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Some words from the 2004 Lausanne Missions Conference:
This evening’s large group meeting dealt with the Church of the Future, and it focused heavily on children. I was deeply moved. One presenter loudly exclaimed that “Jesus was FURIOUS” with his disciples for not letting the children come to him. (Mark 10:14) And literally at the word “furious” all the power in the building shut off and the mic cut off with a loud boom. I can’t help but think God was emphasizing a point that is dear to his heart. We, the church, have been overlooking the children! Whether it’s whisking them away to Sunday school and felt boards, or simply ignoring the millions of children around the world who are physically suffering (sex trade, hunger, AIDS, child labor, etc.), the church has messed up. Not only do we need to care for them, but we need to train and empower them to be bearers of the gospel, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these! Only 10% of mission efforts around the world are targeted to children, and yet one-third of the world’s population is under the age of 15. I am still absorbing and digesting all the compelling information I heard tonight, but I know this: tonight’s message was in line with God’s heartbeat. May we the church repent as needed, and move in step with the Lord’s heart towards children.
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