We read in the Psalms, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3). Do we fully appreciate the wonderful blessing of having children in our congregations? The word translated “heritage” can mean “inheritance.” This inheritance is a gift given to us from God, according to His will.

God takes it very seriously, how we treat children. When Jesus’ disciples asked who is the greatest in the Kingdom, Jesus replied, “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). In Mark’s Gospel account, when the disciples tried to stop people from bringing children to Christ, it is stated, “when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased…” (Mark 10:14). The word for greatly displeased can be translated, “indignant.” Jesus became indignant toward those that would forbid children to come to Him!

Again, do we appreciate what a blessing it is to have children, teens and young adults in our congregations? Having children is part of God’s plan to bring “many sons to glory.” From the moment God created man and woman and placed them in the garden of Eden, God told them to become one flesh (Genesis 2:24) and to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:38). Having children is part of God’s plan to grow His family! What an awesome responsibility God has placed squarely on the shoulders of parents (Deuteronomy 6:1-9).

Next week, from Nov. 7–9, will be the 24th camp team conference for the United Youth Camps program. This year, for the first time in our history, we have invited all of the pre-teen camp directors to attend the meetings. We are striving to more closely integrate the efforts and achievements of the pre-teen camps to those of the teen camps, while still giving the pre-teen camps the flexibility to maintain programs that meet the needs of the younger ages.

The goal of the United Youth Camps program is to support the parents, not supplant the parents. Our camp programs focus on reinforcing the principles of God’s way of life, so our children recognize that they are not “alone” as they grow up “different” from the world around them. We believe our children have a special relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ and all that we endeavor to accomplish within the UYC program is aimed at helping our children see God’s plan for them.

Please pray for the wisdom and discernment of everyone involved in the upcoming camp team conference so that the decisions reached will support parents as they rear godly offspring (Malachi 2:15).