From the May-August 2010 Issue
LET THE CHILDREN COME
Sandor and Napsugar Kelemen
Idrifaia children’s groupThe work with children is much more important than we realise most of the time. We might easily think with the disciples that the Master has more important business to attend to, but he continues to say: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14b).
In February 2008 I took over responsibility for the Idrifaia church. There was an urgent need for a good work among the children and young people. The church, consisting of 21 members, did not have teachers. Most of these children come from families where only one of the parents attends church, or just a grandparent. Some are in foster care in the homes of church members. Most come from rather modest backgrounds. This is good in a sense, because it is easier to get their attention than that of those who are surrounded by different modern games and attractions.
The Lord heard our prayer and opened the door for a regular Sunday school work. From the autumn of 2009 two members from the youth group in Targu Mures – J and A go faithfully to teach the children. By the Lord’s grace and through them the work has developed very nicely. The average number of children is 15. Let’s hear what they have to say about this way of evangelization.
What does this ministry mean to you?
J: The Lord prepared me for this service some time ago. In high school, instead of getting to a computer science class as I first wanted, I succeeded in getting into the pedagogical training class. However, I have been here at the university for four years and I felt that children were missing from my life. It is an opportunity for me to use my gift to work for God and also do what I like very much.
A: I learned to value this work gradually. At first it was interesting for me, a challenge, because I hadn’t served in this way before. Then the Lord started to change me through it. I realised that God gives many joys in the ministry to those who serve Him. I have experienced love and God really moulded me while I spent more time with Him in preparing to teach the children. It is the most important source of joy for me.
Why do you think this work is important?
A: It is important because I can serve the Lord and I have come closer to Him. I have learned perseverance, commitment, patience and how to deal better with people. Moreover, it is important for the children. They know many Bible stories, but that is not enough for them. We learn in order to see and exalt God in the story. I cannot emphasise this enough.
J: The children with whom we work generally did not or do not receive Christian education at home. They are the new generation. I believe this time with them can give more than a religion class at school, because we are not alone in this work and God is also with us. My personal desire is to be a channel towards their conversion, towards their integration into the church, and for them to become God’s fellow workers.
What are the blessings?
J: Sometimes I hear things like “I can hardly wait for the start”, or when they repeat something of what we said long ago. Then I feel it is worth it. Every success is due to God and thanks to him we can rejoice with him.
A: It is a great joy that the initial number of children attending Sunday school has doubled and that some children with special needs are willing to participate in an active way. I’m glad to see that they love to come to the meetings, understand the lesson, and want to pray. It really touches me when I hear them asking for forgiveness in their prayers.
What are your plans?
A: I would like to serve long-term among these children, if it is the Lord’s will. My heart’s desire is that they would come to know Jesus as their Saviour; that they would become young people who are willing to serve in the Church and among unbelievers. I would like them to have a good fellowship, to be able to help each other to be faithful to the Lord…
J: ...also to teach them the basic biblical truths. To develop their thinking, writing and speaking requires extra activity (apart from the Sunday school meetings) and this we are planning to do.