Let the little children come
I grew up with Bible camp songs, VBS crafts, and youth group nights filled with laughter, learning, and late-night snacks. As a youth, I was accepted into a community that deeply valued “the next generation” of Jesus followers—and I’m grateful. Looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand guiding me through those fun, sometimes silly, yet deeply formative experiences. They weren’t just entertainment; they were sacred spaces where my faith took root.
Through interactive play, children are invited into the wonder of the gospel.
Recently, I was reminded just how powerful children’s ministry can be during a visit to Peru, where I spent time with Allen and Mary Beth George. I arrived the day before the launch of Galaxia Express, a vibrant, intergalactic-themed vacation Bible school. For the next four days, their home in La Punta was transformed into a space adventure aboard the “Galaxy Express”—a journey through the cosmos to discover the wonders of God.
Each day was bursting with energy and joy: kids beamed as they sang songs with big actions and even bigger smiles, and as they listened wide-eyed to Bible stories and concepts brought to life through songs, skits, games, colouring, and crafts. The gospel was presented in a way that a child could understand.
In Peru, children’s ministry is still emerging. While the parents I met clearly loved their children deeply, the idea of inviting children into spiritual conversations in such a creative, interactive way seemed relatively new. Yet I saw the impact of ministering to children. You could see it on the kids’ faces and hear it in their voices as they shouted “¡Clámale a Dios!” (Call out to God), “¡Responde a Dios!” (Respond to God), “¡Obedece a Dios!” (Obey God) and “¡Alabar a Dios!” (Worship God), asked questions, and soaked up truth. It was made even more clear on the Sunday service after VBS when the church grew due to some of the children bringing their parents and siblings—pulling them into the same joy and wonder they had discovered. What an honour to have joined and watched the Lord work through this VBS.
Children’s ministry goes beyond simply being a program—it is nurturing young hearts and sowing seeds of faith during their most impressionable years. Children aren’t just the church of tomorrow; they are a vital part of the church today. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).
Over the years, Allen and Mary Beth George have been actively involved in their community by leading Sunday school, hosting Tuesday game nights, running a Saturday morning chess club, and offering guitar and piano lessons during the week. They ask for prayers that these activities will create opportunities for both children and their families to grow in their relationship with Christ.
