Marco

Hey guys! I am happy to share with you another Sunday School experience that I thank God for. It's about a question of my student at church: "Is God dead?" Share it with friends and leave your comments if you wish to :)

I first knew Marco (five) when he came in to class to look after his brother. He seemed too distant and bored. All kids were so engrossed with their crayons and worksheets but he stood at the back, pouting. Wondering what the matter is, I walked toward him. He avoided my stare and I knew that this would be one of those on demand 'counselling sessions'.

Rose: Hi Marco. Don't you like to colour your sheet?
Marco: No. I am just here to look after my brother. If he's mean then I need to tell Mom.
Rose: Oh, I see... I think your brother is enjoying his work. Why don't you join him?
Marco: I don't like to do that stuff.
Rose: Why not?
Marco:  Because I am so busy and tired. I already have lots of homework from school... You know, I go to the greatest school.
Rose: Wow, that's wonderful! So, what's the name of your school?
Marco: (mentions the school's name)
Rose: I see... Yeah, that's a good school.
Marco: Have you been there?
Rose: No, but my brother had been there before. He said it is really a nice place.... Maybe we can talk about your school.
Marco: Uhmm, okay.
Rose: Let me ask you, do you talk about God at school?
Marco: Yeah...
Rose: Great! So what have you been learning about God lately?
Marco: Uhm... Uhm....
Rose: Let's start with who God is. Who is Jesus?
Marco: Uhm, God?
Rose: Yes, that's correct.
Marco: Is God dead, teacher?
Rose: Oh, what do you think?
Marco: I don't know (shrugged his shoulders).  'Cause at church in school I see a big, big God on the cross and he looks like this (closed his eyes, spread his arms, and bowed his head).
Rose: It's a picture of how Jesus loved everyone. Yes, he needed to die so that we can freely talk to God and be with Him forever. But it's not the end of the story. He is alive. (Showed him a picture of Jesus' resurrection).
Marco: I see...
Rose: He is more powerful than any of these soldiers and any heroes that you know. Because Jesus is God and He owns everything, including you and me.
Marco: Wow. So God is not dead.

Rose: So, I want you to remember that it's just a picture. The real God is in heaven and he can be in your heart, too.
Marco: Okay.

Rose: Do you want God, who is so alive to be in you?
Marco: Yes!

After a few weeks, Marco came back. Again, he's late. But this time, he took the initiative to get his crayons and worksheets. During Bible Story and Gospel Sharing time, I saw his face lightening up as he gave answers to my questions. 

Rose: Where is God's home?
Marco: In heaven!
Rose: Can Jesus make our hearts his home, too?
Marco: Yes!!
Rose: Would you like to welcome Jesus in your hearts?
Marco and his classmates: Yes!
Rose: Let's say sorry to Jesus then and ask Him to be in our hearts, then!

My reflection: All behaviour in class is an outflow of what's in the students' hearts. Indeed, it is challenging to explain deep concepts of God's power, Jesus' death and resurrection and the necessity to repent and welcome him to be Lord of our lives. But there's a God-shaped hole that only He can fill. And by faith, God's word will work on their hearts. We just need to be willing to be vessels for God's work.

Our role as Sunday School teachers is to be more sensitive to the needs of kids and tap on those needs before presenting the Gospel. Marco was initially reactive because he thought I would scold him or force him to join the big group, but then when he felt that I was there to just talk to him, he started to open up and ask that big question.

After Marco prayed the prayer of acceptance, I also talked to his Mom. Teary eyed, she thanked me and gave me a commitment to look after her son's walk with the Lord.

It is so humbling to be a part of this ministry, for it's an eternal investment.:) What about you, have you paused from a day's busy work to care for a child's need? Please share with me your story!