Who Are You Investing In?
There once was a ten years old boy who enjoyed a children’s evangelist who visited his church. The boy loved the evangelist’s object lessons, Gospel illusions, ventriloquism, and fun way of communicating with children. Afterwards, the boy told his mom that he wanted to do the same thing when he grew up. The boys mom responded by saying, “If God is calling you to minister to kids, what’s growing up got to do with it? You can start now.” Soon this boy was teaching in Sunday School, serving in Awana, and doing Gospel magic shows in area churches.
The evangelist had no idea the impact he had made on this young boy until over a decade later when they were reunited by chance – when the boy was a Bible college student preparing for a career in children’s ministry. When the evangelist, Barney Kinard, learned of the seed he had planted and saw the growth that had happened over the years, he started to invest in this young man. He listened as the boy talked of big (and crazy) ideas for ways to reach kids and equip and encourage children’s workers around the world.
Barney taught, coached, critiqued, ate pizza, and exchanged ideas on regular visits to invest in this young man. Now, decades later, they are still doing ministry together through Kidology.org. Yes, I am that boy. I am so thankful for the countless hours of time and wisdom that have been poured into me. Just this week we ministered together at the Fellowship of Christian Magicians at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Barney opened doors for me, gave me valuable tips and advice, shared and provided ministry experiences – but most of all, he believed in me.
Who are you investing in? Who are you helping? Have you seen a child who has responded to your ministry? Don’t stop there – pour into them and you never know what God will do through them.
Because Jesus Loves Children,
The Boy Who Grew Up: Karl
P.S. You too can benefit from Barney’s wisdom and experience though Kidology Coaching. Let Barney or one of our other coaches pour into you!
