Farmville Enterprise August 21, 2019
It’s hard to believe that Summer 2019 has come and gone. Hopefully there were some positive memories made for you and your families and that you had at least a few instances of making someone else’s life a little easier or happier. Classes already have begun at Pitt Community College, East Carolina University as well as at several local private schools. Pitt County Schools will begin classes on Monday.
For the most part, a quality education is crucial for children to develop to their full potential. Societies that are able to invest in good public education tend to enjoy certain results like lower illiteracy rates, better health care, more job opportunities and better overall quality of life. Teaching children to read and to think critically can help their spiritual lives as well.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18: 3-5) “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10-11)
It is clear that Jesus values children as well as adults. Most of our churches do a super job welcoming and meeting the needs of people of all ages. We all will be starting up a new year of Christian education and many congregations could use a few more volunteers to teach Sunday School or be involved in children’s or youth ministry. Several local churches collect individually wrapped portions of food and drinks to be sent home over the weekend for students through the Backpack Pals program, so donations of food or money always are encouraged. Perhaps your church could adopt a classroom and help purchase certain supplies. Maybe you might consider volunteering to read to a class or tutoring one-on-one. If you are able you could donate to Farmville Area Mini Grants through the Pitt County Educational Foundation, to the Boys and Girls Club or to the H.B. Sugg Community Child Care Center.
As Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
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