The verse has been before me for just about two weeks …
“But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.†And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he leftâ€Â (Matthew 19:14, NLT).
Sometimes it takes a red letter Bible to drive the point home. These words came out of the mouth of Jesus. They were meant as a correction to the disciples, who were annoyed that the children had been brought to Jesus.
The flannelgraph pictures come flooding back to mind – the ones of Jesus sitting on a large stone, gathering the children around Him. A child sits on His lap, others encircle Him as He speaks words of blessing over them, and a smile is always fixed on Jesus’ face. Always.
The photos come into my phone, usually in the early morning hours due to the time zones. They never cease to amaze me—and may they always continue to do so.
He’s a young man, unmarried, and with a heart full of love for the children. A love only Jesus can deposit and keep alive.
Won’t you join me at The Lulu Tree to continuing reading about Joel Lutaaya, our Co-Director in Uganda, and the beautiful impact he is having on the children in Uganda.
We’d be honored to have you join us in praying for our teen mamas and their babies for 31 days? Download the Prayer PDF HERE.
Today I am joining … Trekking Thru the Week and Unite and #RaRaLInkup and Grace Full Tuesday and Tell His Story .
Joanne,
What wonderful things are happening through the ministry of Lulu Tree. When you see these innocent faces in so many cultures, it brings home the message of let the little children come to me. God bless this and all ministries that bring little hearts to Christ. Seeing these pictures makes the message much more real than the Sunday school flannel board!
Blessings in your work, Joanne,
Bev xoxo
Bev, it is true even as I see the updates for RCF! May we be faithful to tell these stories and share what God is doing. May we encourage one another to keep on spreading the message. Praying for you – may God strengthen you in body and spirit as you continue to lead the ministry He has called you to! xo
Joanne, I’m always blessed by your heart for those kids and young mums, and so appreciate your updates on the ministry.
Thank you, Michele. May we be faithful to this next generation – both near and afar. I was so touched by your sharing about VBS in your community!
Praying right now for these lovely people. I’m so grateful that we can “meet” others who live far away and in different places and bring them to the Father in prayer.
Amen, Lisa. And to know with assurance that the Father hears our every prayer! Much appreciated!
49 saved at one time! Amazing! May God continue to bless and add to your group!
Truly it is most amazing as God adds not solely to our group, but to His family! May He seal each of their precious hearts for all eternity!
Joanne, what a beautiful testimony Joel is living out. I so enjoyed reading of the work he’s doing and the heart he has for the children. It was a good reminder to me to be patient with my two. And definitely to be praying for those who work with the forgotten in our world.
Thank you for sharing this.
One of my favorite phrases of my toddler is “cause Jesus LOVES children!”
I loved getting this in my inbox the other morning. The work being done in Uganda and the work of the Lulu Tree is making a difference. Thank you for being part of their team.