The Seven Year Old Evangelist

Matthew 19:14 - Jesus said, Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.

Children accept the things of Jesus more readily than adults. They are less jaded, carry less baggage, and are more open to belief. This also often extends to sharing their faith with others. Kids have not learned the self consciousness that comes from being disagreed with or rejection. Everything is taken at face value - if Jesus says do it then you do it.

On Sunday a mom in our church (Theresa) noticed her seven year old son DeShawn was going around to all the chairs and collecting the extra church invitation cards. She stopped him after he took six or seven and asked him why he wanted so many. His response was “because I have so many friends at school to give them to.”

A little while later they went to the grocery store.  Theresa keeps a close eye on her kids, so she noticed when DeShawn went down the aisle and approached a woman who was a stranger. She was about to call him back when she noticed he had something in his hand and was offering it to the woman. He did not speak or make eye contact, but he confidently held it out to her until she took it.

When the woman asked what it was Theresa explained he was inviting her to church with him. The woman’s expression of surprise and joy, along with her hand on her heart, showed how touched she was. This same scenario played out over and over again throughout the store. DeShawn was constantly on the lookout for the next person he could give a card to come to church. He informed his mom he needs more cards.

I am inspired by this story. These cards may certainly have been received differently from the innocence of a child, but it is a wonderful demonstration of the heart all of us should strive for regardless of our age.  There are opportunities everywhere we go to make Jesus known. The only thing that prevents us from touching others with His love is an unwillingness to face possible rejection.

Lord, give us the faith and expectation of a child that does not consider “what if it doesn’t work” and instead confidently steps out in love because “what if it does.”