Brooklyn Center, MN. As evangelists, we must never think that children are too young to learn about God, but rather, let us bring Jesus to the little children. In Luke 18:16-17, we read: “Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, “Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” We can all learn much from seeing the openness and trust in which children receive Our Lord.
The following report comes from evangelist Deb in Minnesota:
St. Alphonsus Church in Brooklyn Center runs a summer program for migrant children where they work with kids in 1st-8th grade and teach them prayers, songs, fellowship, and faith formation (they also provide the children with a meal). Margaret invited me to come and talk to the children about prayer and praying with others. I was a bit nervous about the age gap and talking to such young children, but was also excited to engage them in praying with others at an early age to encourage them to start now and continue to pray with others as they grow up. It was a wonderful night and they were very receptive to praying for each other – even the little ones. I ended the night by giving them a blessed medal to keep and one to give away to someone else.
Margaret sent me a lovely note this morning, thanking me and letting me know that the kids talked about it all the time and she had never seen them happier. They want us to come back next summer, so by then, hopefully, I can work on a Made for Happiness for younger children. God is so good!
Praised be Jesus Christ! What a blessed event to be able to give the gift of prayer to these little ones who have immigrated here with their parents. May they expand in the knowledge and love of Our Lord as they continue to grow.