The Pastor announced that the fall season would begin very soon. “We will need some help once again with the weeknight children’s ministry,” he said. With a look of excitement and a note of hope in his voice, he reminded the church family, “We have a great opportunity to reach not only the children but entire families for Christ.”

While everyone seemed to be in silent agreement, two ladies with two very different views sat next to each other in church that morning. Mrs. Jones sighed slightly as she thought to herself, “Oh those children from the projects, I don’t like the thought of them being in our building. They are loud and may very well scratch the walls. Certainly the pastor should remember this church building is nearly historic. Just look at the fine wood and beautiful classrooms. Why do these children have to come here?”

Next to her sat Mrs. Smith. Tears welled up in her eyes as she heard her pastor speaking enthusiastically about the children’s ministry. Faithfully she prayed for the children during the summer. In fact, several times she visited the projects and took cookies and Bible tracts for the children to enjoy. Finally, now it was time to get the children back into the weeknight club. “Oh Lord, I count it a privilege to serve you again this year as I listen to verses and encourage the children,” she prayed. “Thank you so much for the boys and girls who will come and hear your Word and learn of your love for them. What a joy to have them in our building!” she told the Lord. The first hymn was announced as Mrs. Smith continued praying, “Lord, everything around me is so temporary, but the life and soul of a child is eternal. Father, please bless the weeknight club this year. Thank you, dear Lord,” she concluded.

The church family was already standing to sing, “O To Be Like Thee!” Two ladies stood together and held the same hymnal as they sang this grand hymn. One of them lived the words. The other simply sang them.