A Friend to All

When I got saved seven years ago, our beloved pastor asked me to be a part of the Sunday School ministry. My students then were JC, Abie, Kezia, Queenie, Aaron and others of their ages. They were the kids to whom I started teaching God’s word. Now, they are in the primary level. They are now more mature physically and spiritually. They have left the pre-primary class and stepped in to the next level. In a few years from now, they would be attending the junior’s class and then the young people’s group. Well, some of them are proud if they are being promoted to another level knowing that some of their friends are left behind. As one of their teachers, I feel blessed if some of them are growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. Kids, do you have a burden or desire of becoming one of the leaders of our church? Have you thought of being a pastor, a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, a missionary or even a part of the music ministry of this church someday?

Being a part of the Sunday school class is indeed a great blessing for all of you and I believe that this is one way of molding your mind and heart to become one of the strongest leaders of this church. Not all the kids have the opportunity of attending Sunday School because they do not have the channel to do so. You are so blessed that your parents are able to bring you to the church much more to the Sunday School. Is there a time that you asked your mom and dad, “Why do I have to attend Sunday School?” Why do your parents ask you or even compel you to go to church? Maybe simply they would answer, “Son, because this is what God wants us to do.” Yes, God commanded us to have time for Him. We have to have time to hear His word, to pray with the people of God and to have fellowship with other people much more with the kids in the church. And Sunday School is the best time for you to do the basic commands God has given us.

The “CHURCH” would not be complete if “U” is not in it. And that “U” is you-all of us including little ones. Can you imagine attending Sunday school all by yourself? You see, each of us is important. Your mere presence is a blessing to every Sunday School student around you whether in 2’s and 3’s class, pre-primary, primary or juniors class. I am sure Matthew Malonzo, a student of 2’s and 3’s class, would agree with me. He feels happy every time he sees “Tata” (from Tatalon) in their class. He is one of his best friends. And I am certain that you feel the same, kids. I am sure that you would feel lonely if one Sunday you would find yourself all alone in your Sunday school class. That is why it is always important to pray for your classmates and be nice to them especially if they are new comers in the group. Whenever we sing the welcome song, “I am Glad you’re Here Today”, be sure that you are really glad that you can be with them at least once a week. Never neglect attending Sunday school. You should consider how to be a blessing to others by coming early to church in order for you not to miss the lessons imparted by your teachers in large group class. It has an equal relevance as the “per level” class. Always remember that your presence is indeed a great blessing to all the people in the church and so is your punctuality in attending the church. Kids, you should always be a blessing not a burden to everyone!

Developing Your Spiritual Gifts

“What should I do after graduation?” is one of the most difficult decisions of life young people face. Even committed young people in the midst of several options ask “how can I know God’s will? Where can I get involved?” God guides through the Bible and He uses the Holy Spirit, parents, friends and elders or leaders in the church. You may have wondered that during our LYE screening I asked most of you this question, “What is your Spiritual Gift?” In your puzzled expression I sensed the need for enlightenment.


Not knowing our Spiritual gifts will lead to discouragement, defeat, despair, wasted time, treasures and talents. Spiritual gift is like a map or road sign to a lost and confused traveler on a highway.


What must you do to discover your spiritual gifts?
1. Pray. Not to ask for the gift but to reveal it to you (Phil 4:6,7).
2. Study. God has dispersed his spiritual gifts at least one to every believer upon salvation and not on the basis of spiritual maturity or education. You will find the list of gifts in I Cor. 12; Rom. 12; Eph. 4; and 1 Peter 4. They are given for the edifying of the body (Eph. 4:11,12) and not the self (1 Cor. 13:5). If you have confirmed to be gifted as a teacher, then you will not be contented in just reading books you choose on teaching but you will enroll at CBMS.
3. Delight in the Lord. He will place within your heart desires the areas of service consistent with your spiritual gifts (Psa. 37:4). But a desire does not necessarily mean a gift. It will have to be confirmed by your ability.
4. Develop. The discovery of your gift has a corresponding assurance that God gave you teachers, pastor or elders to help you develop your gifts (Eph. 4:11) and are reliable to evaluate your God-given ability. Our heart is deceitful above all things (Jer.17:9). We may confuse spiritual gifts with natural talents which are possessed at birth. Such talents should be dedicated to the Lord to be used for His glory. Ability improves and develops with practice. In seeking to develop your gifts you have to be available. Never refuse an opportunity to serve such as assisting in nursery, teaching in Sunday school, joining adult soul winning, working at CAM projects, visiting sick people, and encouraging weak members.


Serve. In my early Christian life our church offered us Sundays filled with services - teaching children, visiting, counseling, cleaning a school classroom for our Sunday service and then before going home at night, arranging the furniture back to the original position. Preparing and arranging for summer and “winter” (or December) church camps and vacation Bible school gave us also exhausted nights in bed but our hearts were bursting with excitement for souls saved, new contacts, encouragement of broken heart and edification of fellow believers. The personal blessing of God to my soul and ministry were used by our Lord to assure me of His direction. Blessings accompany the spiritual gifts exercised in the energy of the Holy Spirit. Obviously it was not concluded in a two-day conference or a four-day youth camp but God works in weeks, months, and even years!


Young people, do not be impatient but rather pray, study, delight in the Lord, develop the gift, and serve. Never Quit!