Fall Fest Fun!

What an afternoon! I got shown up by children half my age in nearly every game I played, the rain outside was gaining flood potential with every second, and yet, I couldn’t have pictured a more beautiful day than this one. My small group and I had come fishing for an opportunity to serve at Mission First’s annual Fall Festival with hopes of making an impact on the lives of the young children in the afterschool program held there. Praise God, because He did a work in both parties that day.
When we arrived, the gym was set up with games of all kinds including: a pickle walk (a modified version of the cake walk), moon bounce, obstacle course, face painting station, inflatable slide, hoola-hoop contest, and ping pong toss. The volunteers were then scattered across the gym to be stationed at each of the various games, each equipped with candy or small toy prizes. The children came in two rotations, and were given a bag, which they were to fill with their winnings from all of the games. To each bag was stapled a coupon for cotton candy and popcorn, which they were to use at their own discretion. When the kids arrived, the fun really began, as the gym quickly filled with sweet smiles, infectious laughter, and loads of energy. I was immediately reminded of the scripture in Matthew 19 that says, “… Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” At this fall festival, I was blessed to again see the innocence and faith of the eyes through which a child views life. I also was reminded of the lasting value of a cheerful heart. Proverbs 17:22a says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” As a nursing student, I know all about the effects of a quality medicine on the body and mind. What God made clear for me that day at Mission First was the availability of spiritual therapy through an attitude of joy.
-Jannae Morris, Pinelake Church