Nineteen Students And A Marble Faith!

Narda Reid
1 day ago
4 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago

Discover the heartwarming story of 'Nineteen Students And A Marble', where faith and generosity inspire big dreams. Explore today!

Isaiah 11:6: It takes a child...or 18 more to lead the way.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14

My classroom is my mission field, and in that field, we are a family. We talk, we laugh, we cry, we sigh, and we sing. We may get angry and impatient with each other, but we also apologize, hug, and say "I love you." And yet, this is not all we do. We share, encourage, pray for, and learn from each other.

It was the first day after Spring Break, and the students were wrapping up worship with prayer requests and praise reports. I was impressed to share with them the "Dreaming Big" mission project and my other missionary ventures over the break.

I had taken part in a health fair where I fundraised for my biggest dream yet.... a mortgage-less, healthy lifestyle center, Airbnb retreat, and educational spa for people of all ages. I had a place in mind, one that I had driven three hours to see," Angel Falls". To me, it was just right!

I created a display board that included pictures and important facts about this massive venture. I was determined to act on my faith that was the size of a mustard seed. As promised, I sold "my pearl of great price"... well, everything that I could find to sell from the Narda Pella Store. I didn't have much, but I wanted to use what was already "in my hands".

I asked the students to pray because God listens to the prayers of children.

The children were very excited and even wanted to give money, but I told them "no". If their parents consented, then I would accept their donations. Some parents approved, and we found a jar to collect the money. They brought whatever they could find, and some even sacrificed money they would normally use to buy snacks. I never asked once for a penny, but they gave willingly.

They had faith that was larger than a mustard seed. They immediately began to plan a visit to the new center the following year. Others planned to have their sick relatives come for a stay. Some parents donated in the children's presence, sparking another round of giving! In 14 days, we collected $243, and we were proud because 92% of the donations were from my classroom alone.

I was grateful for all donations, but one stood out to me above the rest. Two 4th-grade boys, though they had already donated to "Dreaming Big", decided to be like the poor widow in the Bible; they still wanted to give their "two mites". One morniny, one of the young men, *Larry, left 25 cents on my desk for me to find. When I asked where it came from, he said that he g ot the bright idea to sell his treasure box gift, a beautiful marble that I had previously given him for good behavior. He sold his marble to donate to the cause. For some reason, I wondered aloud who bought it, and was told that it was another classmate, Ken*. I was deeply touched, and asked *Ken if I could keep the marble as a token of faith... He gave it without hesitation.

The boys' sacrifice deeply touched my heart. All my students' generosity motivated me to show them that I was also deeply interested in the Narda Pella mission project. I donated all monetary gifts received during Teacher Appreciation Week to the mission project. I liquidated the gift cards and donated the money as well.

Humbled by my students' selflessness, I gained strength from them that day. I learned to look beyond the dollars and cents and the lack of support from others. God was reminding me that a little child shall lead the way... not just one, but nineteen.

Today, they are one of my biggest inspirations and motivation to continue "Dreaming Big!" It took a marble and the faith of 19 children who were genuinely praying and rooting for Narda Pella to succeed.

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength... Psalms 8:2

Friends, please don't wait to make a big donation. Time is of the essence. Donate at least a dollar. Donate for someone who cannot right now. Those 19 students believed that each dollar they gave was impactful on the growth of the Dreaming Big Mission Project, and I know that yours will as well. Thanks to those who recently donated. Wow! You paid it forward for 248 people. Thanks a millions!

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for children who are indeed a blessing. You have placed them in our lives to encourage inner beauty and faith. May we stay true to them by living sincere, consistent lives. May we build an unfailing legacy of your faithfulness and a strong tower for your beautiful character. May we lead them to you daily as we learn about you, by ordering their steps, words, and actions to be a continuous fountain of blessings! In Jesus' name, amen!

***Click the GoFundMe link below to read our story, see our progress, and make a donation. Visit our website for more information about us and to support our latest project:Dreaming Big. Blessings!

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