A few years ago I had the opportunity to briefly share at an event for the volunteers in the Family Discipleship Department at Bethlehem Baptist Church and reflect on the blessing that it was to grow up in a children's and youth ministry that was Christ-centered and gospel focused. I recently came across what I said, and it reminded me how grateful I am that the gospel was declared to me and my peers continuously from a young age, and that Sunday school was never a game or a ploy to get people in the door. It wasn't about fun, it was about Jesus. And that provided more pleasure than any activity could. My leaders weren't still kids at heart. Rather they were gospel saturated role models that I could look up to and strive to imitate as Paul commanded the Corinthians to imitate him. I owe much of who I am to the what I was taught as a child and teen at Bethlehem and am grateful I was taught that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.
Here is what I said to the group:
My name is Sam Dahl, and I had the blessing of growing up
here at Bethlehem and graduating in 2008. My family began attending the summer before my third grade year despite
my resistance. It was hard to change
churches and leave the friends that I had, but God knew exactly what He was
doing. Looking back, I am so grateful for every year spent here and for the many people that have influenced me along the way. I want to share with you three blessings God has
given me through the Family Discipleship Department that helped to build me up
in the Lord and draw me closer to Him.
