The Cracked Acorn: The Old, Old Story

I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his children begging for bread. – Psalm 37:25

Interesting how the Child Evangelism Fellowship started in 1937 by Jesse Overholtzer, who wanted to reach young children in the poor sections of our major cities. The target ages were from five to twelve and thought this as the best probability of someone embracing Jesus as his or her Savior. He was impressed by the scripture from Matthew, “I praise You,Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.”

The Milford Decision from the Supreme Court allowed the Fellowship to have Bible clubs at the end of the school day giving children songs, stories, and scriptures form the Bible ending with snacks. One teacher, age thirteen, was very successful on reaching out to youngsters by what he called speaking “childrenese.” He always ended with “Boys and girls, if you have never believed on Jesus, you have a problem,”

Lamar, a twelve-year-old, sitting with his two friends, said that he had been waiting for tangibles that the missionaries had promised. He said he had waited and waited, but nothing had changed. He had thought about going back to the club for another try, but he was undecided. “I took my heart out for God. One time should be enough.”

The Fellowship seems to have worked better in the Southern states. Bible clubs are meeting in 183 public schools in South Carolina, reaching 13,524 children. The clubs state that their additional goals are to “strive to promote positive moral character,provide training, and reinforce values.” The biggest draw is with single moms who want kids to get assistance with homework, even if they have to sit through a Gospel message.

The Bible club has had a recent convert, Edwin Parle, who is a nine-year-old, from a public housing complex in Hartford, relates the “Story” with kind of like Goosebumps, referring to the popular youth horror books written by R.L. Stine. “Well, there is something about Jesus and when you see Him on the cross you really believe in Him. He died for our sins. The afternoon sun reflected off Edwin’s wire-rim glasses, and he looked really calm and studious. (edited from LIKE I WAS JESUS-How to bring a nine-year-old to Christ By Rachel Aviv)

Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above,Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.Tell me the story simply, as to a little child,
For I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled.Tell me the old, old story, tell me the old, old story,Tell me the old, old story, of Jesus and His love. (Katherine Hankey, 1866)

Dear GOD, I read your book and I like it. I would like to write a book some day with the same kind of stories. Where do you get your ideas? Best wishes. (Mark, age 9)

Dear GOD, I didn’t think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset you made on Tuesday. That was cool! (Sean, age 4)

Dear GOD, We read Thomas Edison made light. But in Sunday school they said You did it. So I bet he stole your idea. (Donna)

Dear GOD, Is it true my father won’t get into Heaven if he uses his bowling words in the house? (Anita)

Dear GOD, I think about You sometimes even when I’m not praying. (Elliott)