact: We stopped at a small local shop for snacks on the way to serve. I spotted a bag of Fritos and a Coke; the closest thing to “home” I’ve had in the past eight days. With five of us packed in the vehicle and Pastor Wayne at the wheel, I held out the bag to share. From the back row, I called, “Pastor Wayne, would you like some Fritos?” Without missing a beat, he grinned and replied, “No thanks, I already have ten toes!”
