What kids today need prayer for...

I was asked tonight a question that made me smile...

"How do you work with kids all the time?"

Well, it's true.  I have the awesome privilege of working with kids most of my week through Sunday School, Good News Club, Wednesday nights at church, and daily throughout my neighborhood.  I'm not going to lie, I love it!  Kids are fun and keep me smiling at the silly things they say.

But these smiles and loving what I do are also partnered with many tears of knowing just how much kids today bear.  Most of you reading this may not even realize it.  Or maybe you see things in the news and think it's a tragedy for that child.  The reality of it is that myself and most other Good News Club teachers and children's workers know these kids personally.  So if I can challenge you and share a bit of what brings me to my knees on behalf of these kids, is to pray for these things.  These things that have come my way from children ages kindergarten to 6th grade.  I'm sorry if this is a bit much to process, but I hope you read it in a way to know that God is working in spite of the hardships and these kids are all actively seeking God and learning the truth of His love.

Today will you pray for:

• the girls' who's parents are getting a divorce
• the 2nd grade boy who knows how to cover up the tip of a gun (this hides the identity)
• the countless kids who are dealing with parents in jail
• the girl who's mom was arrested while she was attending our program and hasn't seen her
• the child who had their house raided for drugs
• the boy who said "my mom calls me a retard"
• the kid whose parent is fighting daily to stay in AA and live sober
• the numerous children who are being raised by grandparents or relatives 
• the girl who said "my mom doesn't even care about me"
• the kid who deals daily with one parent in jail and the other addicted to drugs
• the multiple kids who shift between living with mom and dad due to divorce

These things are tough and I wish they weren't true but unfortunately these are things I've heard out of real children's mouths.  I can't give you their names but God knows each and every one.  I never had to deal with anything close to these hardships growing up and I'm so thankful for that.  These kids' lives are not easy but week after week they come into club/program/class and are excited to learn about God and how Jesus can help them overcome the things of this world. They smile when they read God's word.  They are thirsty to know more and more.  The are reciting memory verses and telling their friends about Jesus.  In spite of it all, these children know that Jesus loves them!  Pray with me daily and know your prayers are working.  God is using us to truly reach the least of these which brings a smile to my face every day.