On Wednesday, we went to the Boys and Girls Club. As I was playing with the kids, I introduced myself to an 8 year old girl named Taija. We were coloring pictures and talking about her life. We talked about her family, her school, and her favorite games to play.

I felt the Lord calling me to talk to her about Him.

So very nervously, I asked her if she went to church and if she believed in Jesus.

She immediately said, "My cousin says Jesus isn't real. Why do you believe in Him?"

I explained to her that when I look at how amazing our bodies were created and how He speaks to me in different ways -- that is enough for me to believe. I asked her if there was anything I could pray with her about, and she told me she wanted to thank God for making everyone so nice. My heart was so touched by her genuine and innocent kindness. Her positive attitude and her curiosity are things I admire deeply.

When the conversation was over, we kept on doing our craft, but the moment was not lost. I could tell she was really thinking about what I had told her. I will continue to pray that God can keep that genuine kindness and use it to serve others.

This trip has impacted my life. My new friend Taija has changed the way that I look at ministering to others. I was also challenged in not only serving people, but opening my mouth to share the reason why I was doing the service- Christ in me.  

-Madeline