Partnering with God to serve the smallest in the Kingdom
It was finally the day I’d waited for. I was practically vibrating with anxious excitement! I was sitting in an ocean of more 8 year olds than I’d ever seen in my life. I remember thinking it was weird that everyone was exactly the same age as me. They all went to other churches and other schools but learnt the same stuff as me, sang the same songs as me, and knew the same God as me. I was so used to being the only 8 year old I knew who was trying to live for Jesus. But finally I wasn’t the only one, I was surrounded by kids who knew and loved the same God in the same way as me. And when this week was over and I’d be back being the minority again, knowing that I wasn’t the only one that mattered.
I was one of hundreds of children who grew up attending Stoneleigh Bible Week. I gave my life to Jesus, received the Holy Spirit, and stepped out in new spiritual gifts there. I grew in faith and love of God there. I made friends with other kids who lived the same sort of life as me somewhere else there. Most of all I remember the feeling of being normal there, of it being cool to love God there. I remember going knowing that this would be the most fun, but also the most significant part of my summer. I remember knowing I wanted to get closer to God and that this week would help me get there. I remember buzzing with excitement for big worship, moments when I could lose myself in wonder of Jesus, moments when I could feel the Holy Spirit tangibly.
Now as an adult, I’ve had the privilege of facilitating those moments for other children. I’ve had the privilege of standing on stage and looking out as hundreds of children get lost in awe and wonder of Jesus. I’ve had the privilege of sitting on the floor amongst colouring pens and biscuit packets and answering questions about faith. I’ve had the privilege of praying, and often crying, with kids for real life issues that they need God’s breakthrough in. I’ve had the privilege of serving amongst an army of workers who faithfully show up to partner with God to serve the smallest in the Kingdom. For me it’s always been a privilege.
Commission Festival is not just a mountain top moment for adults who get to worship in big meetings with big bands and hear big preaches. Commission Festival is about each one of us meeting with God, being encouraged in faith, and being sent out to carry the gospel of Christ back to the people we do life with. Mountain top moments of faith happen in the big meetings and the little ones. It happens in small moments of encounter in every corner of the campsite. And it requires an army of servants willing to partner with God to help each and every person on site experience Him. How will you be part of it?
