The Importance of Truth

"Will there be an egg hunt?!" a kid shouted out as I made the announcement that we would be celebrating Easter at SOZO Kids the following week.

Not that I am against egg hunts, but there are egg hunts a-plenty in the city, so I had crossed that off the list.  When these kids come to SOZO, I want them to have a place where they can learn truth...I wanted them to hear the story of the resurrection.

I had been seeking the Lord for a few weeks...how do you share the story of Jesus' death and resurrection in a way that is appropriate (but still powerful) for children?  I always start teaching with, "We are going to be learning from the Bible and we know that everything from the Bible is..." and they all shout, "TRUE!" A simple but powerful statement. They sat riveted as a dozen bags were opened, one at a time, and objects came out, representing different parts of the story.

The first kid pulled out a piece of bread and held it up as we talked about the Last Supper.  Then came the pillow to represent the disciples who slept as Jesus prayed and coins to represent Judas' betrayal.  When we came to the last bag, it was empty and kids were wide-eyed, as they took in that Jesus had not only raised from the dead and was ALIVE, but understood that they could also be alive because of what he had done for them. At the end of the teaching, there were kids who responded to the Gospel.

These kids have a lot to face, very early on in their lives (earlier this month a teen who had been to SOZO before and who was in a local gang, was fatally shot during a robbery).  I want them equipped so that they can be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power...so that they can take their stand against the devil's schemes... (Eph 6:11-12)  They are desperate for a solid foundation of truth that will keep them strong as the schemes of rejection, drugs, gangs, etc. fight for their allegiance.

God, allow these kids to be anchored deeply in truth.

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  (Eph 6:13-18).