God answers kid's prayers!

I remember when I was young, probably 8 or 9 years old, my brother Jason was in a pinewood derby race with Royal Rangers. He had already made it passed the first round at the church, and I think it was a sectional race that was next. My parents must have been out of town, and so my Grandma Salazar took us to the race. Josh and I were obligated to go, although I have to admit that when I was little I loved watching pinewood derby races. I always wished I could have been a Royal Ranger instead of a Missionette and raced a car of my own!

I clearly remember being in the car on the way to the race, and Grandma telling us to pray that Jason would win. And pray I did. I prayed and prayed and prayed. Each race that Jason's car would have I would pray "please God, let Jason's car win." Seriously, that's all I did that day was pray. And lo and behold, Jason won a trophy - I'm pretty sure he was first, and if not, pretty close to it. I just remember being so amazed that my prayer worked!

Now, I hear you, you are thinking "he probably just had a fast car" or "God doesn't mess with the results of the pinewood derby" but I'm telling you - God hears prayer. Even the prayers of a competitive little sister who wants her big brother to win a big trophy.

Pastor Tim talked about healing on Sunday, and I had the privilege to pray over a few ladies for healing in their bodies and minds. I have been thinking all week that if I were to muster the faith I had that day at the pinewood derby race, it could surely move mountains. I have listened to countless children tell me how God answered their prayers. In Club56, our 5-6th grade group, the testimonies are amazing sometimes of what God is doing through the kid's prayers. When we have a sickness at home, or a problem that our kids are aware of, we always ask one of the girls to pray. I am have to admit that there have been times when I have asked Elyse to pray because I knew she had more faith than I did right then; probably because I have already prayed, and nothing has happened.

So why is God seemingly so quick to answer the prayers of kids? I think it boils down to their innocence. There is no doubt. They believe in a big God and they have been taught, and so believe that their God can do miracles. So that is the challenge I put to you parents. Try to muster some of that child-like faith the next time you need to move a mountain. And if you can't call your kids in to pray...it may just increase your faith.

The Children's Choir Debut

I love riding the wave of great, successful events in ministry. Yesterday was one of those days that created a perma-smile on my face! Several months ago, Renee Breiholz (one of those type of Children's Leaders I couldn't live without) came to me and shared a vision of a Children's Choir that God had given her. I have to admit that in the beginning I saw it as merely another "iron in the fire" but Renee's passion and excitement where contagious, so we moved forward. Renee did a great job leading up to our first rehearsal; advertised it well, talked it up among the kids, and we had a great response.

Yesterday the choir sang for the first time. They kids were awesome! They sang two songs, and I have to admit, they far exceeded my expectations of what they were capable of back in January when we started. The greatest part though, was during our second song "God You Make Me Smile." The chorus says "I raise my hands to praise your name, I am not ashamed, to praise your name, Jesus." Several of the kids spontaneously raised their hands to praise their God with a pure heart and motivated only by praising Him.

Renee's vision was that the kids would experience real, true worship; leading others in worship as well. I feel really privileged to have walked through this visioning process, and see the fruit come from it. Looking forward to the future with our Children's Choir!