May 4, 2009
A few weeks ago I was invited to give communion to the first grade class at Carman Adventist School. Nothing could have prepared me for such an awesome experience. Ms. Erb shared with me that the kids in her class were not getting along with each other, so we prayed that as we shared about Jesus and His humility in washing the disciples feet, the kids would forgive each other.
So we prayed together, and I invited anyone who wanted to ask forgiveness from anyone else in the room, to get up and do so. It took a few minutes of silence, but finally one brave child got up and many others soon followed. They hugged each other, they hugged Ms Erb, and I could not help but weep at this beautiful story of forgiveness and peace that was unfolding before my eyes.
When I lived in Romania, I was not allowed to take communion until I was baptized. Yet, as I watched these children experience the power in the lessons that Jesus shared during communion, I wish I could have experienced communion earlier. I believe that children need to understand and accept the ritual of communion, and as long as they are able to do that, we need to provide the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to change them.
