Every Wednesday after school we have a program at the complex where we meet (we use it as our gathering place) that we call JAM.  It is for grades 1-6.  I usually go and play some football with them (I am always the quarterback) and then they stop to eat some snacks followed by a lesson.  Because of other responsibilities I have I usually leave after I help with the snacks.  (No, not eating them!)  🙂  I chat with the kids, tap some of them on the shoulder, joke with some, hug some, and just generally let them know that I love them and care about them.   It really is a cool time and they are a pretty neat bunch of kids.

Last week I showed them a video (seen here) and then talked to them about Advent Conspiracy.  I had two glasses filled with water.  One was green from a local pond and the other was clear from a Culligan water system.  As you can imagine a big, big difference.  The green one grossed them out (except for the macho boy or two who said he would drink it).  Yeah right.  His mom would hang me up by my toenails if I let him.  😮 I gave them the stats that were in the video again.  One child dies every 15 seconds from unclean water.  That means 4,000 every day times 365 = 1,460,000 die every year from unclean & unsafe water.   Since the church I pastor is taking on the Advent Conspiracy challenge I invited them to join in.  We will keep track of what they give and tell the church at the end of it all.   If you or your church have not yet taken up a challenge for Christmas this year it is not too late.  Last year I heard about it 1 1/2 weeks before Christmas and with a Christmas in February we were able to raise over $1100 for Living Water Intl.

AC’s theme is “Worship Fully” “Spend Less” “Give More” and “Love All.”  My message this week is on John the Baptizer and how he was willing to give up comforts to follow his calling.

How about you?  Will you join the Advent Conspiracy challenge?  I asked the same question last week: what is your church/your family doing to keep your focus on Christ this Christmas season?  I would love to hear from you.