news-record.com

Children at the Oakdale United Methodist Church in Jamestown learn about Bible lessons to help the poor by doing real missionary work for local people in need.

The Oakdale Little Angels, the youth group at the church, gathers on Sunday mornings on a regular basis to make gifts, personal care packages, first aid kits, sandwiches and other items for the homeless and poor in High Point.

“By doing this work, I have learned to help out others, and I have developed a real sense of mission,” Daniel Greeson, 12, said. “I love doing this.”

On Aug. 2, the group packed small plastic bags with soap, shampoo and colorful washcloths for the homeless. Each plastic bag was decorated with a rainbow, stars and the phrase “Jesus Loves You.”
The church’s youth leader, Mary Barton, said it is important to teach the gospel lessons about helping others through actions, not just words.

“We want them to grow up learning to help others,” Barton said, “and that life is not just about them.”

Barton said more than a dozen kids belong to the Little Angels group and range in age from 4 to 14. The group has been meeting for more than six years.

“We start with a prayer and devotion, then celebrate any birthdays, then start,” Jordan McGuire, 13, said as she packed the personal care kits.

At least once a month, Little Angels gathers in the Fellowship Hall to work on a specific project, often making items tied to the season. For example, they make Valentine’s cards, prepare packages of Halloween candy, Christmas gifts, lunches and even pack T-shirts to give to the needy.

As they helped prepare the personal care kits, Joann Lee, 5, and her sister, Jessica, 7, said they liked working with others to make things for the less fortunate.

Janet Cline, assistant youth leader, said the young people enjoyed holding fundraisers to earn money to buy Christmas and other gifts for the needy.

The group also includes Haden Bishop, Colby Hall, Trey Welch, Coral Smith, Cassidy Spratley, Sydney Smith, Shelby Cuthrell, Gracie Cuthrell, Dylan Kelly, Caitlyn Graham and Abby Bruce, daughter of the Rev. Brian Bruce.

The pastor said involving even the youngest members of the congregation in the Little Angels helps develop strong Christian values, values that will continue to infuse their adult lives.

John V. McGinnis is a retired journalism professor and disabled veteran.