I love when my kids really “get it.”  When I can tell they really are understanding and acting on the Biblical truths we have been teaching them since birth. Often it is hard to know for sure if the lessons are really sticking, until I see the kids in action. It is then I can really know that maybe, just maybe, they have internalized and processed these precepts. Kind of like faith with works.  Together, they are powerful.

This brings me to Tuesday night. This week is Local Missions Week at Kinetic.  Our Kinetic Kares Team arranged for community service opportunities around the city of Charlotte each day and Tuesday night was Bingo night at Aldersgate Nursing Home.  I signed our whole family up, minus the two year old, to participate in playing Bingo with the elderly.

Since Noah, Chloe and Alex had never been to a nursing home before, I had a little briefing time with them prior to our leaving. I explained that there would be people in wheel chairs, people who may be really sick, some might be happy and some might be grumpy, but we were going tonight to play Bingo with them and show them God’s love. I also explained they couldn’t be really loud or wild. Noah wanted to know exactly what he was expected to do and since I wasn’t sure, we had another little discussion about how when you are on a mission trip, you have to be flexible and just help wherever they need you the most.

When we got there, I was amazed at how gentle and well behaved the kids were.  They seemed to instinctively know to be patient with our new friends. Chloe and Alex helped hand out Bingo cards and when I turned around, I saw Noah wheeling a gentleman to the table. Noah and Chloe helped the residents find the numbers on their cards as we called them out. Alex sat on a sofa with Caleb Mulholland and they played quietly as the game continued.

Finally, it was time to leave and we returned the residents to their appropriate floors and put away the game. As we were loading into the van we prayed for the people with whom we had just played Bingo. Before I could even ask what the kids thought, Noah and Chloe were both asking to go back and help again! They said they knew the residents really needed their help. Even Alex, at 6 years, said he had a good time, but that he was tired.

I wasn’t sure what reaction the kids would have, but I must admit, I was a little surprised at their eagerness and willingness to go back again. I had hoped they would feel blessed by serving, I guess I just didn’t realize they would be so enthusiastic! Then I was gently reminded by the Holy Spirit of 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” What a blessing!

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