Women Connect: Take Time — Jenn Burris

Ponder

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me." —Matthew 18:1-5 ESV

For those of us blessed to have children, we have (or had) a built-in "children's ministry" - 24/7. Others have also had opportunities to share in the lives of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, neighbors, friends' kids or as teachers, assistants, coaches in schools, churches or other places in your community. Definitely no shortage of opportunities to help positively influence the lives of precious children and youth!

I hope you have a child or children…a teenager or young adult you are faithfully investing in. Your time + attention matter.

Sometimes more than we realize…

Meet

Over a couple decades ago 😳 I had the privilege of serving as Children's Director at Foothill Church in Glendora, California.

One Sunday after overseeing Children's Ministries, leading KidChurch and preparing lunch for our clan of six - Wes, says, "Judy, I know a way we can minister to the whole church!" Forgive me, but going out on our deck with a book sounded better! But he had piqued my curiosity…"What are you thinking, Babe?"

And, that very week Kamp KidReach was birthed! Pastor Bill Dogterom gave us an immediate green light. In the twice-monthly Sunday evening camp-like setting (inside the partnering Foothill Christian School gym), we hosted a boatload of 'campers' from the church and school. While adults participated in Life Groups, we enlisted junior- and senior-high students to serve as counselors to the elementary-school-age kids.

The evening was filled with songs, games, skits, snacks and a Bible Story. We taught the children the joy of praying with each other. And - that they were capable of reaching others…no matter the age. We would go home completely spent...and with hearts overflowing with gratitude.

Fast forward…two weeks ago I was looking through an album our pastor's wife (Judy) had graciously compiled for me, highlighting our Kamp KidReach years. In between the plastic pages was a folded-up, two-page letter on notebook paper. I gently opened and read. Here are excerpts:

I showed the letter to Wes and said, "Wouldn't it be amazing if Jennifer had become a Children's Pastor?" Imagine my delight later that day when he responded with, "Found her on LinkedIn…she did become a Children's Director and teacher!"

Last week Jenn and I had an absolutely delightful conversation by phone.

Reviewing some of our shared history, she told me the small church they attended did not have a children's program. In her late elementary school years, her mom, a Foothill Christian School teacher, told her about Kamp KidReach.

Following Kamp KidReach days and high school, she attended Life Pacific College and served as the Children's Director at a nearby church. After graduating (summa cum laude, by the way), Jenn taught for eight years.

During that time she took kids on missions trips to the Dominican Republic and Navajo Nation.

In 2018 she moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to teach at a charter school. Then a couple years ago Jenn became the Executive Director for Restored For More. Their mission is to empower youth from at-risk communities in St Louis through tutoring and mentoring. She also serves as campus pastor at Extension Church where see oversees campus ministries, including pastoral care and teaching.

In Jenn's words:

I am the product of many mentors, Pastor Judy being one of them, who saw that God had placed his hand on my life. Rather than dismiss me because of my age, gender, or marriage status, they each invested in me and gave me opportunities to lead and serve.

I believe that the path the Lord has taken me on over the years was formed by each person's influence. Judy believed kids could minister to other kids, and if you were to attend one of our weekend services you would hear me saying that very phrase often! I believe that vision came from what was modeled for me.

This is why we should not forsake the gathering together of believers and why we need the generations --- their voices and experiences matter. When you speak into someone's life, you impact not just them but every person they influence. That can't be counted or quantified- it's exponential, it's the way of Jesus. When I think of Pastor Judy's influence on me, I think of each person I have had the honor of investing in...and I think if we keep tracing it back, it all begins with Jesus investing in a dozen disciples.

Thank you, Jenn, for letting me share your story. I am SO proud of you. And like I told you…the last thing I would want is for this women connect to come across self-serving. I am totally humbled and give God all the glory for allowing me to have a little part in your life. What a blessing!

Thankful

...for all the teachers I had growing up. Both in the public schools and at church. For parents, grandparents, aunts + uncles and a plethora of other adults who cheered me on and invested in my life.

If you're reading this I encourage you to pause and think of the young people you have invested in. Say a prayer for them. Your influence, I'm sure, has impacted them more than you may ever know. A text or email from you would likely be very encouraging for them. As would a message from them to you!

Let's take time to root each other on!

Heart

Maybe there is a friend or acquaintance in your life who could use a Bible. Please let us know if we can help.

Judy Popineau Wick