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10 This is why we work and try so hard. It’s because we have put our hope in the Living God. He is the Savior of all people. Most of all, He is the Savior of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10   According to today’s headlines, more children are being infected and hospitalized with Covid-19. All over the country, parents are faced with difficult decisions. In our own congregation, we recently lost a precious new life – Noah Dean Smith, the son of Jeremy and Jennifer, and brother of Jaden, Jaycee, Jaxon and Jordan. Both of these situations have inspired me to prayer and reflection. As the Director of Family Ministry, how can I foster spiritual growth in our children when we aren’t meeting in person? Let me share with you a powerful truth that I learned at my first-ever ministry training: Nothing that the church does to influence children and youth towards faith in Christ is as powerful and effective as what their parents do. Nothing I do – not programs, or sermons, or education, or materials, or mission trips or activities – can compete with the words and actions of parents. Before the pandemic, I was focused on buying the right curriculum, finding volunteers, planning a youth mission trip and the other day-to-day activities of working in ministry. Even though I know that faithful parents are the best route to faithful children, I let other things take up my time. Now, I am searching the internet for ways to equip and encourage parents, swapping ideas with other Christian educators, and connecting with families that I hadn’t met in my first year here. The new normal has given me the time and inspiration to get parents invested in their kids’ faith journey. Many parents believe that being “good people” and knowing who Jesus is will be enough. But, being aware of Jesus and being a good person do not have the same impact as being in relationship with God. A child who experiences God’s love, knows Jesus’ forgiveness, and trusts the Holy Spirit has a great advantage in life, and less fear of death. That’s the gift of faith. I have been with parents in the emergency room, watched them receive the news of their child’s passing, and heard their testimony: “We are so fortunate that our child knew Jesus, that she relied on Him in life, and that she is now with Him in death.” These parents do not regret choosing worship over other activities, spending time reading the Bible and praying, or taking opportunities to point out others’ faith in action. May we, The Church, lift up all parents in prayer, and equip and encourage those around us during this difficult time and always. Amen. Christina P.S. – Check out “Give You Faith” by Laura Story for some musical inspiration about passing on the faith.