Looking back @ "ARROWS - Let's Proclaim"

Starting back in November of 2017.... I started preparing for what became of "Let's Proclaim" - an 8 week course on public speaking.  Within days of preparing for this class.... I realized that this wasn't so much about public speaking, but about getting the 4th and 5th graders to write a testimony.  

Remembering back when I was in 4th grade, my faith was so strong, that I wanted to be a priest when I grow up.  My biggest worry, was these young men (gentleboys, as I called them) are still so pure and untainted, that they will regurgitate exactly what Sunday School has been feeding the over the years.

Case in point.... I chose the topic "Who Created the Universe?" for their speech.

And as expected, one of the kids who grew up in church, goes to a private Christian school, went to all the Sunday Schools, Vacation Bible Schools, Kids Prayer Club etc.... gave the modal answer.  "God created us out of his own image, so that we can glorify him by offering ourselves as living sacrifices."  Wow.... great answer.  

Then I pushed him.  Give me an answer that's not from the bible.  He couldn't do it.  His mind isn't developed enough to critically think about these "tough topics."  

On the other hand.... there was a kid who went to public school all his life.  He's new to our church and his only exposure to God, is through the 1 hour of Sunday School the past couple of years.  When I asked him "Who Created the Universe?" His answer was, "God!! Only God can do it.  Cuz he's all powerful!! No one else can do it!!" I looked into his eyes... and he was so convinced, so convicted, so sure of this answer, that it really exemplifies the term "child-like faith." Not having the same biblical education as the other kids... this kid turned out to have the strongest faith (in the heart, not in the mind).  

Lastly.... on the last night of class, I handed them each a tie.  Signifying their passage from boy to man.  From gentleboys, to gentlemen. I also apologized for being so strict with them.  To which they said, "Oh no... you're not that strict.  We've had worse."

WHAT?!?!?!? SOMEONE MORE STRICT THAT MEN!?!?!? WHO!!?!?!?!?!?I GOTTA MEET THIS GUY!!!!

Another chapter closes.  Until next year....