Tuesday 17 June 2008

Why teach Sunday School Anyways??

I am sure many of you have been or are Sunday School teachers or doing other types of Christian service in a church or community. Is it worth it? Do you ever feel like; "Am I getting through? - Is this a waste of my time?"

First of all, thats not why we do it. We are to be obedient servants, serving where Christ asks us. He expects us to listen to his voice and go where He asks. It may be in a local church or maybe to South Africa to rescue children. Wherever - go!

Christ asked me to teach a youth Sunday School - teenagers - way back in the late 60's! Long time ago! I have always taken my role as a teacher very serious - I actually give out "homework" for most lessons that I teach. When I was a teacher of teenagers I actually expected the homework to be turned in and I commented on their answers in a personal way and gave it back. One option I had was that they could ask any question on the bottom of the paper and I would do my best to answer the question. The young (still young!)lady in the white top, Sheree, asked me a question one Sunday on her paper back in the late 60's something like this; "My parents announced they are getting a divorce - what do I do? Do they love me?" My heart was ripped out and I am sure I reassured them of their parent's love and God's love.

The two girls in the picture are sisters - both were in my classes as teenagers. Kay, the one in the green top was, and still is a very special young lady to me. The picture above was taken just a few days ago at Papa's house. The sisters drove over two hours to come and thank mama and I for having such an impact on their lives - we were over whelmed that they would do that! I have not seen them for many years. Sheree we had not seen since the 60's! Kay, the stinker, actually did come and visit us in Wisconsin about 1978 - she hitched hiked with her big dog all the way from Arizona - by herself! :o) !! Kay still lives in Arizona, Sheree in Colorado. They were here in Michigan visiting family.

The other day, when they came by to see us - was one of the greatest days of papa's life! You wonder sometimes if you really are having an impact? You are! Do not doubt - if you are following Christ's direction - He knows where He is taking you! During the couple of hours they were here, papa cried as both ladies shared their lives and gave us undeserved praise over and over. Pray for both of these ladies!

Tears are flowing now - no, I am not wiping these tears!

A very humbled Papa and Mama

28 comments:

Daizy said...

Hey Papa, Good Job doing as Jesus directs!!!!!!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Good morning Daizy! That visit was special! Is early youth camp keeping you busy? :o)

Julie said...

Thank you for sharing this - you're right...there are no clauses, we are simply called to serve. Period. I love that you gave homework! I'm sure it wasn't always appreciated, but what a great way to really engage people!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Julie - service is important. People often say Christ came for one reason - to save us from our sin. I think there was a second purpose: to teach us to be servants (Matthew 20:28). See you soon! I teach SS class during the winter months in Florida - still have a handout I prepare of 12 questions! I teach a group of about 50 seniors.

Ric Booth said...

Well done Papa and Mama. Well done.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Thanks Ric - It was a very special day - God is so good - why shouldn't we want to serve?

CrossView said...

Great reminder! =D

I taught SS for years and thoroughly enjoyed it. I always learned so much more than I ever "taught".

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - we just never know our impact on others! They listen and watch - especially our children.

hoozat lady said...

You never know who you may be affecting.

Mark 4:
The sower soweth the word. And they that are by the ways side, where the word is sown, are they to whom as soon as they have heard it, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And likewise they that are sown on the stony ground, are they: which when they have heard the word, at once receive it with gladness, yet have no roots in themselves, and so endure but a time: and *anon as trouble and persecution ariseth for the words sake, they fall immediately. And they that are sown among the thorns, are such as hear the word: and the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches and the lusts of other things, enter in and choke the word, and it is made unfruitful. And those that were sown in good ground, are they that hear the word and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty fold some sixty fold, some an hundred fold.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Marie - I agree !! I stopped by your blog! I hope we meet soon!

hoozat lady said...

thanks for stopping by- so far I've just been talking to myself...
:)

Anonymous said...

awww I love this story! :D

Makes me happy.

I love you!

Little One. ;-)

Indian Lake Papa said...

Hi there Granny Hoozat! lol Well, now you have me stopping by! I tried to put you on my blog roll but something isn't working right! Will try later!

Hi Little one! Love you too - Brandy, always remember just like "hoozat lady" says, we do affect other lives!

Kristen said...

HI! Thanks for the hello on my blog. My parents and my in-laws are all in their mid 60s but my father-n-law barely knows how to get on the internet let alone host a blog or create a video comment :) That is why I was so impressed :)

Indian Lake Papa said...

kristen -mama and I love our computer and blogging !! We love the mac - it is so user friendly and a very stable computer system - we love to ichat and IM !! We are Techies !!

Robin said...

What more can I say...

Beautiful!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Robin - It was an awesome day -

I Love those girls!

Unknown said...

papa and mama...i am speechless. you both leave me breathless.

i simply...love you!!!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tam - when I think its time to quit teaching mama keeps urging me on. She is my big fan! She always stands at the door and greets the people, passes out my handout sheets. She is my rock! Do you miss the kids yet? You will ----

Anonymous said...

I never taught sunday school but i did teach pioneer club this past year. we had the 10 year old boys. what a challenge but worth it!

Indian Lake Papa said...

P365 - The key is service and a willingness to do what he asks us to do!

Anonymous said...

what an awesome legacy...an eternal legacy! I hope I can be aware enough to see these stories happen in my life through the years...but I also have been prompted through this to send a few good "thank you"s to the sunday school teachers in my life.
way to inspire, papa!

Anonymous said...

Mark Schultz has a song "remember me" this made me think about it. All about how HE never forgot us, and wants us to to remember HIM in our service to HIM. I have never forgotten my ss teachers..and have taught lots...verysweet!

hey when I come I am not going to hitch hike or bring a dog..but I am sure you will be okay with that.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Oh Cathi - you are so right! We need to be saying "'Thank You" much more than we probably do! I am going to think about a list too!

Darla - no hitch hiking huh? lol ! You could save gas that way though! I enjoyed our "chat" last night. I was tickled to see your hub posted after I chewed him out - thats funny!

Heather said...

Papa,
What a beautiful post. I am teaching a mix of Jr. High and Sr. High students in Sunday School. There certainly are days that I want to bang my head against the wall. However, I agree with you. I stick it out because I am serving Him.

What a beautiful gift that God gave you the other day. To see those young ladies and know you made a difference in their lives and in the Kingdom. Not only that....but you are still making a difference here, in the blogosphere. Keep serving, Papa. God is using you daily!!!

Love and Hugs to you and Mama!

Carol said...

Hey, Pops, you'll be taking a trip soon...right? Have a relaxing time, and try not to worry about who's entertaining your audience why you are gone. Your prayers are good from anywhere! And we will all be waiting when you get back....126 comments, at least. Happy trails to you! (By the way...haven't heard any good horse stories lately.)

Anonymous said...

Papa, serving and teaching the young, or the old :), can be one of the most rewarding experience we can have.

I did teach a night school accounting class and many training sessions at work. I have never taught kids. You have the right approach. We must get feeding back from our students and keeping asking them questions, if nothing else than to make sure they haven't fallen asleep. :)

I can see from the picture of your two smiling ex-students that you are a great teacher.

I think my Sunday school teacher spent more time pulling his hair out than smiling at me. :)

Indian Lake Papa said...

Thanks Heather! Will pray for you as you minister to those young people.

Ed - I am glad we are the same age - I would not have wanted to be your teacher! lol :o)

Carol - Take good care of my blog! i hope to do a post yet tonight - sorry - still not about horses - I did ride today though!