Children Matter! - Has a crying baby ever disturbed you during a church service? Did you ever see children running around during worship, wishing their parents would control them? How did you feel about children and infants creating a fuss during prayer?

Amazingly, this happened in the Temple in Jerusalem only days before Jesus was crucified. The chief priests (like bishops) and teachers of the law (like pastors) saw the remarkable healings Jesus performed, and the children started shouting in the temple area. “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they called. The religious leaders were indignant! For those priests, Children didn’t matter.

But to Jesus, they did. He wanted children to be themselves, especially if they were worshiping God. He had just healed the blind and the lame, and everyone was excited and thrilled at the power of God. “Yes, I hear what the children are saying,” Jesus responded. “Have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.” (Matthew 21:14-16). Children Matter in times of praise.

Scripture has much to say about children! The verse Jesus quoted comes from Psalm 8:2. The Lord’s majesty over the whole earth is being lauded. In the Ten Commandments, children occupy the central instruction point. Commandment number 5 reads, “Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12). Children Matter, for they help to create a prosperous, just, and stable society.

Unlike North America, Latin America is full of children! In Bolivia, an astonishing 40% of the population is under 15. In Guatemala, the figure is 33%. The number in Honduras is 31%; in Ecuador, 26%; in Venezuela, 24%; in Colombia, 23%; in Mexico, 22%; and in Costa Rica, Chile, and Brazil, 20%. China and Russia are about 17%. In Canada, the figure falls; 15% of our population is 15 or younger.

This means there are almost three times as many children per 100 people in Bolivia. Japan has practically the lowest ratio in the world at 12%. Globally, that figure is about 25%. (Source: Wikipedia – Individual countries) Children Matter in every sphere, in families, schools, and society.

Children Matter to the Lord. Each child is loved by a Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ died for each one. Each child has an angel appointed for care and protection. Children are lovable and vulnerable. Children take time and demand endless patience. Their moods can change instantly from showing affection to saying hateful things. The Scripture says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord; children are a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3)

As we enjoy summertime, often with greater contact with children and youth, let us thank the Lord for children, grandchildren, adopted children, foster children, school children, problem children, super-achieving children, healthy and unhealthy children, sad and happy children, and any other child that comes under our care. We commit ourselves to making an even more significant impact on families' lives in the coming school year. Yes, Children Matter!

 

Pastoral Care Matters - The Kenyan preacher’s words gripped me one night. “How many stars can you see? So many! And God knows the name of each one. He has a big book, too. In that book, he has the names of all who love him. Do you love the Lord Jesus? Has your name been written in that book?”

At age 4 and a half, I wanted to love the Lord Jesus. That was probably my first insight into how a pastor can communicate God's deep things to young and old. Pastoral care matters in youth and children’s ministries.

I’ve been privileged to know many notable pastors in my ministry. I consider them my mentors. I learned another aspect of pastoral responsibilities from each one. In Winnipeg, Manitoba, Dr. Thomas Schultz spent hours each week exegeting the Scriptures, whether from the Hebrew or Greek. In Vancouver, Dr. Ward Gasque excelled in hospitality; years later, I recall conversations in his home. Dr. James Houston never tired of giving himself to others. Pastoral care engages intellectually.

Cathie and I were part of a loving, vibrant, growing fellowship in Vancouver. Watching Pastor Baxter, I learned much about home and hospital visitation. I realized that something had been left out of my DNA structure. He could recall the names of people, even years after having met them. Dr. Ben Gullison’s ministry with seniors was the best I’ve ever seen. Pastoral care matters to individuals.

I learned about church planting in Brazil from Pastor Jonathan de Oliveira and Pastor Williams Balaniuc. Many aspects of evangelism, only occasionally mentioned in Canada, became daily topics. We rejoiced, for in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, the 12 churches and 11 pastors in 1977 multiplied to 115 churches and 250 ordained pastors by 2020. Pastoral Care impacts evangelism and discipleship.

I always appreciate learning from others. In July 1985, a dozen pastors gathered in Corumbá, Brazil, on the border with Bolivia. From that week of prayer for the region's impoverished, the Pantanal Project along the Paraguay River grew. This led to ministries with abandoned street children. Later, in Istanbul, Turkey, we began a decade-long ministry with refugees, people fleeing 65 nations. Pastoral care engages with the poorest, the hopeless, and the helpless.

I constantly thank God for the leaders who showed me greater depths of obedience to the Lord.