One of the best things a ministry can do is adopt a cause together.  We have been raising awareness and money for a breakfast program in a partner village in Mexico called Rojo Gomez.  200 kids show up every school day to get breakfast at the local church.  Because their parents work and money is an issue, these kids would normally only get one meal a day.

We have committed to raising 3,000 meals.  Currently we are at 1,000.  I wanted to share a story with you about one student who understands the power of caring for others.  Madison’s mom sent this to me:

“Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share my daughter’s story.

Madison told me on Friday night that she wanted to follow the plan of the week and support Rojo Gomez by raising money on Saturday. She wanted to sell lemonade. I thought to my self great, I’ve got no lemonade, no cups, no sweets or even a table for her to use!  Well her father bought a cool wooden stand for $5 at a garage sale and I went shopping for the goodies. Madison, her 9 year old brother and two girlfriends decorated the stand and dragged it out to the corner. I quickly made a small batch of brownies and off they went to raise money for Rojo. Well after selling 16 quarts of lemonade and a batch of brownies, Madison raised over $100!

Boy was I surprised since it was cool and windy outside- who would want lemonade?  God must having been shining down on those kids at that corner because there were so many people stopping they could hardly keep up! Anyways I am so proud of Madison and I hope the money helps those in need.”

I love when junior high students get it.  I tend to forget how much God can use a couple of kids selling lemonade.

Is faith in God enough? I’m not sure we are experiencing the fullness of God if we neglect serving others in our world. In partnership with Outreach Weekend, junior high ministry is starting a series called Actions Speak.

The church spends most of the teaching year emphasizing a personal relationship with God that involves reading, prayer and worship. We will dive into the first chapters of James and challenge our conventional, personal faith.

I encourage you to read James and join our conversation. I am approaching this series humbled and convicted in my own personal faith. My hope is to step outside the “faith framework” I have built and begin a journey towards the fullness of God. The beginning of that adventure is Actions Speak.