I first met Kayti when she was in 6th grade and her Mom brought her to our Vacation Bible School. I was the teacher for the Junior Class, which consists of the 5th and 6th graders. Kayti was pretty quiet and didn’t have much to say back then, and was probably made quite nervous by the old, loud guy teaching the class. We made a connection, though, and a bond was established which continues today.
It’s been three years now, and Kayti and I have been through a lot of churching together. One more Vacation Bible School and a couple of Church Camps are among the highlights. Not only that, but on Sunday’s I teach the young teen class, so when Kayti moved up I got to be her teacher for another couple of years. Sadly, I don’t get to teach Kayti any more, as she is a 9th grader and in the older teen class now. Frown.
Like any teacher, parent, or other adult who teaches kids, I wonder to myself: Did it stick? Did they actually learn things? In the case of the teaching of faith, there are even more questions: Do they really know what they believe? Do they understand why? Are they really saved? Do they put their Christian life into action? Are they showing and telling their world about Jesus?
Well, what you are about to read answered all of these questions for me in one simple yet profound paragraph. This is what my young friend posted on her Facebook wall last night. I can’t even express how moved and encouraged I was to see the boldness with which this young lady dealt with this situation.
Here is what Kayti posted on her wall:(republished with Mom’s okay!)
feeling confident
Today at school we started talking about how we thought abortion was wrong. I was thinking after that how many people could have lied and how many people were telling the truth. I don’t think abortion is right because it kills a person and you never know what they could have done. They could heal cancer or change the world. Then a boy in the group was asking if we believed in God. I said of course. He saved me and has helped me through so much. I said do you and he said no. I said well why? He says why should I. I said he has done wonderful things to you and he will do many more. He said like what. I told him he made you, saved you, and died for you. He said well it doesn’t matter what he does I will never believe. I said you say that now but when you are in hell burning and stop drop and roll doesn’t work in hell and everyone else is roaming the streets of gold in heaven you will see you messed up big time. I just wanted to share this story. Maybe a few people that see it will change how they see God to. I’m praying for him and many more.
Folks, don’t be discouraged. God is still in control, and He has this. We get discouraged sometimes when we look around and it seems the world is falling apart, away from God, and against Christians. We fear all hope is lost, because we seem to be dying on the vine. The demise of Christianity is just around the corner; just ask any atheist. Again, I say, don’t be discouraged! There is a new generation coming into it’s own, and some of them have nailed it!
Truth in Palmyra 
November 5, 2015 at 06:23
I admire this young lady’s boldness Wally. It takes guts to be that open about faith these days.
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November 5, 2015 at 06:30
It sure does James. She really moved me with that. Her whole family is an amazing story of God’s grace and patience. If they will let me I may tell it some day. Thanks for reading
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November 5, 2015 at 06:42
Ah, great story! There is hope for the young ones, especially when we show them a bit of kindness and let God do the rest.
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November 5, 2015 at 06:49
Yes because contrary to popular belief we don’t have to scare and indoctrinate. We can just love them and teach what is true and let God do His thing. Thanks for coming by IB
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November 5, 2015 at 06:56
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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November 5, 2015 at 07:03
Thanks Brother Vincent
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November 5, 2015 at 09:43
You’re very welcome Brother Wally!
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November 5, 2015 at 08:47
Quite disturbing, in actual fact, that a young child would be even contemplating burning in hell.
That you would post such diatribe and feel smug and proud is even worse.
That you are unable to understand the type of psychological damage this causes suggests you suffer form similar mental health issues.
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November 5, 2015 at 09:21
Yeah ok. Listen. That’s it for you on this thread. You aren’t turning this into your typical garbage pit.
Peace
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November 5, 2015 at 09:27
You can always tell the source of the spirit. The enemy seeks to defile all that is holy, all that honors the Father.
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November 5, 2015 at 09:38
Indeed. Thanks for the support friend.
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November 5, 2015 at 12:16
I have to agree with Ark. To use fear of hell to convert a non-believer is wrong in so many ways. If you truly want to reach people for your “Jesus,” far better to use LOVE. After all, isn’t that what your master gave as one of the primary commands?
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November 5, 2015 at 12:23
Two things Nan. One. I don’t use the fear of hell to convert people. As real as it is….it is still love that saves. Two. If you notice my young friend started with love yet faced the reality of eternal separation from God.
I say well done
@Ark. Keep on reposting that same comment. It will be deleted each time. Its up to five now.
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November 5, 2015 at 12:36
Wally, based on your posting, the girl wrote:
YOU may not use the fear of hell to convert (or so you say), but it’s pretty obvious that girl did. And you have to admit, it’s a VERY common tactic by untold numbers of believers. And while using the fear of eternal damnation may convert, it’s certainly a horrible way to present your god.
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November 5, 2015 at 12:43
Nan. Did you not note the mention of Love and salvation? God’s love and His judgment are both real and both need to be presented. The only other thing I will add is that no one commenting actually has any idea how people I worship with actually interact with young people. We spread love on them like butter on toast. That’s what we do. I agree there are abuses out there but simply not guilty here. I wrote on that in my post Scared Straight? Check it out sometime.
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November 5, 2015 at 12:48
I simply repeat what I said to Nan. Now I suggest you don’t escalate this and watch your words carefully. At the first hint of personal assaults on my friend and you are done.
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November 5, 2015 at 14:51
You did say: ”Repost it until the world ends” did you not?
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November 5, 2015 at 14:52
Really? Wow. Yeah I meant that literally.
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November 5, 2015 at 14:52
Okay, then I will post …. literally.
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November 5, 2015 at 12:54
“At the first hint of personal assaults on my friend and you are done.”
Personal assaults? What are you talking about? Honestly, Wally, I have no intention whatsoever of engaging in “personal assaults.”
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November 5, 2015 at 13:01
David this has been covered with you over and over. I wont again
Peace
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November 5, 2015 at 14:27
That ok, Wally, the data speak for themselves.
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November 5, 2015 at 10:19
Great post, Wally! My daughter and I have had quite a number of conversations recently about how her generation can’t get by like ours has with living your faith as a Christian either in the shadows or just as a given. The opposition and blatant antagonism to Christianity is growing by epic proportions and truth is nowhere to be found. It’s simply of matter of who shouts their opinion loudest wins and all who oppose the loudest are idiots, bigots and need to be silenced. Our children cannot be complacent in their faith like we have been. The world demands with ever-increasing fervor they pick a side, no more straddling the line. It says, “You’re either for us or against us, and if you’re against us, we’re coming after you with everything we’ve got.” It is crucial that the generations up and coming arm themselves with the Truth and with the foundations upon which It stands, always making sure their relationship with God is the number one priority in their life.
That being said, no matter the age, we all have a responsibility as Christians to live our faith out loud – not loud as in shouting and bullying and getting in people’s faces whether on line or in person but living what we believe and being willing and able to give answers when honest questions are posed. It’s more important now than ever to be sure of what you believe and why you believe it and not rest on the faith of your parents or anyone else. And it’s so critical to live in accordance with what you profess. It not only does no good to declare yourself a Christian but then live like the rest of the world. It’s actually what’s bringing the Christian faith to its knees these days and sapping the collective strength of believers. It’s wonderful to see youth today who are willing, capable and eager to stand up for God and for Christ. It puts us adults to shame when we fail to do the same when called to.
Kayti is an inspiration and an example, showing us that it’s not a matter of the perfect words at the perfect moment in the perfect place but a heart perfect before God, prepared and ready to go whenever and wherever He calls. She is evidence that, as you said, God is still in control, still on the throne, and as this world gets tougher for the Christian to live out their faith, He will always hold us safe in His embrace until He calls us home.
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November 5, 2015 at 10:55
Cindy thanks for a great addition to this as always!
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November 5, 2015 at 14:09
Ark really? Repost it until the world ends….not staying.
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November 6, 2015 at 04:05
What Kayti’s post shows is how simplistically we view the world in our youth and how susceptible we are to outside influence. In this particular case, yours, among others.
Factually abortion is not ‘wrong’. That is Kayti’s opinion. And a foetus is not a person etc so abortion does NOT kill a person, either legally (in your country) or scientifically. Perhaps when Kayti grows older and maybe (but not necessarily) learns to think for herself, she may well think abortion is not for her. But that doesn’t mean she should morally judge others who do make that choice.
Similarly, one doesn’t ‘heal’ cancer. Each type of cancer is different eg breast, lung, colorectal, and within that, each cancer has different stages, and depending on the stage at diagnosis that invariably affects outcome.
Burning in hell? Streets of gold in heaven? (Is religion teaching greed too that your afterlife involves streets paved with gold?)
Kayti would be better off employed learning the facts and history of abortion and relevant legislation, and some clinical facts about cancers and their treatment than coming out with threats to her peers about burning in hell and gloating about gold in heaven. If that’s truly what you are teaching children Wally, I think you, and your religious sisters and brothers have your priorities truly screwed up.
But to follow your logic, what would be the point of trying to ‘heal cancer’ or ‘change the world’ if your god has it all mapped out anyway?
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November 6, 2015 at 17:34
Encouraging read. I needed that especially with our struggling youth ministry.
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November 6, 2015 at 17:50
Oh it really pumped me up Brother Jim. We struggle with youth also and that was like a shot in the arm. Her whole family is am amazing story of the power of God’s grace. I am so blessed to have been a part of it. The year before I first taught her God blessed me with her sister in my Bible School class and He allowed me to lead her to salvation. Kayti was in my class but not saved then. My wife had that honor at Church camp later that summer. Their older brother has been called to preach. Get this. Five years ago neither mom or dad had been to church in years.
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November 6, 2015 at 22:21
Hey Jim,
It has been my experience that youth ministries tend to flounder when the youth mostly play games, play music, and have fun. Not that there is anything wrong with that but older kids need teaching on evangelism, doctrine, and apologetics. A church I was a member of several years ago tried less fun and more solid food and most of the kids immediately became more engaged and interested.
I think youth ministries are sometimes a tad too superficial and friendly.
Just my two cents, hope you don’t mind.
James
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November 6, 2015 at 23:25
Not at all. Our church is really not that cool. I think our church from youth to adult ministry go into deeper things. I feel our biggest problem is that we lose kids to other churches that are cooler and hip but water down.
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November 7, 2015 at 08:28
Hey James
Well, I certainly don’t mind, I am glad we stirred up a conversation. I happen to agree with you to tell the truth. Numbers don’t matter as much as quality I think. We enjoy ourselves of course, but teaching of solid Bible studies is the focus. And we start with it pretty young. I teach the 5th and 6th graders in Bible School ever year and we get pretty deep.
@ Jim. Don’t be discouraged brother. We don’t have many either, as the cool churches get them all. But then again, we simply aren’t very big in the first place. We might break 100 at preaching on a good Sunday, normally 85-90. So, by default we just don’t have many kids. I will tell you what we do have, though, is a very solid small group of kids. Two boys, including my own, have been called by the Lord to preach, and you see what my friend Kayti did. They are small, but solid. Remember, Brother Jim, 12 men turned the world upside down.
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November 7, 2015 at 11:28
Thanks for the link Sirius. Even though we disagree, I appreciate it. And for the most part, your responses are well quite reasonable. So, thanks.
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November 7, 2015 at 19:52
Sorry I didn’t catch this earlier. My notification thing didn’t let me know there was a comment here.
Technology and I rarely cooperate…
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