I am proud of the middle school girls!
I am proud of Kimmy, who came to me a few weeks ago with a problem: the end of school trip to Six Flag was fast-approaching and no one could afford to go.
But she had a plan! She opened her notebook to reveal a record of thoughtful planning and ideas for a bake sale. Page after page of written recipes ended with a calculation of needed expenses, an overall financial goal, and a desire to share the proceeds with Frank. Who is Frank? Frank is our friend who lives in Rwanda and whom the Kid’s Club has “adopted.”
When we invited the other middle school girls to join in, the ideas began to fly. The culmination of our ideas was last Saturday’s fund raising event: “A Special Day for YOU at Willow Pond.”
One highlight was clearly the Spa! The girls painted nails (mine were peacock blue!), gave killer shoulder rubs and hand massages, and served tea. The younger kids donated their artwork and crafts to sell.
But here was the big stretch! Before the event, we talked about tithing...off the top, not after all their needs are met. We talked about why it is an expression of faith, and told stories of God’s faithfulness to those who were willing to take that step. A secret ballot vote would reveal if the group was willing to commit the first 10% to Frank’s needs.
The majority voted “yes!” Yes to the big stretch, yes to God, and yes to seeing God’s faithfulness first hand.
The girls earned enough for all of them to go on the trip, complete with spending money! Enough was even left over to put back towards summer camp!
And, the girls were and are a part of providing schooling and housing for a child in Rwanda. God is faithful!
-- Suzanne Wallace
