We live in perilous times where the enemy is waging war against our cities, communities, and most importantly our children. Our mission is to target ministries that focus on community outreach programs with the intent to strengthen and support families and their children. Growing up as a young girl I lived with my grandparents, Eliza and Charlie Turner. I had to attend Sunday School, Morning Worship, Baptist Training Union, sing in the choir, play the piano, travel with the church when told, and perform many other church related responsibilities. My mama said, "This was the Lord's Day," and going to church was a requirement, not a debate or question. Because of the experience I received from my grandparents, I can say today that I am truly grateful for the Christian life and examples they set before me. I have a greater appreciation for them and for life. At New Hope Baptist Church in Daingerfield, Texas where Rev. Otis Warren was pastor, I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior. By being introduced to Christ, I knew that I had received the greatest blessing that I could ever receive: becoming a born again Christian. This is the blessing that every child needs. Many children today have parents that have not accepted Christ as their Savior, and because many of them don't go to church, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is probably rarely discussed in their homes. A life without the knowledge and understanding of Christ is detrimental to a child's spiritual development. I was blessed to have a family that knew the Lord and to have Aunt Annie Maude, who drove us to church every Sunday. She sometimes had to make two and three trips to ensure everyone made it to church on time. Those important lessons on Christian stewardship, commitment, and sacrifice would be significant in preparing me for what the Lord had in store for me with the 100-PlusVoice Children's Choir. In 1982, the Lord gave our pastor, Rev. Dr. James Commodore Wade, Jr., a vision to have a 100 Voice Children's Choir. Obeying God's vision, Pastor Wade received confirmation to implement the vision through God's word in Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision the people perish." And because he trusted God, his vision to have a Children's Ministry was manifested. As Pastor Wade and I partnered together on the idea, we prayed that the Lord would give me the love and patience to help each child. We vowed to never make a difference between children, and to give every child the opportunity to participate in other opportunities presented. We prayed to show every child that they were important, and that we graciously valued their commitment. Most importantly, we wanted to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that ensured NO child's soul would be lost. The vision was fulfilled in 1986. For over thirty-two years, we have been blessed with over 100 children every week. I thank God for Rev. Dr. J.C. Wade, Jr. in giving me the opportunity to serve as director. God blessed the Children's Ministry at Zion Missionary Baptist Church; and we give all the glory to God. All children deserve a chance to know Jesus. As born again Christians, it is our primary responsibility to ensure that their minds are conformed to the ideology that articulates they are a blessing from the Lord. Simple Steps to Reach Each Child Now is written for the sole purpose of teaching you how to reach children at home and abroad through a Children's Ministry, which embodies the physical, cultural, economic, and spiritual development of every child.
