Among other things, we talked about the importance of working together to do a big job. It would have taken an adult all day to do what our kids were able to complete in a couple of hours. After raking the leaves our kids worked together to bag the leaves.They quickly learned that things worked best if someone held the bag open while others tossed in small handfuls of leaves, but they got it all done. And then they worked together to wrestle the bags into the wheelbarrows to transport them to the burn pile. Because the leaves were wet, the bags were really heavy, even for adults, but the kids insisted on doing it themselves. When it was all done they felt a real sense of accomplishment.

After raking the leaves we prepared to sow grass seed on the bare wet ground. However, before doing so I shared the parable of the soils from Matthew 13 and we talked for a few minutes about the meaning of this story that Jesus had shared with His disciples. And then we sowed grass seed. The kids absolutely loved it. Even the very youngest felt that they were doing something very important to help others. At the end of the day we did more than rake leaves and sow grass seed, we gave parents and kids an opportunity to make some wonderful memories of serving together. Days like Saturday are an important part of teaching kids how to serve and how to make serving others a part of who they are. Experiences like those we shared at the YMCA Day Camp are about raising servants — and fulfilling an important part of Kingsland’s purpose statement of “equipping the generations one home at a time.” Just another reason why I love what I do!

Singles Pastor Brian Stone and daughter Julia

This has been a busy year for our missions ministry. We are on track to end the year with more than 3,500 volunteers having served on local and international initiatives. Our children represent a significant number of those who have served the people of our community. One of the things I enjoy most about our local initiatives is seeing kids serve alongside their parents. Unless parents take the initiative to intentionally involve their kids in serving others and in setting an example of service, their kids are not likely to learn the value of serving others. Serving others is a great antidote to the selfishness and sense of entitlement that infects and affects so many kids. So, kudos to every parent and child who served the people of our community together this year. In addition to all of the other memories that you are making with your kids, thanks for helping your kids to have great memories of serving people in need.

I am grateful for every parent who showed up at our weekly service initiatives with their kids — kids of every age. Making a difference for the kingdom must begin at home. God entrusted parents with the primary responsibility of teaching their children about Him and about His purposes (Ps. 78:1-8). However, we will not make much of a difference for the kingdom of God or in the lives of our kids if we stay at home and never get out and serve the people of our community. If we are not careful, staying at home may actually work against God’s purposes. We must teach our kids that incarnational living is a key component of a Biblical worldview. And, incarnational living is a key component to showing God’s love to a skeptical and needy world.

Last October, I posted a blog entitled Graves of the Living in which I noted this quote from John Piper’s book,“Don’t Waste Your Life” — “No one will ever want to say to the Lord of the universe five minutes after death, I spent every night playing games and watching clean TV with my family because I loved them so much.” Piper continues, “I think the Lord will say, ‘That did not make me look like a treasure in your town. … Even sinners work hard, avoid gross sin, watch TV at night, and do fun stuff on the weekend. What more are you doing than the others?’” Indeed, what more? What makes us distinctive? What kind of example of selfless service that takes us beyond the comforts of home are we setting for our children? Let’s never allow the comforts of home keep us from taking God’s love to those outside of our home.

Thanks again to every parent who got their kids up early on Saturday mornings to spend the day serving people in need. And, thanks to every kid who helped to paint homes, plant flowers, spread mulch, pick up garbage, deliver groceries, help the homeless, sing to the elderly, and so much more. You made a difference in the lives of others. And one day, you will look back and realize that God made a difference in your hearts because you served others in His name. Always remember that when we work our muscles, God builds our hearts. Thank you for serving!

Boys Digging

Student Initiatives | Jon Davis, our Missions Ministry Associate, did an outstanding job of planning and coordinating over thirty service initiatives for our student discipleship weekend. This is no easy task. That’s why I am grateful that Jon is on our team. He not only loves God, he uses organizational skills honed in the marketplace to serve the kingdom. And I am also grateful for our student pastors and over 425 students and sponsors for spending a rainy afternoon sloshing in the mud to complete our projects. That’s what going beyond is about — doing what needs to be done in spite of the obstacles.

Transport Planes

Haiti Medical Team | I am thankful for friends like Kim Reed, President of Builders without Borders of Texas. Kim has a heart for people and the determination to get things done, no matter how hard. When Kim told me he was recruiting a medical team to go to Haiti, I told him that the people of Kingsland would step up and provide the supplies. The people of Kingsland donated 1000+ pounds of medical supplies in a day and a half. Kingsland member Wayne Fairley stepped up to assist Kim with the logistics of transporting the team and supplies. They departed Houston on Sunday morning and arrived in Haiti today. When they landed they were told, “you will be saving limbs within minutes.”

Generation One | Generation One is one of our urban ministry partners in Houston’s Third Ward. Mike Malkemes and his staff are doing a great job of helping grade school kids realize their potential. Generation One observed their third anniversary this past weekend and honored Kingsland’s investment of volunteers and finances with a beautiful plaque.

Distributing Blankets

Bangladesh Blankets | I will never forget the winter of 2003. I led a team to Bangladesh to take the gospel to remote villages along the Brahmaputra River. The temperatures plunged into the low forties and more than 700 people died because of the cold. This month, Kingsland provided funds for the purchase and distribution of blankets to the poor in Bangladesh. My dear friend Mortuza coordinated this initiative and has reported that this single act of kindness has opened many doors for sharing the gospel because the recipients want to know why anyone would do something so kind for people they do not even know.

Mother Teresa | I leave for India in a few hours with my son and a team of seven to serve at Mother Teresa’s homes for the destitute and dying. Mother Teresa was an amazing woman who loved God and heeded His call to look for Jesus in the distressing disguise of the least of these. Because of her obedience and faithfulness, her Missionaries of Charity now operate more than 500 homes that care for the poor around the world. This will be a life-impacting trip for our team members.

Sex Trafficking | Starting this month, Kingsland is providing funds to support the life-saving work of a safe house in Kolkata. This house is a refuge for 150 young girls rescued from forced prostitution in Kolkata. Some of these young girls were kidnapped and trafficked to Kolkata. Others were sold into prostitution by their own family members. Others were duped by their oppressors. Each of them have suffered unimaginable horrors. Our missions ministry is working with Kingsland’s Legacy Milestones Ministry to help our members and their children collect pocket change to help change the world for these young girls. Our new Just Change for a Just Cause partnership will debut at Kingsland’s Parent Summit in February.

Foundation Work

India Boys Home | Construction of our campus for boys started this month. Our boys’ home, named for the late Diane Patterson, is home to one-hundred boys in Orissa, India. Orissa is the state with the worst record of persecution of Christians in India. Some of our boys are orphans and others are from very poor Christian homes. Thirty-five of our boys come from families whose homes were completely destroyed by Hindu extremists over the past year. We are committed to equipping these boys with a good education and a strong biblical worldview. Please pray that God will use these boys to love others — even those who are intent on persecuting and destroying them.

Boys of Iron Service Project

Omar | Leslee, who are the Boys of Iron and when do they meet?
 
Leslee | Boys of Iron are 1st through 5th grade boys. We have about 80 boys that meet on Wednesday nights from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
 
Omar | What do the Boys of Iron study and how do you help them connect with missions initiatives and missionaries?
 
Leslee | Our focus for Boys of Iron is to assist parents as they raise their boys into godly men. Our leaders are men and we have lessons on virtues that are specific to males, such as being a gentleman, controlling anger and taking responsibility for your actions. Godly men are mission minded, so we spend a large portion of time studying about missions at home and abroad. We pray for missionaries, work on mission projects and have mission speakers. We try to involve the boys in missions at home, at the state level and to the ends of the earth.
 
Omar | What have the boys done to engage with an international ministry this Christmas?
 
Leslee | Over the last several weeks our boys collected money for Heifer International. Heifer International brings plants or animals to needy people around the globe. The families are taught to care for the resources and are asked to share with more families as their gift grows. Not only is the family’s life improved, but they have the chance to help another family. Even more importantly, the recipients are taught about the love of Jesus. Visit the Heifer International website for more information.
 
Omar | How much money did the boys raise to send to Heifer International and how did they raise the money?
 
Leslee | Our boys brought in money in small and large amounts totaling $490.35. While it’s nice to see large dollar amounts come in, I love counting out nickels and pennies! Some of the boys told me about jobs they did around the house to earn the money.
 
Omar | That’s fantastic! Our Missions Ministry is excited to match the money raised by the boys.
 
Leslee | The boys will be so excited to be able to buy even more animals! We were amazed to learn the impact even a hive of honeybees can make on a community.
 
Omar | What will our boys do next this Christmas season?
 
Leslee | Tomorrow night we will help God’s Girls fill stockings for families in Katy through Katy Christian Ministry’s Santa’s Sleigh program.
 
Omar | How can parents of grade school boys get their children involved?
 
Leslee | Parents can call me at 281.492.0785 or register online at Kingsland’s website. Girls can register for God’s Girls that meets at the same time.

Omar | Isaiah, I want to thank you for giving money to our missions ministry. We will send your gift to India to help feed the boys we care for. You could have used your money for other things. Why did you choose to give it to missions?

Isaiah | Because I wanted to, and I know it was very good to do. I hope it makes God happy.

Omar | How old are you, what grade are you in, and how long did it take you to save the money you gave?

Isaiah | I am 6 years-old. I am in Kindergarten. I think it took 3 months to save the money — with my birthday money.

Omar | You have set a very good example for other people to follow. It’s easy for us to spend everything we earn or receive on ourselves — to buy more stuff for ourselves. But, you thought of others. This is not the first time you have done this. Why is it important to you to help others?

Isaiah | ‘Cause God wants us to.

Omar | One of the most exciting things about sending money to help those in need in other countries is exchanging our American dollars for their money. Since we are sending your gift to India, we will change your American dollars into Indian Rupees. Now, here is the exciting part — the money you gave will be changed into 715 Indian Rupees. That will be enough money to feed two of our boys for almost one month. How does it make you feel to know that your gift will do so much good in India?

Isaiah | It feels alot good!

Omar | What would you like to tell other kids your age who feel that they are too young to make a difference in the lives of kids around the world?

Isaiah | You’re the perfect size.

Omar | You don’t have to be a grown-up to make a difference in the world, you just have to care and to be willing to do something to help. You have encouraged me by your thoughtfulness and kindness. I know that our boys in India will also be encouraged by your gift. Thank you so much for thinking of others and for doing something good to make a difference in their lives.

Isaiah | Thank you for helping me send the money.

Omar | Joy and Keith, what advice would you give to other parents to guide them in encouraging their kids to make a difference?

Joy and Keith | Having our family devotions together and by explaining to our children about how good we have it here. We thank God for our blessings — that we have a house, and a bed to sleep on, and how other little boys and girls live in grass huts, and sleep on the dirt. We try to emphasize not taking what we have for granted, and how God wants us to share our blessings with others.

  Today, some of our men built a beautiful pergola in the center of the garden we planted at Katy Christian Ministries earlier this year. This pergola will serve as a place where the staff and guests of Katy Christian Ministries can pray, meditate, or just enjoy a Texas sunset. Dads and sons worked together to hoist lumber, weed vegetable beds, complete work on some of the raised planting beds, and more. I love the sounds of power tools and laughter and good conversation. These sounds remind me that we do more than build things on Saturday, we also build people. And, when we work our muscles, God is always faithful to work in our hearts.

  Our missions ministry is also committed to assisting area food pantries. We purchased several hundred pounds of beans and rice in bulk packaging. A group of parents and kids repackaged these items in small zip lock bags. The Katy Christian Ministries Food Pantry will distribute these and other food items to families in need throughout the coming week. One of our youngest participants was Claire, the two and a half year old daughter of Michael and Aimee Evans. With a plastic cup in her hand, she had an enjoyable time filling zip lock bags with rice. I asked Michael a few questions about serving with his daughter.

Omar | Michael, you and Aimee have participated in our weekend initiatives since the days before you were parents. How old are your children and why is it important to you to model service for your kids?
 
Michael | Aimee and I want our 2 1/2 year old Claire and 9 month old Sarah to always see service as a part of every day life. It is one of the ways we are working to equip the generations in our home. 

Omar | There are all kinds of fun things for parents to do with their kids on the weekend. It was obvious to me that you and your daughter had fun serving together today. What did you tell Claire about the contribution she made today?
 
Michael | Claire is young, but she understands what helping means. I explained that she was helping give people without food something to eat. Whether the full impact of the lesson is understood, she is both hearing and seeing God work through people for people.
 
Omar | What do you hope to see happen in your kids lives in the years to come as you continue to make memories of serving together?
 
Michael | We intend to make service a natural part of our entire family’s life. I pray that our girls’ hearts will be softened to the needs of others. I hope they look back on their lives and focus not on the presents we gave them, but on the memories we make, especially the ones that show them our faith through action.
 
Omar | What advice or encouragement would you give to other parents about the value of modeling servanthood and involving their kids in service initiatives?
 
Michael | We are certainly more efficient serving when kids aren’t underfoot. However you miss a great opportunity to teach them through example if you don’t bring them along. As all parents know, kids learn more from what they see than from what they hear. Don’t underestimate your kids. They may not be experts, but they can learn how to help in small ways. Don’t forget, each of us is asked to give what we can. Even if it is just a two-year old pouring rice into a plastic bag, God is glorified.

  I appreciate Michael and Aimee and all of the parents and kids who served today. At the conclusion of today’s projects, four year-old Mason Hereford looked up at his father, Carlton, and said, “This was fun, Daddy. When are we going to help somebody else?” Wow! That’s a great word from a four year-old. The concept of serving others is already a part of Mason’s vocabulary and thinking. That’s no accident. When parents lead their kids to serve others, good things happen in a child’s heart and mind. They begin to understand that life is not just about them, but about others. Hopefully, as they continue to serve others, they will grow up a little less selfish, a little more compassionate and considerate of others, and feeling less like the world owes them everything they want. I like Mason’s question. Let’s raise our kids to heed the words of Paul to the Philippian Church, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

   In spite of my jet lag, I was up early this morning to meet Jon at the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston. Jon mobilized Kingsland’s Christian Fellowship and Mosaic Adult Bible Fellowships to meet some practical needs today. Our teams added some much-needed shelving at the center, built a security fence around air conditioning units, and added seasonal flowers and fresh mulch. The best part of our weekend initiatives is spending time with Kingsland’s weekend warriors and those to whom we minister. Debbie Stoddard, the PHC Executive Director, and some of her staff, joined us today. They were very grateful for all that our weekend warriors accomplished.

   I am also grateful to the parents who brought their kids to today’s initiative. One of the best ways to raise kids that have a heart for others is by including them in service initiatives. We always plan kid-friendly and age-appropriate projects for kids to do at each of our weekend initiatives. Over the past four years, Kingsland kids have joined their parents and grandparents to serve others from Katy to Houston’s inner-city neighborhoods. We want for parents and kids to make special memories by serving others together. My youngest daughter has joined me on over a hundred local service initiatives and two international mission trips. Serving others has strengthened our relationship by providing lots of opportunities for us to talk, laugh, get our hands dirty, and pray together.

   Our weekend warriors are making a difference throughout our community. One lady in an inner-city neighborhood told me she knows that good things are going to happen when she sees our Go Beyond work van and Kingsland volunteers in the neighborhood. An elderly man told me that his inner-city neighborhood was starting to feel safe again because of all of the work our weekend warriors had done there. An urban pastor told me that people were visiting his church because of the good work our folks had done in his neighborhood. One man told one of our weekend warriors that he was not a Christian but was definitely interested in learning more about Jesus because of the good work that our weekend warriors had done to help his neighbor in need. So, as Jesus said, let’s let our light shine before others in such a way that they see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Join the ranks of the kingdom’s weekend warriors!