Promotions
It seems that every year on Promotion Sunday any member of our church can be found smiling and laughing and feeling a deep sense of love. That’s because we all get to enjoy the Promotion Sunday singing and verse reading. I find myself saying, “I love these kids” after every group is up. I say it with genuine feeling and seem to forget that I just said it for the last group. For those of you who may not know, Promotion Sunday happens every June and the students who move up to the next age group are promoted, told where their new class will meet, and are given a book to add to their library. They start with a Bible and then books like a concordance, or commentary. Each group of kids either sings or tells what they’ve learned in Sunday School this year.
Highlights of this year’s Promotion Sunday included:
- Dakota’s constant commentary on what was happening. “We’re on the stage now!”
- The beginners singing “Gloria Patri” in the most beautiful voices of any 3-5 year olds I know.
- Josh Shibley being promoted by his dad – while wearing the exact same outfits.
- The highschoolers reading the entirety of Psalm 73.
- The six high school graduates all staying in Long Beach for college (and all going to college).
- Zac’s name being spelled Zach, and Mike’s comment that he added the ‘h’ because he’d been hanging out with Erich Post for so long.
- Pastor Dan’s cheesy (and yet funny) joke about the donut holes not existing.
I am often reminded that I love my church. On Promotion Sunday I was reminded that my church is a place where young people are appreciated and loved. That they are brought up to love the word of God and to know what is in it. I, in fact, still have and use the Bible I received on promotion Sunday many moons ago. The mission field of our children is an important one and I am glad that I attend a church that takes that mission seriously and reverently. May we always be a church that chooses to teach our children the truth of the gospel and the meaning of service to God.
By Brenda Dempsey
A Visit From Pakistan
“I am so grateful to the Lord and my gratitude came out in my tears,” this is what a visitor to Calvin’s Academy in Pakistan said to Sardar Dihn recently. Sardar and his wife, Anihla, are dear friends and former members of our church. They are currently missionaries in Lahore, Pakistan and it is always a pleasure to have them visit our church. If you ever wonder what it would be like to have a conversation with the apostle Paul, I imagine it would be similar to having a conversation with Rev. Sardar. You’ll hear snippets like, “And of course they robbed us later.” or “He said he would chop off my head, and he meant it.” or “They wanted to kill all of us.” or “I thought, ‘this is my last moment, I should tell them about what I am teaching in the churches,’” It is such a reminder to me of the comfort and blessings I take for granted every day and the saving power that is uniquely found in the gospel of Christ.
Let me tell you a little about the history of Christianity in Pakistan. Christianity is not as much a religion in Pakistan as it is a status. There are three main religions in the culture: Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity and like a caste system these three religions have a hierarchy in the culture. If you are a Christian, you are the poorest of the poor. Many people who are Christians are simply born into it. Their relatives generations ago were converted, but the teachings of Christ were not passed down. They are given the label, but have no instruction or understanding about it.
Rev. Sardar was born in Pakistan and was very poor. As a boy, he was taught by a missionary about what it meant to be a Christian. God was gracious enough to open Sardar’s heart and then light it on fire for Christ. Throughout his life, Sardar has had a heart for the children and people of the slums of Pakistan. He moved back there (from America) to minister to this group.
He has established three academies in Pakistan for Christian children in the slums. These children are educated to read, write, and learn life skills for job opportunities. These children are also taught how to show each other love and respect and to be lifted from their lowly positions. Within the walls of these schools, these rejected and lowest class children play freely and safely and joyfully. They are also taught about Christianity. They learn the love of Christ, the salvation of the cross, and the truths of the Bible.
Every morning, Rev. Sardar announces on a loudspeaker that reaches a half mile radius, “My children open your Bibles,” and he leads them in reading from the word of God. The children read along to their families and their Muslim neighbors hear God’s word proclaimed as truth.
It is always a blessing to be visited by Sardar and Anihla. I am honored to have some part in their ministry through prayer and support and I ask that you would do the same. Pray for their safety in such a tumultuous land. Pray for their health as they both have health problems. Pray for their ministry, that they would reach others and show the love of Christ in both ways, “Love is tangible and abstract.” God is using this man and his wife in amazing ways and it’s exciting to see the power of the gospel. The powers and leaders of this world are no match to our God.
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500 E. San Antonio
Long Beach, CA 90807
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