Children's Reading: Matthew 10:37-42

Jimmy Wants To Help

How can you help others in need? How can you help others who live outside our country?

Reader 1:

Jesus told his followers:

Whoever loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy to be my follower. Whoever loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy to be my follower. Whoever does not carry his cross and follow me is not worthy to be my follower. Whoever finds his life only in this world will lose it. But whoever loses his life in this world because of me will truly find it.

Reader 2:

Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me, welcomes God, the One whose sent me. Whoever welcomes someone because they are God's messenger will receive the gift God gives his messengers. Whoever welcomes someone because he is good will receive the gift God gives good people. Whoever gives a drink of cold water to anyone because he is my follower will not lose the gift God offers him.

Jimmy watched a television news report on refugees in a war torn county. "This family walks home behind their grandfather's tractor," the news reporter stated. "In spite of the mines and unexploded bombs, in spite of the hardships ahead, many families like this one want to go home. This family, like many others, say they will rebuild their homes and their lives." Jimmy's heart wanted to reach out and hug the family in their rags.

"Dad," Jimmy asked, "is there any way we can help?"

"How can we help?" Jimmy's dad responded. "They live thousands of miles away. We can't give them clothes or food."

"But, isn't there some way we can help?" Jimmy asked again. His father said nothing.

The next days in Jimmy's house were quiet. The family sat numb in front of the television when the news started. The images of the refugees played over and over. Jimmy wanted to ask about helping those people, but he knew that his dad didn't want to hear the question.

Finally, a new reporter gave an account of all the help people had given. "People bought these medicines, blankets, and baby clothes with their donations," the reporter said. "Help is coming from all over the world." The reporter turned to a worker with a private relief agency. "Can people still help?" the reporter asked.

"Yes, their donations are still needed to help prepare the refugees for winter. They can call their local church or charity."

After the report, Jimmy's dad quietly stood up, picked up the phone, and dialed a number. "I would like to make a donation for the refugees," Jimmy heard his dad say.

People will always have problems. Like Jimmy, we should ask: "how can we help?" God will help us when we help others. Because God works through us.

How can you help the people in places of war and destruction? Talk to your parents, friends, and pastor to find out ways to help.