“Jesus wants us to share The Good News with others,” I told my Sunday class. With a hope that something I said would take root in the heart of these precious children, I ended the class with a prayer, asking Jesus to help us to be more like Him.
Standing at the door, I said goodbye to each child, before turning my attention to Ryan, who I had noticed hanging back. He walked toward me with his head down and his hands in the pockets of his worn-out jeans.
I invited him to sit with me at one of the tables. “How are you today Ryan?”
Ryan looked down at his hands, as his fingers on one hand played with the fingers of his other hand. “I…I’m fine.”
“Is there something you want to tell me?” I silently prayed for God to give me the answers this child was looking for.
He looked up at me with his big brown eyes, as if I had asked the magic question. “I don’t understand about spreading The Good News.”
“Remember The Good News is about the birth of Jesus and helping others to know Him. In our lesson today, we talked about how God chose the small town of Bethlehem to carry out His purpose. Then He used a star and His angels to share The Good News with others, and how He wants to use each of us to continue bringing The Good News to others. ” Somehow, I knew that was not the answer Ryan was looking for. “Maybe, there is something special you want to ask me?”
Ryan sat up straighter, as if he was about to enlighten me on the subject. “You’ve told us before that Jesus helped others. Isn’t that part of The Good News?”
“Yes, Jesus did help others, and we should follow His example.” Ryan was a bright and curious eleven-year old, and I was anxious to find out where he was headed with this line of thought.
“Why are there so many people who are hungry and need stuff, if we’re supposed to be doing good for others?” He looked at me waiting…expecting me to have an answer.
I felt the tears wanting to come—I knew I couldn’t answer his question. Why, indeed, do we have so many people who are going hungry and without the bare essentials? Ryan’s mom saved the day as she walked into the classroom.
“There you are.” She smiled at her son. “We need to get going. Grandma’s coming over today.”
“Ryan and I were talking about today’s lesson.” I knew Ryan’s mom had heard the adult’s lesson in her class. “He is concerned about people in need.”
“Ryan has a big heart and wants to help others. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become a minister someday.” The pride she felt for her son was evident in her expression.
“Aw, Mom, you’re always saying that and I don’t want to be a minister. I just don’t like to think of other kids going hungry.” He rubbed his eyes and changed the subject. “I can’t wait to see Grandma.” He took hold of his mom’s hand.
After Ryan and his mom left, I straightened up the classroom and headed home. I couldn’t shake off the heaviness I felt in my heart. I thought of the scripture that talked about how a child shall lead them. What was I doing to help others? I was a willing witness to others—but I can’t say I was helping those in need.
After a quick lunch I began putting together a proposal for the Monday meeting of my ladies’ group. Our church was small and I hoped our group could organize our first community outreach project.
The ladies grabbed hold of the idea and went to work to accomplish out first project, which we called “The Hope of Bethlehem.” We assembled baskets with the necessary ingredients for Christmas dinner and provided toys as gifts for the children.
I invited Ryan and his mom to help with the delivery of the dinner baskets and toys. I have never seen a young boy work harder than Ryan did that day. He was already talking about how his school needed help making sure all the kids had school supplies.
Will Ryan become a minister? Whatever he decides, I do know that he will be spreading The Good News to those around him. Isn’t that the way it starts and then spreads around the world?
The Hope Of Bethlehem