I was preparing a different Newsletter when I learned of a story that was so sweet that I had to share it with you. When I was the Pastor of Dutch Cove Baptist Church in the mountains of North Carolina, our, across the road neighbors, were Ronnie and Vicky. Not only were they neighbors, they were fellow church members and good friends. When hurricane Helene hit, Vicky was in Wisconsin visiting their daughter, Katie. Naturally, they watched the TV news as the story of the devastation happened. They saw houses washed away. The hurricane was also a topic of conversation. Later, some of Katie’s Wisconsin neighbors brought donations of money and relief supplies. That was a generous blessing.

Meanwhile, someone else was watching and listening. Katie’s daughter, Vicky’s granddaughter, Lucy, is 3 and a half years old. She was paying more attention than anyone realized. She also understood far more than you would think a 3 and a half year old would understand. Lucy began to place her little hand over her heart and say, “I so sad. I hurt”. Isn’t that precious? But it gets better. Later, they found Lucy in her room. She had gone through her toys and made two piles. She indicated one of the piles and said something like this, “I don’t need these any more. Take them to some little girl who lost all her toys”. 

What a sweet, precious, tender heart. A 3 and a half year old willing to divide her treasures with someone who was hurting, someone she did not even know. It makes this old Pastor teary-eyed every time I think about it. Two Scriptures came to mind.
   …”A little child shall lead them”. Isaiah 11:6
   …”Jesus said, Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 19:14

It is so easy to grow cynical and callous. There is so much trouble and suffering in our world today that, if we are not careful, we become like the two men in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. We pass by and ignore the man who is hurting. I find myself praying, “Lord, keep my heart tender and sensitive”. This week, 3 and a half year old Lucy, reminded me to keep praying that prayer. Thank you, Lucy.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. October 20–Quarterly Church Conference
5. $ 1535–NC Missions Offering Total
6. $ 800 NC Disaster Relief Offering –$ 300 donations and $500 from Barbee’s Grove Women’s Ministry
   Continue to give as the Lord leads
7. October 15–Golden Agers Mountain trip. Plan to go
8. October 13 and 20
   5-7  Youth and Children meet
   5:30-6:30  Adult Church Training

Hard hearted or tender hearted? Let’s examine ourselves

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church