Written by Pastor Mark Kleinheksel, Hager Park Reformed Church in Jenison, MI
“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”
Philippians 2:12b-13
My first Kids Hope USA student was a friendly second grade boy. After the first couple of weeks of our mentoring relationship, he said to me, “Do you want to hear me sing?” I responded with an enthusiastic, “That would be awesome!” He quickly broke into song, and I immediately recognized that my new friend had perfect pitch. I was wowed and continued to encourage his singing.
When Christmas approached during our second year of mentoring, I asked if he wanted to sing for my church’s Christmas Eve service. He did, and with his parents’ permission, my young virtuoso sang that Christmas Eve and many more in the years to come. I continued to mentor him long after the Kids Hope USA program had ended. My relationship with his family also grew, and I am grateful to have shared the love of Jesus with them as we became friends.
In Philippians 2:12b & 13, Paul is calling us to an action that reflects how Christ lives in us. As Kids Hope USA prayer partners, you play an important role in praying for students who are being encouraged by a Kids Hope USA mentor. By doing so, you are encouraging their God-given strengths and abilities through supporting them in a behind-the-scenes way. This is a powerful example of living out how Christ lives in us, as you are bringing the love of Jesus to those around you. This is living out the gift of salvation.
Lord Jesus, thank you for leaving the comfort and glory of heaven to be in relationship with me. Help me to live out my salvation by loving those around me. I pray that Kids Hope USA students are encouraged by mentors, prayer partners and others around them to nurture and develop the special gifts and talents you’ve given them. May you Jesus, expand those relationships and fulfill your good purpose. Amen.