One day we were
talking about how faith should be integrated into PAL. We realized that the past two years were all
about building relationships with the children and getting to know all of the
people of the community.
Consistency has been shown by Angie being in Plastic City
and showing Christ’s love through her actions and dedication. Now, with the positive relationship, trust
has been established and they are comfortable to talk about life, home, school
and religion.
The church has had two years to develop a Social Care
Ministry. School children are being fed weekly, families are receiving bread
and clothing monthly, and a Bible Club has been formed in the local elementary
school where children from Plastic City can attend.
So, together we brainstormed
how to integrate faith and showing them that God is a Father to the Fatherless
and a defender of widows. [Psalm 68:5]
Prayer is a first step and it is a good idea to start there.
Lesson Integration
will also begin. Some of the ways we
have talked about integrating the gospel into their lessons are through
studying themes like sea life and the solar system. In teaching these themes we can integrate God,
as the Creator of all things – including each one of them.
Church Integration will also begin. Eight children walked out of Plastic City
Friday night to attend youth. It is our
hope that in linking two groups together that lives outside the church and
those inside the church will be mutually impacted and transformed. Outings with the ministry to girls and boys
will also be integrated through joint events to foster friendships and build
bridges from the church to Plastic City.
“For God, who said,
"Let light shine out of darkness," made
his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But
we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from
us.”
2 Corinthians 4:6-7