“Let the children come to Me, do not prevent them for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these”
Matthew 19:14
That is the verse that would be forever tattooed in my heart. Have you ever wonder what is your purpose here in Earth? Have you found or knew it already? Because for me, I think I found it, and the verse indicates it all.
I may not have an Ate, but I grew up in the community I am serving now, the Kids For Christ. I actively participated in our monthly session until I was 11 years old. I am grateful for this community as well as for the ates and kuyas who guided me along my way to Youth For Christ.
When I was still a Kids For Christ, all I wanted is to be like my ates and kuyas, or what we call, ROCK Ate. I want to inspire Kids, talk to them about Jesus, I want to play with them, be creative with them, I want to hear their laugh, cry to the Lord, I want them to grow on the way how I grew. In short, I love them.
Year 2009 when I started sharing my life to the kids, first times are so memorable to me that I feel the need to share this to you.
Our couple coordinator called me to serve for the kids, when I was still a KFC, all I know is that the couple coordinator are the one who teach all through out the session, but when I came to the chapel, my couple coordinator just said, “Okay Ate Ara, lead the session” and I wasw like, WOAAH! I AM NOT READY FOR THIS!! But I believe, through prayers, I can do it. I was too shy, I can’t believe that a 13 year old girl will be leading the whole session. My voice back then was still tiny as the ant, I am not that creative for the activities, I am shy to dance in front of them, but Praise God! I survived my first Kids Session!!
Next first time is my first talk. While planning for our Kids camp, my coordinator told me, “Ara, you do the talk 4, since you came from KFC, it will be easy for you”, I just say YES, all I was expecting is that it is the life as a Kids For Christ. But when I saw the talk outline, it is THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL HELP ME TO BE GOOD. What could be my reaction?? Of course, WAIT!! HOW AM I ABLE TO LET THE KIDS UNDERSTAND ABOUT HOLY SPIRIT??!!
It was a reflection talk, reflection of the good things we need to do as a child of God. Upon reflection, I saw kids crying, saying sorry to the Lord, saying sorry for their parents, wishing their parents are there not knowing, after the reflection, their parents are standing at their back. They were surprised, and as an Ate, it is the greatest feeling ever, to see the parent and child, saying the power words to each other, “I love you, Thank you, Sorry“.
I’ve been doing that for almost 8 years now, and it feels like always the first time. The goosebumps feels was always there. I always thank the Lord for using me as His instrument!
I am overwhelmed with these experience, but since this is about my life as an Ate to the kids, let me share to you my funny experiences.
Not all the times, kids are behave, I am sure you knew that. There are times that they are totally unstoppable.
A kid wants a piggy back to you, another one wants to hug your leg, I was like in the zoo, and animals are keep hugging me.
There was a time when we want to begin the session, but they are still unstoppable, a kid hides under the table. And I have no choice but to chase him.
If you serve the kids, regardless of what ministry you are, for sure, you knew that there is a need to dance. And to dance with 8 songs continuously, IT IS NOT A JOKE. But when the kids shouts for MORE, IT IS NOT REALLY A JOKE, FOR THE SECOND TIME!! But because they are kids, enjoying dancing for the Lord, you will dance, (also because you have no choice).
Another thing, is taking care of them, helping them to take a bath, to pee and poop (YES, IT IS A NEED), to listen in their endless stories, to always get their water, to always hug them, it is all part of this service. But when you received their priceless smile, all of these things seems to be so fun doing!
At the end of every session and camp, the would say goodbye to you with a big smile full of joy, and you would know that they are talking to their parents how good ate you are to them.
Fun, exciting, challenging, heart melting, these are the words that I can describe in serving God’s little children. I always pray for them, for their future, for their family, for their education and future career, but most importantly, I always pray that they grew loving and God-fearing person.
With my 8 years as an Ate, I never came to the point that I was tired mentally in serving the kids, but physically? ALWAYS. Never came to the point that I served them without being tired after. But it’s always worth it.
I found my joy and purpose in serving God’s little angels. ❤
To you who are reading this, try to serve, even with the kids you do not know. They can help brighten your life and make it more meaningful! I pray for you and your heart!
Chasing Adventures 