Sometimes, a conversation about Jesus is just around the corner, but you can’t see it coming. Parent aides have a challenging job because they often step into tenuous situations and serve people at their lowest points. But, it is incredibly rewarding to see how God is working in the darkest and most unexpected places.
The Drive to Nana’s House
Candice, an ABCS parent aide, had the privilege of serving a family last year with a ten-year-old girl named Sarah*, an eight-year-old girl named Lana* and a six-year-old boy named Pedro*. Sarah and Lana are living in the same home, and they must be picked up early for their visit every week. The girls were always excited to see Candice pull up in their driveway and rushed out to meet her when she pulled up in her car. Sometimes the dog would follow them outside, too.
After everyone was settled in the car, they would start the drive to the kids’ Nana’s house, which is where their mom lived. These drives meant the kids were spending lots of quality time with Candice, and they became more comfortable with her as the weeks passed. On each visit, when they arrived at Nana’s house, she always had pancakes, cereal and games waiting for them. The kids, their mom and their Nana would watch tv together and play ball outside in the small courtyard.
Have You Been Dunked?
One time when Candice, Sarah and Lana were on their way back from the visit, Lana had an unexpected question. The car was quieter than usual when Lana perked up and asked Candice, “Ms. Candice, have you ever been dunked?” She imagined a scene of a carnival game where someone was throwing a ball and dropping someone else into a dunk tank. Confused, Candice asked Lana to repeat what she said. Lana said, “Have you ever been dunked…um I mean baptized?” Delighted, Candice responded, telling them she had. Lana was so excited to hear that Candice had been baptized, she shouted, “I knew it!” Sarah chimed in and said, “I thought so, too. You can tell.”
They both said they were so happy to learn that Candice had been baptized. It was sweet to see the girls light up when they mentioned baptism. These questions gave Candice the opportunity to talk about Jesus with the girls. Lana asked Candice how long ago she had been baptized, and she said it was a while ago. Lana said, “Gee, I wanna get baptized!”
Baptism and Jesus
The three of them had a beautiful conversation. They talked about what baptism means and how it relates to who you are in Jesus. Candice knew that no one in the girls’ family went to church, so she was surprised that they had brought up baptism. Lana and Sarah knew a little bit about baptism, but they didn’t fully understand the symbolism and why someone would choose to get baptized. The girls paid close attention as they talked about baptism, and it was a good moment to reflect on what Jesus had done for them.
After they talked all about baptism, Lana said “I talk to Jesus when I am scared.” Candice reminded the girls that they can call out to Jesus at any time and He is always listening.
By this time, they were pulling up to the house, and their time together was almost over. But, the conversation they shared was something the girls hopefully wouldn’t soon forget.
The girls now have unsupervised time with their mom! The family is doing well and doesn’t require supervised visits with a parent aide anymore, but we know God is still working in their hearts and through Sarah and Lana. Please join us in praying for the family to come to know Jesus and for each person to walk with him closely. Pray that they, too, would someday be “dunked.” *Names changed