On Palm Sunday 2004 I had the opportunity to share about our ministry in Mexico at the Lewis Creek Baptist Church in Shelbyville, IN.This church has a significant link in my faith story.My dad was the pastor of this church when I was a little girl (at the ages of 4, 5, & 6).And my earliest church memory takes place here:I am sitting in opening exercises for Sunday School singing the song "Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World."Perhaps some of you remember this song?

Jesus Loves the Little Children

All the Children of the World

Red and yellow, black and white

They are precious in his sight

Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World.

I hadn't thought much about that memory until I stood in that church two weeks ago.Some of the same people who knew me as a child still attend there.I have relatives that go to this church that I hadn't seen in almost 10 years.Adults came up to me and said, "Your dad baptized me."Or, "Your dad married me."And one young woman my age said, "I remember hiding behind your dad's robe when he greeted people at the door."As I stood in the pulpit and preached, the Holy Spirit swirled around me whispering, "These people are your spiritual grandparents.They planted the seeds of your faith."It was simply overpowering.I almost wept.

I had no idea that God had all this in store for me!I was in Indianapolis for another conference, and had seen an opportunity to speak at several churches in the area.My parents had suggested I might speak at Lewis Creek because of its connection to our family.The timing was right and the pastor, The Rev. Cliff Bunch, extended an invitation for me to come.And then, WHAM, God slammed me with this avalanche of love!It was here, at Lewis Creek Baptist, that I first internalized the message that we are all one in Christ, that Jesus loves all colors of people, that the Gospel message is for the world.

Do you care about the children in your church?Do you see them as precious in God's sight?Do you envision them as future pastors, missionaries, teachers, and evangelists?Do you realize that you are planting seeds in young hearts that will change the world?

I am thankful that at six-years-old a church in Indiana started me on a journey that eventually led to Mexico.

I praise God for re-connecting me with people that are part of my spiritual heritage.

I celebrate that as I traveled into Holy Week, I had a chance to experience God's love and grace in such a tangible way.